Chapter 42 - A New Headquarters
The morning after the gala, the real work resumed, but on a dramatically larger scale. The Phoenix Initiative had secured a massive federal grant and millions in private donations, allowing us to exponentially expand our operations.
We were no longer just a foundation operating out of a single office floor. We had purchased an entire five-story building in the West Loop, dedicating it entirely to the eradication of domestic financial abuse.
Arthur, Chloe, and I stood on the sidewalk across the street, watching the construction crews hoist the massive, elegant "Phoenix Initiative" sign onto the brick facade of the building.
"It’s beautiful," Chloe murmured, sipping her coffee. "We have a full legal clinic on the first floor, a secure emergency housing facility on the second, forensic accounting on the third, and psychological services on the fourth."
"And the executive offices on the top floor," Arthur added, adjusting his tie. "With bulletproof glass, of course. We have made a lot of powerful enemies over the last five years, Maya."
"Let them come," I said smoothly, keeping my eyes fixed on the new building. "We have never lost a fight yet."
Arthur turned to me, his expression turning serious. "Speaking of fights, I received a call from a Senator in Washington D.C. this morning. The work we did on the Victor Vance case caught the attention of the Senate Judiciary Committee. They are drafting a new federal bill to classify coercive financial control as a felony on par with physical domestic violence."
My heart skipped a beat. This was the ultimate goal. Punishing individual abusers was satisfying, but changing the law meant protecting millions of victims before they were completely broken.
"They want you to come to Washington, Maya," Arthur continued, a proud smile breaking across his face. "They want you to testify before Congress as an expert witness on the devastating mechanics of financial abuse. They want you to help them write the law."
May you like
I looked at the building, then at Chloe, and finally at Arthur.
"Book the flights," I said, a fierce, unbreakable resolve settling into my bones. "We are going to Washington."
