Page 94 of Scarred Ruin

I sat with my fingers steepled, staring out the window as the zoning commissioner, Michael Young, spoke.

“I’m not suggesting that an additional medical facility isn’t of interest to the community.”

“Then what exactly are you suggesting, Michael?” I slowly turned my head toward him and my tone alone had created beads of sweat covering his forehead.

He darted a look at his buddy Franklin Abbott, perhaps in hopes the building permit representative would provide him with a paved road out of the destructive conversation. The fact that Franklin had simply appeared as part of the discussion provided even more details as to the situation than the blubbering bullshit offered by Michael.

“Um, well, I’m saying that at the city council meeting on Tuesday, concerns were raised by qualified residents regarding the project exceeding height restrictions that could potentially block their pristine views of the ocean.”

Before answering, I first glanced at Sergei, who was doubling as my corporate legal counsel for the moment. I’d resisted contacting Black Diamond’s corporate attorney for one reason only.

My instincts told me this meeting could turn into a bloodbath.

“Let me be very clear in my position as the man holding the checkbook.” I paused, offering both men a chance to catch their breaths. “Given the project is still in the early development phase with only a few sketches even approved by the board of trust and with site plans yet to be developed, your explanation is utter bullshit.”

I hadn’t raised my voice or used a threatening tone, but in this case, I hadn’t needed to do so. They were both squirming uncomfortably in their seats.

It was Franklin who recovered first. “Any facility of this type almost always includes a high rise.”

“And we’d hate for you to invest additional money into a project that has no hopes of approval,” Michael added.

“Let me guess,” Sergei interjected. “You have solid information that suggests Mr. Aristov can recoup the money spent and perhaps make some additional cash because a buyer has come forward.”

The two men were even more uncomfortable.

“Well, there have been some inquiries,” Michael managed. “Just conversations about what would be allowed to be built on the land in question.”

“Weren’t you at the gala just three weeks ago?” I still hadn’t moved but was growing both bored and annoyed with my time being wasted. “Preliminary sketches were provided. Not a single building will be considered taller than midrise.” The only reason I was wasting my time was because the project, while stamped with my name, wasn’t completely in my control.

Something I’d never allow to happen again.

I made the rules. Others followed them.

Especially when slimy politicians were involved.

“Yes, but as you just said so yourself, your architect has yet to finish the drawings. I understand she’s not enthused about working on the project. Perhaps she’s not the right person for the job.”

I’d maintained my patience for long enough. I was up and out of my chair in two seconds and given my height and build leaning over the small conference room table, I was in their faces in the most physically threatening manner.

“Let me explain something to you, gentlemen. The architect on this project is none of your concern. She is more qualified than anyone else involved on this project and quite frankly, could do your jobs much better than either one of you are doing. Let’s talk about what’s really going on here.”

Franklin smirked and I came close to ripping his throat out.

“There isn’t a man or woman on the city council who hasn’t been encouraged to deny this project and to approve the residential condominiums as proposed by Stonewall Development.” I wasn’t asking a question. I knew exactly what was going on here, including how many palms had been greased.

The CEO of the company had been pissed when I’d purchased the land two years before. I’d known about his intentions then, which was why I’d gone out on a limb to purchase the property. My problem had been not anticipating his interference to this level.

I’d been so busy with other aspects of business that the notification had even sat on my desk for three days, a founding member of the architectural firm forced to bring it to my attention.

Being caught off guard always put me in a shitty mood.

Sergei gave me his critical eye to try to calm me down. This was calm. If I wasn’t, the two men would have been shoved through the window by now.

“How much money did Gerald Stonewall offer? That’s right, Michael. You were having issues getting a mortgage given your horrific credit score. I believe the issue was gambling debt? You should learn not to bet on horses. They’ll get you every time. I understand you were promised a luxury home in any Stonewall development mortgage free.”

Michael turned a perfect shade of olive green.

Once again, I slowly turned my head toward Franklin while trying to control my rage. “And Franklin. I’m well aware how far back your relationship with Gerald goes. I would think the FBI would be interested in various business interests you two have been involved with over the years.”