Chapter 16: The Lobby

By eight o'clock the diner's windows were taped over with a red notice.

Maggie's father sat on the curb with his apron still on.

A deputy stood by the padlocked door and would not meet my eyes.

"Two violations," Maggie said, shaking with fury. "They found them in the walk-in in four minutes. We passed in March."

"Who signed the order?" I asked.

"Some county office. They said it came down from the property trust." She wiped her face on her sleeve. "That's the Foundation, Hallie."

"I know."

I took out my phone and called the reporter.

She was the woman from the local news who had asked me for an interview twice after the rescue video went around.

"I'll give you the interview," I said. "Today. Can you have a camera at the Foundation lobby at nine?"

"Is this about the Chichesters?"

"It's about a diner."

She was silent for one breath. "I'll be there at ten to."

Then I called every regular in Maggie's phone.

I told them where to be and what to bring.

At ten to nine there were sixty people on the sidewalk in front of the Chichester Foundation building.

They were the regulars from Tuck's, the line cooks, the old men from the counter, and a table of retired teachers who ate pancakes every Friday.

Phillip stood beside me with his hands in his pockets.

"You don't have to do this part," I said.

"Yes, I do."

"Your father will look at you."

"Let him."

We went through the glass doors together.

The lobby was all marble, with a long reception desk and a guard in a blue blazer.

The camera came in behind us with the reporter's red light on.

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