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“Any chance Judge Robard will move the hearing date up? I want this done.” I rubbed my temples. Procrastination hadn’t done me any favors. If I’d have charged ahead with the proceedings months ago, I wouldn’t have to worry with Alma’s threats.
Who was I kidding?
Did I really think that a divorce decree would get her out of my life for good?
CHAPTERTHIRTY-THREE
JOJO
“Mr. Foster, this is JoJo Cunningham.”
I’d moved to Kane’s conference room, partially to give him and Patrick some privacy. Mostly because it was too upsetting to hear them discuss Penelope’s case.
“Miss Cunningham. I’ve been waiting for your call.” Orem Foster didn’t sound particularly happy I hadn’t returned his call earlier.
“Have you changed your mind?” There was no other reason for him to phone me. I didn’t want to assume, but it seemed likely. I’d be happy to have a victory, though Alma had rattled me to the point I wasn’t sure I could enjoy it.
“Care to tell me why my building permits have been pulled for the property on West 47th?” All forms of pleasantry were gone from his tone.
I clutched the back of the chair I stood behind. “What?”
“This morning I received a rather nasty call from the planning department. Apparently my application was littered with mistakes and potential violations.”
“I-I have no idea.” I fiddled with the end of my scarf.
I wasn’t afraid to use what means I had at my disposal, but I didn’t destroy someone’s legitimate business.
“Apparently the zoning can’t be changed to anything other than something for public use. Which means I’d be better off to donate it back to the city.” His voice sounded like barely contained fury.
“Mr. Foster, I’m not aware—”
“There are very few people in this city with enough clout to get something like this done so quickly. A Cunningham is most definitely one of them.”
I gripped the phone. “I assure you I had nothing to do with it.”
“Don’t take me for a fool. You come to me with an offer to buy my property and when I refuse, my permits are pulled. I don’t believe in coincidences.”
“Don’t throw around accusations with no basis.” My temper flared. “If you have an interest in working together to solve this issue, I’m happy to do so. Otherwise, I have things to do.”
“Let me guess. You’re still willing to purchase the property from me . . . at a substantially reduced price,” he said bitterly.
“Actually, from the sound of it, I don’t need to buy that property at all. If it must remain a public space, then the people I’m trying to help don’t have to leave.”
“This is not the end of this,” he roared before the line went dead.
What in the world was happening?
I couldn’t say I was exactly sorry, but this seemed like more than a miracle.
Without thinking, my feet took me in the direction of Kane’s office. I burst in. He stopped speaking mid-sentence.
“What’s wrong?” He stood and met me halfway.
“I called Orem Foster back. The city pulled his permits. They won’t allow anything to be built on the property. And he thinks I did it,” I said in a rush.
Kane shrugged. “Now the people can stay, right? It worked itself out.” He patted me on the shoulder and returned to his chair.
Far too calm and rational.
