Chapter 118
I’ve been waiting four months to have this meeting with the alderman, a fancy name for a paper pusher needed for Real-ity’s next project.
I can’t cancel it now, even with my black eye, broken heart, and hangover.
As much as I wish I could pass this meeting over to Greg, that would start this process all over again.
If I’m not going to be with Dani, what’s the fucking point of retiring?
I’m so happy I didn’t sign the contract yesterday.
Neither of us has attempted to make contact with one another, and I don’t know where she is.
Dani didn’t stay at my place. Her landlord confirmed she didn’t stay at her place, and she isn’t at our house.
I don’t know where she is, and I’m not calling Declan to find out, even though his security would know.
I’m not thrilled to be going to the west side of the city today either. It’s not a great neighborhood, but in ten years, I’m hoping it’s the next hottest area in Chicago.
“Alderman.” I put on a professional smile, shaking his hand. We’re standing on the corner of a block I hope to acquire—to make a megadevelopment.
“What happened to you?” he asks, looking at my black eye.
“You should see the other guy,” I answer, knowing I did more damage. “Thank you for meeting with me today.”
“We have twenty minutes. Tell me how you’re going to change the neighborhood for the better without completely displacing all of my residents.”
“No bullshit. Perfect. I wasn’t in the mood for it today anyway.
” We slowly walk along the sidewalk as I explain how his approval to change the zoning of the entire block will allow us to build a mixed-use development.
“There will be three thousand new mixed-income units. The increase in foot traffic, the new shops and dining. It’s all things this neighborhood needs. ”
“You know, I’ve never approved any of the ideas like this that have been presented to me in the past.”
“I think that’s because no one valued your input. They tried to railroad you with their vision. My vision is up for discussion—as long as the deal still pencils at the end of the day.”
My phone starts ringing. If it’s Dani, I have to break my promise. Closing my eyes for a moment, I think about how I broke another promise last night too. If I look at my phone, it will derail my focus. I can’t answer it right now.
The sound of an automatic weapon firing pierces my ears as the alderman yells, “Get down!” He pulls me to the ground, and we hit the pavement.