CHAPTER TEN: THE FALSE REMEMBRANCE

Talia insisted that nobody should break into the Graybridge Market or disrupt private property.
“The families can object to the use of their names,” she explained.
“The receiver can address misuse of the bistro’s funds and assets.”
“Neither power lets us storm another person’s event.”
Denise listened carefully.
She asked whether the organizers had been told the families disputed their statements.
Celia Brand had sent a notice to the project coalition after the library meeting.
Her letter demanded that all unverified memorial material be withdrawn.
The coalition responded that the Graybridge presentation was an independent gathering.
“So they divided the event into smaller pieces,” Ethan said.
“That doesn’t prove who is responsible,” Talia replied.
“It tells us whom to ask next.”
Denise wanted to ask in person.


She contacted the banquet hall’s manager, a woman named Fran Ellis.
Fran explained that she had rented the space for a neighborhood investment presentation and had not been told about disputed family testimonials.
When Denise described the portraits, Fran became uncomfortable.
“My father is in one of those photographs,” she said.
The room fell silent.
Fran’s father had repaired bicycles at Eastbank for four decades.
He had died the previous autumn.
Denise had met him many times.
“Then you should decide whether his picture belongs there,” Denise said.
Fran agreed to meet the organizers before opening the room.
The next evening, Ethan waited outside Graybridge with Levi and Beatrice.
They were not trying to sneak inside.
They had been invited by Fran as concerned family representatives.
Inside, attendants arranged folding chairs while a projection technician tested a row of portraits.


Ethan saw Lucille Price smiling above a stage draped in blue fabric.
On the screen beneath her picture appeared the words WE SUPPORT A NEW EASTBANK.
Levi stopped walking.
“She never said that,” he whispered.
Beatrice took his elbow.
“Tell them.”
Fran approached the technician.
“Turn that off until we know who authorized it.”
A man wearing a charcoal suit stepped out from behind the curtain.
He introduced himself as Adrian Kells, the coalition’s public engagement consultant.
“These are symbolic endorsements,” Adrian said.
“They represent the spirit of the neighborhood.”
Denise entered behind Ethan.
“My mother was a real person,” she said.
“She was not a symbol you can rent.”
Adrian smiled professionally.
“I understand your concern.”
“Then take her picture down.”
“The artwork was licensed through a vendor.”
Fran pointed toward the screen.
“It is my building, and she has asked you to remove the image.”
Adrian refused to stop the projection without instruction from his client.
Victor appeared at the rear entrance.
He had clearly not expected to find his former employees waiting in the room.
“What are you doing here?” he asked Ethan.
“Fran invited us.”
Victor turned to Fran.
“These people are trying to sabotage tonight.”
Fran stood her ground.
“You advertised a neighborhood presentation.”
“These are people from the neighborhood.”
Adrian leaned toward Victor and whispered urgently.
Victor nodded and walked toward the microphone.
“We need to begin on time,” he announced.
Denise stepped into the aisle.
“You can begin with a question,” she said.
“Why are you showing my dead mother’s picture after I told you not to?”
Every conversation stopped.
Adrian’s smile finally disappeared.