Chapter 24 - THE RIBBON IN TOMMY’S POCKET
Tommy pulled out a small, old ribbon.
Time had faded its blue to gray. The edges were worn from being folded and unfolded. A thin silver border ran through the cloth in the opposite direction from the ribbon in Victoria’s hair.
He held it up beside her.
The match was visible even from several tables away.
Quiet gasps moved through the guests. Phones tilted closer. Nathan stopped smiling.
Victoria took one step backward. Her face lost color.
“That’s impossible.”
Tommy closed his fingers around the ribbon.
“She said you’d say that.”
Victoria’s breathing changed. The luncheon disappeared around her. She saw the maple tree, two girls in Sunday dresses, and Emily tying a clumsy knot before the fire.
She also saw Tommy’s reddening hand.
“I’m sorry I hit you,” she said.
Nathan moved between them before Tommy could respond.
“This child is carrying an unverified electronic object,” he told security. “Remove him from the private event.”
Victoria blocked the nearest guard.
“He is an invited Harbor House guest on a public-facing charitable plaza.”
“You are no longer chair.”
“No. I am the woman who just gave every camera here proof of why this foundation failed the people it claimed to serve. Touching him now will give them more.”
Nathan lowered his voice. “Sarah forged an identity and concealed a child. You are protecting a fugitive because you want your inheritance.”
Tommy looked at Victoria, measuring whether she would retreat.
She did not defend Sarah with certainty she had not earned.
“The family court decides Tommy’s safety. Elena decides the evidence. You decide neither.”
Laura Bennett stepped beside the boy. Denise joined her. Their presence did not transform Victoria into a hero; it created witnesses Nathan could not easily discredit.
Elena Ruiz approached with Dr. Shah and a court-sealed evidence reader. She had anticipated that the second key might appear.
Nathan produced an injunction from his jacket. It appeared to prohibit combining the ribbons until ownership was resolved.
Charles read it once and spotted the problem. The order applied to foundation personnel. Elena, as special master, operated under the probate court.
“You asked for a narrow order,” Charles said. “You received one.”
Nathan’s expression tightened.
Victoria turned back to Tommy. “Where is she?”
He did not answer.
He slowly turned his head toward the street.
Victoria followed his gaze.
Under a bright green traffic light, a woman stood completely still.
She wore a dark coat despite the mild afternoon. A scarf covered the lower half of her face, and the soft glare off passing cars kept her features unclear. She was watching Victoria.
The crowd turned toward her.
Victoria’s mouth slowly opened.
May you like
The mysterious woman took one small step forward.
Her face remained hidden.
