His fingers fumbled against his jacket, and the leather glasses case dropped onto the table.

“It is not merely history, Mr.

Vance,” Attorney Lin continued, unhurried by Daniel’s agitation.

“The old property records establish that the valley parcel sits directly over the main deep water aquifer for this entire side of the county.”

Evelyn froze, her hand perfectly still over her leather portfolio.

“What did you just say?” Evelyn asked, her voice dropping an octave.

“The commercial development your firm is planning can’t operate without industrial water access,” Attorney Lin said, pointing his pen at the blue binder.