Naomi's POV
We started the next morning with a list.
Leona sat across from me at the conference table, tying her curls into a tight knot as I spread the Sanborn materials across the surface.
“We need three things before we go near Elijah Cross,” she said. “Legal cover, political leverage, and someone he doesn’t see coming.”
I nodded, already making notes. “Beatrice knows people in planning and zoning. I’ll talk to her today. We need the Sanborn land frozen—no sudden transfers.”
“I’ll talk to Kendra,” Leona added. “She’s still got friends in investigative journalism. Quiet ones.”
“And Rachel?” I asked.
Leona’s jaw ticked. “Keep her busy. Just not involved in this.”
I didn’t argue.
While Leona made calls, I sat down with Beatrice in the small staff kitchen.
She listened carefully,
