“We need evidence before making that conclusion.”
Marcus nodded.
“Agreed.”
For the first time, Ethan understood that the problem was much bigger than a permit.
Someone might be trying to push him out.
Not because his business was illegal.
Not because he had broken any rules.
But because someone else wanted the space.
That afternoon, Ethan opened his old business files.
He found something he had almost forgotten.
Three years earlier, when he first started the lemonade trailer, he had signed a long-term vendor agreement with the city.
The agreement gave him permission to operate at that location for five years.
Ethan showed it to Marcus.
Marcus read it carefully.
“This is important.”
“Why?”
“Because if someone is trying to force you out before the agreement ends, they need a legitimate reason.”
Ethan looked relieved.
“So they can't just make me leave?”
“Not based on what we've seen.”
The supervisor agreed.
“Keep this document safe.”
“I will.”
That evening, Marcus and Sarah left the park.
But Marcus couldn't stop thinking about the case.
Someone had tried to buy Ethan's business.
Someone had filed a questionable complaint.
Someone had left a threatening note.
And a vehicle connected to a property company had appeared near the trailer.
It was too many coincidences.
The next morning, Marcus received a call.
It was the supervisor.
“We found something.”
Marcus sat up.
“What?”
“The man in the footage has been identified.”
“Who is he?”
“His name is Daniel Price.”
Marcus waited.
“What does he do?”
“He works for a private development company.”
“Which one?”
The supervisor paused.
“Green Valley Development.”
Marcus sighed.
“So we were right.”
“Not exactly.”
“What do you mean?”
“The company denies involvement.”
Marcus frowned.
“Of course they do.”
The supervisor continued.
“But there's more.”
“What?”
“Daniel Price used to work for the property management company connected to that silver sedan.”
Marcus became silent.
That connection was important.
“Where is Price now?”
“We don't know.”
“Can you arrest him?”
“Not based on what we have.”
Marcus nodded.
“Then what can we do?”
“We can investigate.”
Marcus looked toward the park.
“Do it.”
The supervisor laughed softly.
“You sound like you're part of the department.”
Marcus smiled.
“I'm not.”
“I know.”
Marcus hung up.
He looked at Sarah.
She was standing in the doorway.
“What happened?”
“They identified the man.”
“Who is he?”
“Daniel Price.”
“And?”
“He works for Green Valley Development.”
Sarah's expression changed.
“So Ethan was telling the truth.”
Marcus nodded.
“But we still need evidence connecting the company to the threats.”
Sarah sighed.
“Do you think they'll stop?”
Marcus looked toward the street.
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because they already tried once.”
He paused.
“And failed.”
Sarah understood.
“That means they may try something else.”
Marcus nodded.
“Exactly.”
Across town, inside a modern office building, a man in an expensive suit stood beside a large window.
His name was Victor Hale.
He was one of the executives behind Green Valley Development.
Daniel Price stood across from him.
“The vendor still refuses to sell.”
Victor looked irritated.
“And the permit?”
“Valid.”
“The complaint?”
“Didn't work.”
Victor turned toward the window.
“What about the biker?”
Daniel hesitated.
“He's involved now.”
Victor frowned.
“The biker?”
“Marcus Cole.”
Victor's expression changed.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
Victor stared outside.