Chapter 36

The deal with the Thornton's goes well. My Master is pleased. Signed, sealed and delivered, a copy of the contract papers lands on my desk. "I want you to be familiar with them, Elizabeth." says my Master. "You were instrumental in making the deal work. I want you involved with its progress. Take the time to know the details, the legal ins and outs."

Fair enough. I settle to read my way through a book's worth of small print, and quickly decide that 'legalese' is heavy reading. However, the gist of the agreement is simple enough. The Haswell Corporation and the Thorntons are setting up a holding company to act as a legal envelope for a huge redevelopment in a run-down part of the City. The project is huge, involving the building or renovation of a vast acreage to provide luxury apartments, affordable housing and all the facilities and amenities needed for a properly functioning community; shops, offices, a park, rail and subway....... The budget runs into eye-watering amounts of money