One of the younger board members looked up.

“But they are the lead bidder for the entire south phase,” he said. “If we disqualify them, the project will be delayed.”

“If we don’t disqualify them, we are building a death trap,” Julian said.

The board members murmured in agreement.

Eleanor Vance stood up, smoothing her skirt.

“I call for an immediate vote to invoke Article Nine of the Municipal Code,” she said.

“Seconded,” another board member said.

“All in favor of the immediate suspension of all pending contracts with Bennett Urban Systems?” Eleanor asked.

Every hand at the table went up.

“The motion carries,” Eleanor said, looking at the board’s secretary. “Draft the formal suspension order immediately.”

She turned back to me, her expression softening slightly.

“Thank you, Claire,” she said. “You saved this city a great deal of tragedy.”

“Thank you, Eleanor,” I said, exhaling a breath I felt like I had been holding for hours.

As the board began to clear the room, Julian walked over to me, offering a glass of water.

“You did it,” he said softly.