Shadows at City Hall

When Councilmember Julia Reed turns to private investigator Alice Harrow for help, she's desperate. Julia's brother, an assistant public defender, has been framed for accepting bribes, and Julia is being blackmailed to support a controversial housing project proposed by Velvet Crown Futures. What seems like a political dispute quickly reveals itself to be something far more sinister. As Alice digs deeper, she uncovers a sprawling conspiracy of bribery, blackmail, and HUD fraud, with Velvet Crown funneling federal subsidies into offshore accounts and using the housing project as a front for money laundering and illicit operations. The case takes a dangerous turn when Alice discovers that Gloria Hemminger, the elusive mastermind behind The Velvet Shadow, is orchestrating the scheme. With time running out before the council vote, Alice must expose the conspiracy, clear Julia's name, and stop Gloria's plans. But Gloria strikes back, forcing Alice into a battle of wits-and survival-against Grayhaven's darkest forces.