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Maddox

The hallways of the high school located in the center of the development I’m aiming to redevelop reeks of pot and a mustiness that I assume is attributed to age and neglect. The building could use a refresh, or more like a bulldozing over if I had my way. But the school district gave me strict orders to leave the building alone.

The surrounding businesses, though, are fair game.

At the door to the principal’s office, I knock.

“Come in.”

As soon as I walk inside, the principal rises from his seat, walks over, and extends his hand to me.

“Maddox. It’s nice to see you.”

I shake his hand. “Nice to see you too, sir.”

“Please take a seat.”

I occupy the chair across from him. Joe Williams is a big, burly African-American man with a booming voice and a friendly smile. He is my in to convincing the surrounding businesses that redevelopment is the best course for the survival of their homegrown businesses.

“How is Leigh? Last I heard, she’s living in Washington.”

“She’s doing well, sir.”

“How’s the Bugatti?”

“Still burned to a crisp and crushed like a soda can.”

“You haven’t sent the thing to the junkyard?”

“Nah. I’m keeping it for sentimental reasons.”

“It’s how you and Leigh met.”

“Yes, sir.”

People love a great tale of how a friendship came to be, and Joe is one of them from the smile on his face.

“Congrats on your marriage.”

“Thank you, sir.” I resist the urge to check my cell. The head of my security called earlier saying he had a development in Blaise’s kidnapping case but would rather the conversation happen in person rather than over the phone lines.

Figures. Roland is paranoid as fuck after his experiences working undercover for the narcotics unit back in Atlanta.

“You’re a busy man, and though I welcome your visit, school lets out in ten minutes, and my presence is needed at the front entrance. I keep the kids in line and scare off the misfits.”

He pulls aside his jacket. The big man is packing some serious firepower.

“What brings you in today, Maddox?”

“I’d like your help convincing the businesses that redevelopment is in their best interest.”

“Tearing what they’ve built and replacing their hard work and source of pride and joy with a white man’s vision is in their best interest?”

“Sir, if I can be blunt, Leigh was carved up like a pumpkin and whipped with an electrical cord a few blocks from here. No one should have to endure what she went through. The redesign will include ample lighting and security cameras. Streets, buildings, and the layout will be designed with security and safety in mind as well as a sense of community. The businesses will have a say in what their storefronts look like. I aim to please.”

“Out of altruism for Leigh and what she’d endured?”