The next day we got a taste of the madhouse to come. Jaesuk, true to his word, made the front page. An exclusive interview with the living Promise Keeper was big news. Without making any direct accusations, he detailed Jennie's plight and the possible demise of the City Kitchen. How I promised to save it and vanquish the bad guys was implied in every word he wrote. He promised articles to follow that detailed my exploits since my singing debut. The time and place of the banquet was clearly written. He used poetic license to rename it the 'Save the Kitchen' banquet. It was over the top and the public sucked it up.
Calls started pouring in. The caterer was one of the first with an apology. They were willing to cater the event for free, as a donation to the cause. The banquet venue called and asked if we needed more room. They moved us to their largest room at no additional cost. Best of all, Jennie was Jennie again. She was moving like a woman possessed. Everything was happening on schedule and everyone knew their job. With every phone call she received, her confidence spiked.
The mayor's office called and asked if it was okay for the mayor to attend the banquet. He would like to say a few words of support. It seems the police and firefighters union reps were going to be there, so the mayor felt obliged. I saw it as a win. The mayor certainly couldn't endorse the City Kitchen and then allow a developer to destroy it.
That afternoon, an auditor for Yang and Associates showed. Jung Haein, a man I had worked with in the past. We had a quick reunion and I took him to the office. We spent the afternoon going over the initial data and supporting documents. Like me, he was impressed with Jennie's books. Haein called Hyunsuk just before we opened for dinner.
"Jisoo's correct, these are clean and easy," Haein said over the phone, "I'll need two guys and two days to go through it all, but I doubt I'll find anything." He nodded and said yes a few times then handed the phone to me.
"You stirred up a hornets nest, Jisoo," Hyunsuk said pleasantly, "I got a call from a Nam Bora this morning. After the article, I guess she assumed you would come to me for help. She tried to convince me it would be in my best interest not to help."
"I met her yesterday. Jennie told her, and I quote, 'Bring it on, bitch.'" I said it with a grin in my tone. Hyunsuk burst out laughing.
"I like Jennie already," Hyunsuk responded, "I told Bora much the same thing, just in a more civil-minded manner. I did find out that your developer is the one and only Scooter Braun. You certainly don't pick small opponents, Jisoo."
"Mr. Braun picked us," I said. At least I could now put a name to the slimeball.
"Well Bora pissed me off so I put in a call to Woo Young Woo. Her firm is willing to defend the class action, pro bono of course, if Jennie will agree." I put my hand over the phone speaker and leaned out the office door.
"Yang Hyunsuk found you a good lawyer, pro bono," I called out to Jennie, "you accept?" She laughed and nodded her head. I really didn't need to ask, but felt it was appropriate.
"Of course she accepts," I answered, "Hyun, you have gone way beyond the line of duty here. I'm not sure if I can ever pay you back."
"I'll get it back in spades," Hyunsuk said lightly, "the firm that backed the Promise Keeper. It has to be worth a ton of billable hours. You going to sing at the banquet? My wife is expecting it."
"I wasn't planning on it. I was hoping the talent show was the last time I had to sing," I said honestly. I didn't really like the fear associated with being on stage.
"Well that will give me a leg up on the pool," Hyunsuk said, "right now it is two to one for you singing. No worries, Haein will bring a team out early tomorrow and get started. Tell Jennie to let us worry about the IRS. She just needs to get you to sing." He hung up before I could respond. It didn't occur to me that people would want me to sing. The Leach was planning on bringing a camera. There was no way I could sing for the world, much less another audience.
