Attorney Lin stacked the pages and pressed the edges flat against his blotter.

“This document places the valley land into a permanent trust managed by an independent board.

Once it’s signed, no commercial transfer can happen.”

“That stops Daniel’s groundbreaking on November first,” I said.

“It destroys his entire project,” Lin said slowly.

“Without access to the aquifer under your soil, the town will revoke his commercial building permits.

But this document needs a certified notary seal before it carries legal weight.”

“I know where to get one,” I said, taking the stack of pages from his desk.