Chapter 17
Harper stood in the lobby of the Adriatic Hotel at 7 AM, hard hat on her head, clipboard in hand, watching the first construction crew arrive. This was it. After weeks of planning, permit approvals, and contractor negotiations, the renovation was finally beginning.
"Morning, Ms. Colton," the foreman said, extending his hand. "I am Mike Torres. We spoke on the phone."
Harper shook his hand, still not used to being called Ms. Colton. "Please, call me Harper. Thanks for getting here so early."
"No problem. My crew is ready to go. We will start with the roof repairs like you specified, then move to the water damage in the east wing."
"Perfect. Let me show you the areas of concern."
Harper spent the next hour walking Mike and his team through the building, pointing out original
