Painting the room's east wall in shades of pale gold. Mrs. Price carefully extracted a document from the envelope. Its pages brittle with time. "This," she said, "is a federal injunction from 1971, never rescinded. Proves systemic abuse of power and civil rights violations.
And Beaumont Crossing falls under direct federal receivership." The door to the attorney meeting room swung open without warning. Mayor Judith Whitmore strode in, her heels clicking sharply against the concrete floor. Despite the early hour, she looked immaculate in a cream-colored suit. Her silver-streaked hair perfectly styled.
"Good morning, ladies," the mayor said, her smile practiced and cool. I hope I'm not interrupting." Mrs. Price's expression hardened. "This is a privileged attorney-client meeting." "Oh, I've cleared it with the duty judge."
Mayor Whitmore pulled out the third chair and sat down, smoothing her skirt. "I'm here to offer an olive branch." Jada stayed silent, studying the woman who'd helped orchestrate her family's harassment. Up close, she could see the careful makeup covering dark circles under the mayor's eyes. Someone else had been having a long night, too.
"Beaumont Crossing is hurting," Mayor Whitmore continued. "Social media wars, protests brewing, neighbors divided. We need healing, unity." She leaned forward, focusing on Jada. "That's where you come in."
"My client isn't interested in being your propaganda piece," Mrs. Price said firmly. "Hear me out." The mayor's smile never wavered. "Next Saturday is our annual Founder's Day Festival. The centerpiece this year will be a martial arts exhibition featuring local talent.
Imagine it. You performing your forms before the whole town, showing everyone that skill and discipline transcend all boundaries." Jada's jaw tightened. "You want me to put on a show after everything your family's done?" "I want to give you a platform," Mayor Whitmore corrected.
"And in exchange, you walk out of here today. All charges dropped. Caleb's record completely expunged." Mrs. Price started to object, but Jada touched her arm. "What exactly would this exhibition involve?"
"A 15-minute demonstration of your choosing. Northern Shaolin forms, as I understand it." The mayor's eyes gleamed. "Show our community what real martial arts look like, not the edited clips floating around online. We'll have proper lighting, professional cameras, live streaming."
"And afterward?" Jada asked quietly. "Afterward, we all move forward. No more dwelling on unfortunate incidents or misunderstandings." Mayor Whitmore stood, brushing invisible lint from her sleeve.