Read Online When Perfection Fails by Tyora Moody - Free Book Online

I want to seek funding for housing, but transportation seems to be more important. That’s all.”
    Serena continued to hold the recorder. “But there was a considerable amount of money raised by Bishop Hudson. How does that money play a role in this project?”
    Charmayne sat back in her seat. “Yes, there was money raised, but we are talking about a massive construction project here. That money wouldn’t cover the budget.”
    â€œDo you have figures on how much money was raised over the years?”
    Charmayne frowned. “Why?”
    â€œWell, I think Mayor Carrington is holding the position that you don’t need taxpayers’ dollars. I just wondered why he was taking that position now.” Serena moved up in her chair. “I could be wrong on this, but Mayor Carrington seemed to support the Hudson Housing Development until your father’s death.”
    Serena observed Charmayne clench her hand into a fist. For a brief instance, Serena recognized the real woman behind the couture suit, makeup, and sculptured cut was not a woman you wanted to cross.
    Serena waited as Charmayne composed herself.
    â€œI don’t know why Mayor Carrington is taking the position he has and why he has turned his back on my father’s dream. He and I just don’t see eye to eye on many things.”
    Serena nodded. “You wouldn’t mind allowing me to see the donation records? I mean, so we can come down to a reason why the Hudson Housing Development is on hold. The people will want to know.”
    Charmayne tapped her fingers on the desk. “Sure, this office has nothing to hide. I can ask my assistant to pull those records.”
    â€œThank you, Ms. Hudson.” Serena stood and extended her hand. “It was a pleasure talking to you. I do admire you. When you were elected for your first term, I recall you were the youngest African American woman ever elected to the city council. Do you plan to seek a fourth term this coming November, or are you ready to throw your hat in the mayor’s race?”
    Charmayne stood. “The people seem to think I’ve been doing a good job in District 2.”
    â€œSo you are going to stay where you are? You don’t know of anyone who plans to throw their hat into the race, do you? Being the incumbent, you received over 60 percent of the votes the last two terms.”
    Charmayne took a bit too long to smile, almost like she was thinking as she was trying to figure out what to say. “I’m not aware of anyone, and like I said, the people are satisfied with my public service.”
    â€œI will be looking for those records. Thank you so much for your time.”
    Serena walked out and headed to the elevator. Something was going on here. Mayor Carrington didn’t want to move the Hudson Housing Development forward for a reason. She had photos from the last mayor’s race to prove that the mayor and Bishop Hudson were good friends. What changed after Bishop Hudson’s death? Why did the bishop’s daughter seem to be insecure about her future?
    The elevator doors opened, and Serena entered. Before the doors closed, a hand grabbed the inside of the doors. Startled, Serena watched as Lance entered the elevator.
    The doors closed behind him as he focused his intense eyes on her. He stepped up beside her. “Did Ms. Hudson give you what you wanted?”
    Serena swallowed. She was a tough chick, but this man was standing way too close even for her comfort. She answered, “She said she would get the records to me.”
    Lance scoffed. “What she gives you, I’m pretty sure, those numbers will be altered from the records I gave you.”
    Serena cocked her head. “How do I know whose numbers to believe? You never told me what providing this information does for you.”
    â€œI have nothing to lose, Ms. Manchester. There are some people here who have an image of being perfect, holy, and