Page 58 of Committed to You

She pats my shoulder. “See what happens when you talk on Friday.”

13

Chase

On Tuesday,I have several calls with Dawn Golding, the CEO of the nonprofit Sensecare. Vivian’s been fighting with the city to obtain the land for the recreational park and community garden. It seems that there have been a lot of chemicals dumped onto the parcel over the years, and, without the funds to do an entire chemical cleanup of the land, the city isn’t willing to sell it.

Vivian is trying to buy it and then raise the money, but the cleanup alone is over ten million dollars.

“We had to choose to either raise money for the building so more people could have housing or put the money toward the land. Vivian was heartbroken, but she decided it was more important families had safe and affordable places to live,” Dawn tells me over the phone.

“So if there were funds in an account dedicated to cleaning up the land, the city would sell it?”

“In a heartbeat. They want the land cleaned up. It’s a liability right now,” Dawn informs me.

“And you have a firm quote for the contract to clean it up? The ten million will 100 percent take care of the issue?”

“Yes.”

“Once the land is cleaned up, how much do you need to build the park and gardens?”

“Probably another two million, maybe three, depending on how it’s done. That can all be done in phases as well.”

“What’s the estimated annual cost of the upkeep for the park and gardens?”

“We’ve got different numbers. If the community members get involved and take ownership, then the cost isn’t that much. The risk is if they don’t.” Dawn’s voice drops.

“Worst-case scenario, what are we looking at?”

“Half a million tops, per year,” she replies.

“I’m flying into Chicago tomorrow evening. Are you able to get me a meeting with the mayor on Thursday morning or afternoon? If so, are you free to attend?”

“I would be, but I’m not sure about the mayor. No offense, but you’re new to town, and he doesn’t know you. He’s a ‘what’s in it for me’ type of guy, if you catch my drift. How should I explain who you are?”

I cringe at what I’m about to say, but it’s the only way I’m going to get this meeting. “I’m going to apologize about what’s going to come out of my mouth right now before I say it.”

Dawn laughs. “Hit me with it.”

“Tell the mayor an extremely wealthy man is expanding his operation into the Midwest and starting in Chicago. This man would like to know who he should support in the election this upcoming fall and wants a meeting on Thursday morning or afternoon. If he can accommodate his schedule, then this man will be very grateful and not forget his generosity. Do you think there is enough of ‘what’s in it for him,’ or do I need to expand further?”

Dawn laughs. “I think you’ll have no problem getting your meeting.”

“Great. There are more things I’ll discuss with you in person, but one more I need you to agree to right now.”

“What’s that?”

“Don’t say a word to Vivian about any of this.”

Dawn laughs. “Mums the word.”

* * *

I flyinto Chicago Wednesday night. Piper and Noah have offered to let me stay with them, but I decline. They just got rid of me, and I don’t want to impose.

However, once I’m checked into the hotel, I go over to their penthouse.

Piper and I haven’t had the closest friendship. She’s never really forgiven me for talking about Noah at the hospital when Xander and Charlotte were in an accident. Everyone else understands I was trying to look out for both of them, but she didn’t see it that way.

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