“We are in the middle of a delicate corporate transition, Paul,” Vance said.

“We don’t need neighborhood gossip,” he added.

“She witnessed the eviction, Richard,” Paul said, his voice rising.

“She saw Carl Brenner threaten the child,” Paul added.

Vance waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting away a fly.

“We have the police report, Paul,” Vance said.

“It says the tenant was delinquent on rent for three months,” Vance added.

“That’s because Brenner refused to take her checks,” I said, stepping forward.

My voice sounded small in the vast room, but it was steady.

Vance turned his cold gaze toward me.

“And who are you to judge the financial dealings of our properties?” Vance asked.

“I saw them put a five-year-old girl’s toys in the snow,” I said.

“I saw Mary Grace Fitzgerald collapse because she couldn’t breathe,” I added.

Vance sighed, checking his silver watch.

“A tragedy, of course,” Vance said, his tone completely flat.

“But it is not a tragedy that concerns the Caldwell Group,” Vance added.

“It concerns us when the CEO is using company security to intimidate landlords,” Vance said.