I arrived at city hall an hour before the hearing and found a line already stretching down the corridor.
Parents came carrying folders and photographs. Ruth brought copies of our attendance records. Tessa arrived with Adrian, but I didn't know whether she'd come as my friend or as a Vale. She squeezed my hand.
"Whatever happens, I'm here," she said.
"I know."
Graham stood near the back wall, alone. He didn't approach me. He looked at the copies of the proposed plan in my arms and gave me a small nod.
The committee room filled slowly. I sat with the Harbor House families and set my papers on my knees. Three city officials sat behind a long table. The mayor sat beside them. Miles Vale was in the first row.
When the hearing began, the planning director described the redevelopment propos
