Ruby colored flowers on scrap paper while listening.
Eventually Sofia sat back.
“This is significant.”
Claire looked at her.
“Does it prove Voss stole the building?”
“No.”
Claire seemed disappointed.
Sofia continued.
“It proves something more useful than a dramatic accusation.”
“What?”
“It proves the tenant cooperative had an enforceable agreement that was improperly interfered with.”
Miriam nodded.
“That was my conclusion twelve years ago.”
Claire frowned.
“Then why didn’t you file a lawsuit?”
Miriam looked at her gently.
“Your mother became very ill.”
“That didn’t erase the agreement.”
“No. But Eleanor asked me not to file.”
Claire stared.
“Why?”
Miriam removed another letter.
This one was addressed to her.
“Eleanor learned that a lawsuit could take years. The tenants would need money. Some families wanted to continue. Others were already frightened about losing their apartments.”
“She gave up?”
Miriam shook her head.
“Eleanor rarely gave up. She changed strategy.”
