Chapter 11 - The Grand Opening
|
The Open Door Center officially opened in early November.
It was a quiet affair.
No press. No ribbon cutting.
Just the staff, the board members, and a few close allies.
Lauren was there, looking healthier and more confident than I’d ever seen her.
Detective Monroe stood near the back, observing the security layout with professional approval.
Audrey stood at the front, flanked by Michael and Sarah Lin, the foundation's new director.
“We didn't want a spectacle,” Audrey told the small gathering. “Because the work we do here requires discretion.”
She looked around the room.
“This building is designed to be invisible to those who want to do harm, and a beacon to those who need it.”
She paused, her eyes finding mine.
“We built walls not to trap people, but to give them the space to breathe without fear.”
After the brief speeches, people mingled.
Michael walked over to me.
He was holding a glass of sparkling cider.
“You did an incredible job with the renovation, sir.”
“It’s a solid building.”
“Audrey said you were meticulous about the security.”
“I was.”
Michael hesitated.
“She also said you installed a secondary panic button system in the intake rooms that isn't on the official blueprints.”
I looked at him.
“She talks too much.”
He smiled.
“She trusts you.”
“I know.”
“And I trust you.”
He took a sip of his cider.
“I just wanted you to know that. I know it wasn't easy for you to let her go.”
“I didn't let her go. I just stopped standing in front of her.”
Michael nodded respectfully.
“I’ll make sure she never has to hide behind me either.”
I extended my hand.
May you like
He shook it firmly.
“Good,” I said. “Because she wouldn't let you anyway.”
