Wait… West Twenty-Eighth and Providence… money owed in back taxes…
My heart nearly stops beating. Roger is talking about Blooms & Baubles. He’s proposing that the city of Cleveland take Blooms & Baubles away from Perry—against his will—using the legal doctrine of eminent domain.
I stare at Devin, openmouthed. He looks everywhere around the restaurant… except at me. Betrayal beats a hot, heavy drumbeat in my chest, and I swallow back the nausea slithering up my throat.
He knew. Devin knew what this meeting was about—that his dad was going to use his connections to take away Perry’s beloved home and store. That’s why he didn’t want me here. Why he tried to prevent me from sitting in on this meeting. He knows I’m friendly with Perry, and by the guilt-ridden look on his face, he understands what his dad is doing is wrong.
But he didn’t do a damn thing to stop it.
The Devin I thought I remembered postcoma would never have betrayed anyone like that, especially his brother.
This Devin? It seems I don’t know him at all.
“Wait,” I say before I can stop myself. “The building you’re talking about at Twenty-Eighth and Providence, it houses a business—a flower shop—isn’t that right?”
Roger’s eyes blaze. “Correct. I know the owner personally, which is why I can promise that if the city acquires the property it would be a blessing for both parties. The business has been in decline for years. The money he’d receive in exchange for the property would improve his life.”
“What if he disagrees? I’m certain he would oppose an eminent domain action. Most property owners do,” I hastily add, so Frank doesn’t catch on to the extent I’m personally enmeshed with the parties involved in this proposal.
Roger chuckles. “Isn’t that what lawyers are for? The city’s attorneys could handle any objections the owner might have. Right, Frank?”
Frank clears his throat. “Potentially. The Constitution stringently protects property ownership as a right, which is why the government can only seize private property through eminent domain for a compelling public purpose. Building a community college would satisfy the ‘public good’ requirement as long as the city’s justification for exercising eminent domain in this case is a solid one. Especially since the owner is behind on their taxes, which the city could argue makes it a ‘blighted’ property, and justifiable to seize.” He turns to me then. “Would you agree, Cass?”
The last thing I want to do is weigh in, but Frank put me on the spot. I don’t have a choice. I swallow. “It depends on the amount of money owed in back taxes. If it’s less than the fair market value of the property, then the property wouldn’t necessarily qualify as blighted, which could give the owner a stronger basis for an objection.” If I remember correctly, Perry owes somewhere in the ballpark of twenty thousand dollars—likely less than what the property must be worth, even given the structure’s age and location. At least he has that going for him.
“But according to the research you conducted this week, the city of Cleveland could proceed with an eminent domain action here with a strong chance of success, right?” presses Frank.
My mouth turns dry as hot, angry tears burn behind my eyes, but I don’t let them fall. Sipping my water to cover my whirlpool of emotions, I silently curse Devin for making me an unwitting accomplice in his father’s selfish plans. Because as much as I want to lie, I can’t. My printed memo burns like coals from the depths of my bag. The law is the law, and I can’t change it. “That’s correct,” I finally say.
Beside me, Devin closes his eyes briefly, but he still doesn’t say anything.
Roger’s triumphant smile needles me like pinpricks, and it takes every ounce of resolve not to walk out of the restaurant on the spot.
Councilman Truman nods thoughtfully, steepling his fingers under his chin. “I have to say I’m intrigued, Roger. This plan could be good for the city’s residents—depending on the cost, of course. We’ll have to take a close look at the numbers.” Lifting his chin, he narrows his eyes at Roger. “One question though… what’s in it for you?”
Roger leans back in his chair. “Me? Nothing. I’d simply like the chance to put in a bid to build the school should the project move forward—the same as any other developer. Besides that, students need a place to live, and my new apartments are going up only a few blocks away, so you could say it’s a win-win for everyone.”