Mr. Brooks, he greeted without warmth. County building inspection. I understand you've taken residence in this structure without proper occupancy certification. My understanding, Ethan replied calmly, is that this inspection was scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.
Parker's frown deepened. Plans change. Complaints were filed regarding urgent safety concerns. Let me guess, Alexander Reed filed those complaints. The inspector's expression remained neutral, but a slight flush crept up his neck.
The source of complaints is confidential. Now, I'll need access to all areas of the property, starting with the electrical system. For the next two hours, Parker methodically inspected the mansion, making copious notes on his clipboard. Ethan followed silently, observing how the inspector ignored obvious structural strengths while documenting every minor deficiency. When Parker began citing violations that didn't exist, claiming the foundation had serious cracks that Ethan knew weren't there, the charade became transparent.
You realize this is a historic property, Ethan finally said as Parker claimed the perfectly sound main staircase was structurally unsound. It's exempt from certain modern code requirements under preservation statutes. Exemptions must be applied for and approved, Parker countered. Have you filed the necessary paperwork with the Historic Preservation Commission? Not yet, but then no exemptions apply.
Parker made another note with evident satisfaction. Based on my preliminary assessment, this structure presents multiple imminent hazards to occupants. You'll receive official notice by tomorrow, but I'm verbally informing you that this building is not approved for residential use. I have 30 days to address violations before any action can be taken," Ethan pointed out, recalling his knowledge of building codes. "Not in cases of imminent hazard," Parker replied smugly.
The county can issue an emergency condemnation order requiring immediate vacation of the premises. As Parker headed for his truck clipboard full of manufactured violations, Ethan fought to control his anger. "This wasn't just bureaucratic harassment. It was Reed using official channels to force them out before they could present their evidence. " "What do we do now? " Noah asked when the inspector's truck disappeared down the driveway. We accelerate our timeline, Ethan decided.
Call Sheriff Davis, tell him Parker was here and that Reed is making his move. I'll contact Martha. We need to gather everyone now, not wait for the council meeting tonight. Within an hour, Martha had assembled a group of former mill workers and their families in the mansion's front parlor. Men and women whose lives had been upended when Blackwell Steel closed in 1979.
Davis arrived with several local business owners and crucially a vintage tape player that could handle Thomas's recording. "Found this in the evidence room," he explained. "From back when we still recorded witness statements on these things. " As the small crowd settled in the parlor, Ethan briefly explained who he was and what they had discovered. The initial skepticism gradually gave way to interest as he showed them Thomas's journal and the financial documents proving William Grant's embezzlement. Many of you lost jobs, pensions, futures when the mill closed.
Ethan said you were told it was economic necessity, that the steel industry was dying. But the truth is, William Grant deliberately stripped the company of assets, then closed it for his own profit, and he blamed Thomas Blackwell for his crimes. "Why should we believe you? " asked an older man with the weathered hands of a former steel worker. You show up out of nowhere claiming to be Blackwell's grandson, waving papers nobody can verify. Fair question, Ethan acknowledged, which is why we have this.