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on the opposite side as Lexi, both of us staring at the panel from the HRC. Listening, I heard them go over the reasons for the hearing and the fact that the motion presented would either be accepted or denied before we left.  
    “Mr Monroe,” the older lady turned towards me, “You are here representing GHM Design and Building, is that correct?”
    “Yes ma’am,” I answered, hearing Lexi huff even above the other sounds in the room.  
    “Would you like to explain why you are motioning for a rushed decision from the HRC on your petition for a condo development?”
    “GHP feels that it is in our best interest to have the decision made with quickness in order to be fair and impartial.”
    “You feel that we cannot be fair and impartial while adhering to our typical timeline Mr. Monroe?”
    “It’s not the HRC that we are concerned with,” I answered. “GHM has already proposed another build in Biltmore Village prior to this. A retail center.”
    “Yes sir,” she replied. “I’m aware of that. Are you saying our decision was unfair?”
    “No ma’am,” I replied. “However, during that battle we learned of the Preservation Society and their goal to keep the land intact in historical districts regardless of cost or benefit to the local community.”
    “Yes,” she replied. “They do fight for their historical areas according to their mission statement. Are you saying that is unfair?”
    “No ma’am,” I again spoke. “However, the Preservation Society is made up of longstanding members of the community. Most own well established businesses and know a large number of people locally.   That automatically puts them at an advantage. Given enough time, they are able to petition locally and speak with friends and well known community members. GHM is not afforded that privilege. We are a company from out of state that has only come here with the intention of building. Because of this, we are already a threat to the community in their eyes. With the involvement of the Preservation Society, we are then made to be villains. I personally have relocated to the area and would like to consider it home for the long term. But that is not true of everyone with the company.”
    “So are you asking the Society to be barred from participation, as that would violate…”
    “No ma’am,” I interrupted without thinking. “Pardon me for the interruption. I would never ask that. Only that the amount of time they are allowed to use their tactics to manipulate the community be limited.”
    “Manipulate?” I heard Lexi cry out. “Sharing information and gather support is NOT manipulation!”
    “No, but constant warfare against a company that also includes information not relevant to the situation could be considered as such. Calling in favors from friends in the community, including HRC members could be considered as such.”
    “Favors from friends?” she seemed shocked by the accusation. I only hoped that she didn’t press it. “What favors Mr. Monroe?”
    I wasn’t going to be so lucky.  
    “Having meals with HRC members to discuss their families and mutual interests. Reminding them of bonds and past relationships. Hoping to sway their vote. As was seen in the Biltmore Village case.”
    I watched her mouth drop. She knew the accusation was directed at her. I hadn’t planned it. Morgan insisted.  
    “What are you asking for Mr. Monroe?”
    “GHM seeks a decision be made in two weeks,” I answered.  
    “That’s a short amount of time to consider the potential of a new development in a historical district,” she replied.  
    “The development isn’t residential ma’am,” I replied. “It is a resort, with the intent to draw tourists and visitors to the area. Research has shown that resorts and vacation property do not adhere to the exact same guidelines as residential. There is precedence in this type of development being permitted in non-building locations and being decided upon quickly and without