Chapter 6

At the Coopers Chase consultation meeting, Ron Ritchie challenges Ian Ventham over the lease wording that allows further development only “in consultation with current residents.” Ron argues that the meeting is not genuine consultation but an ambush, because Ventham has already branded the project “The Woodlands” and prepared polished computer images despite planning to cut down trees.

Ventham sits confidently at the front of the Residents’ Lounge with the development architect and Tony Curran beside him. Ventham dismisses the residents’ objections by treating the meeting as a brief formality, while Tony pays little attention and scrolls through his phone. Ibrahim records the exchange carefully, Joyce encourages Ron, and Elizabeth observes from nearby while reading a newspaper.

Ron turns the confrontation into a performance, drawing on his long history as a union campaigner and champion of underdogs. He attacks Ventham’s presentation, mocks the absence of a physical model, and accuses Ventham of choosing a woman architect to restrain Ron’s anger. Elizabeth points out that Ron is already shouting, but Ron continues, turning the room’s frustration into applause and momentum.

Ron briefly loses his thread while trying to widen the political attack, and Ibrahim steadies him with a hand on his elbow. Ron sits down with satisfaction, feeling his tremors stop for the moment because the fight has brought back the purpose and energy that have always defined him.