Chapter 13

Mr. Gibbs muttered, "And there's compensation for the inconvenience."Paper rustled. Phoebe's pulse quickened. Mr. Meer's jaw tightened.Voss said, "The county need not trouble itself with sentimental local attachments. Condemn the building, and I shall see that your professional prospects improve."Phoebe stepped forward, but Mr. Meer caught her wrist gently. "Wait," he breathed.Inside, Mr. Hargreaves said, "This is irregular.""It is opportunity," Voss replied.There was silence. Then Phoebe heard the scrape of a chair. She pulled free and entered."Opportunity for whom, Alderman?"Three men turned. Mr. Hargreaves went white. Mr. Gibbs swore beneath his breath. Voss, after one flicker of surprise, smiled."Miss Hartwell, have you taken to wandering through municipal offices?""Only when bribery speaks loudly enough to guide me."Mr. Gibbs stepped forward. "Careful."Mr. Meer entered behind her. "Very careful, indeed."Voss's expression changed at the sight of him. "You heard nothing of importance," he said."We heard enough," Phoebe replied.Mr. Hargreaves looked miserable. "I had not agreed.""No," Mr. Meer said, "and you will not."Voss laughed softly. "This is absurd. A lady with an attachment to a ballroom and an ambitious young architect imagine conspiracy because they fear progress."Phoebe lifted the folded paper from the table before he could stop her. It was a draft recommendation: the words unsafe, beyond economical repair, and demolition advised leapt from the page.Mr. Meer took it, read quickly, then looked at Hargreaves. "Did you inspect the structure?""Not yet.""And yet this was prepared?"Hargreaves swallowed. "Alderman Voss supplied the form."Voss's voice sharpened. "You are making enemies, Meer."Mr. Meer folded the paper. "Then I shall try to deserve them."Phoebe felt a fierce pride rise within her.But Voss was not finished. He looked from Jonathan to Phoebe, and his smile became poisonous. "How touching. The architect and the manager's niece united in noble defense. One wonders whether the committee will admire your zeal when it hears how privately you conduct public business."

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