The headquarters of the Hawthorne Children's Development Foundation stood at the edge of downtown Cleveland, hidden among aging office buildings that had long since lost the attention they once received.
At first glance, nothing about the six story building seemed unusual. The polished stone entrance remained intact. The brass directory still listed offices that no longer existed.
The faded foundation logo beside the front doors continued promising hope, opportunity, and brighter futures for vulnerable children.
The words almost made me angry. So many lies had hidden behind promises exactly like those. Wayne unlocked the front entrance using a warrant obtained only hours earlier, and the heavy glass door slowly swung inward with a quiet creak.
A stale smell drifted into the hallway. Du
