“You brought my wallet back, and you helped me find the truth.”

“I told you I would,” Ruby said, a small, proud smile appearing on her face.

Nathaniel stood back up and looked at me, his eyes carrying a weight that went far beyond simple charity.

“Claire, fixing the buildings is only the first step,” he said, his voice quiet so only I could hear.

“The people who caused this damage owe a debt that cannot be paid just by fixing pipes.”

“I want to make sure you and Ruby are safe, permanently.”

“What do you mean?” I asked, my heart hammering against my ribs.

“Brindlewood needs more than a landlord,” Nathaniel said, looking at the yellowed letter in my hand.

“It needs someone who actually cares about the people inside those walls.”

“I am going to make sure you never have to worry about a landlord, or an eviction notice, ever again.”

“And Ruby will have a future that is entirely secure, no matter what happens.”

Before I could ask him to explain, Julian Dunleavy let out a short, dry laugh.