I met the Northline engineer at the Rialto at seven the next morning.
Dr. Evan Pierce stood under the lobby chandelier with a hard case beside him and a gray knit cap pulled over his ears. I introduced myself. He shook my hand and handed me a copy of the full engineering report.
"I've read the summary," I said.
"Then you've read the part that says demolition is the most economical option."
"I've read the part that says controlled stabilization is feasible."
"That option assumes a full load test, temporary shoring, and a repair package. We don't know the final cost."
"That's why we're testing."
He nodded toward Daniel. "Mr. Mercer's team requested a preliminary load test to confirm the brace is bearing correctly. The city approved it this morning."
Daniel stood near the entrance wit
