He believed a good manager was someone whose workers could point out mistakes without fear.
The thought stayed with him long after the kitchen lights were off.
Chapter 44: The Church Basement Meeting
Not everyone welcomed the cooperative’s legal efforts.
A group of current shop owners worried that a judgment against Northport could result in higher rents or a sale of the properties.
They organized a meeting in the basement of a neighborhood church and invited representatives from both sides.
Mason attended as an observer while Pearl spoke for the beneficiaries’ committee.
A barber named Hassan Rahim explained that he had just signed a five-year lease and could not afford sudden uncertainty.
The owner of a small clothing store said customers were already asking whether the block would close.
Pearl acknowledged their fears and explained that the committee was seeking remedies for historical obligations, not the closure of existing businesses.
She could not promise that litigation would have no financial effects.
The honesty made the room quieter.
A man near the back accused the committee of caring more about old papers than current jobs.
Julius stood and described losing his own job when the cooperative failed.
He had spent years repairing appliances for cash while raising two children.
“Those old papers were the promises we got when the jobs disappeared,” he said.
“We’re not asking anyone to lose their shop.”
Mason listened as the conversation moved from accusations to practical questions about leases and ownership.
A tenant attorney offered to hold a separate workshop explaining the rights of current businesses.
Several shop owners signed up before the meeting ended.
Outside, Hassan approached Mason and asked about the night at The Mariner.
He wanted to know whether the old man had truly been homeless.
Mason explained the limited facts Arthur had shared and admitted that many online versions had exaggerated them.
Hassan laughed softly.
“My customers tell me he’s a billionaire who owns half the city.”
“I don’t know his net worth,” Mason said.
“He was cold and needed dinner.”
Hassan nodded.
“My father used to tell me that the easiest test of a neighborhood is how it treats somebody who can’t buy anything.”
Mason asked how long the barbershop had been open.
“Seven years,” Hassan replied.
“Long enough to care what happens here.”
They exchanged numbers and agreed to share verified updates about the case.
Mason took the bus home feeling less certain of the best outcome but more aware of who needed to be included in deciding it.
