Everything you prepared is being reviewed right now. Emergency motion filed. Federal complaints submitted. Marcus nodded. And the board?
Eleanor Halbrook is about to have a very unpleasant morning. Nora checked her watch. Actually, she's about to have a very unpleasant phone call in about 3 minutes. She dialed Eleanor's private number. The call connected on the first ring.
This is Eleanor Halbrook. Mrs. Halbrook, this is Nora Whitfield, counsel for Marcus Ellison. I'm calling to inform you that your daughter has made a serious mistake tonight. A pause.
Ms. Whitfield. It's nearly 1:00 in the morning. Yes, it is. And by sunrise, your family's conspiracy with the Ashborne Police Department may become front page news.
I suggest you prepare accordingly. The Halbrook Dynamics building stood dark against the pre-dawn sky, its glass facade reflecting the empty parking lot below. Only one floor showed light, the executive level, where Eleanor Halbrook sat alone in the private conference suite at 4:47 a.m. She wore a navy blazer over a white blouse, her silver hair perfectly styled despite the early hour. Her hands rested flat on the polished mahogany table, but her fingers trembled slightly.
The coffee cup beside her had gone cold an hour ago. The conference room door opened. Nora Whitfield stepped inside carrying two briefcases and wearing the same black coat from the police station. Her expression was sharp and professional, like a surgeon preparing to operate. Mrs.
Halbrook, thank you for meeting on such short notice. Eleanor didn't stand. Ms. Whitfield, I trust this emergency couldn't wait until business hours. Nora set her briefcases on the table and opened the first one.