The statement went out at nine a.m. on a Wednesday.
Kendrick found out at nine oh four, when Daniel called with the particular quality of someone who had just read something twice to make sure he understood it correctly.
"Your father released a public statement," Daniel said.
Kendrick set down his coffee. "About what."
"The designation system." A pause. "Specifically about the current legal challenges to the registry framework and Walker Corporation's position on designation reform." Another pause. "It's — you should read it yourself."
Kendrick read it on his phone while Daniel stayed on the line.
It was four paragraphs. Measured. Precise. The kind of language that had been read by lawyers before it was released and had every sharp edge filed smooth without losing the meaning underneath.
The first paragraph established Walker Corporation's longstanding commitment to legal frameworks that protected individuals and families across all designation categories.
