A metal measuring tape lies partially extended beneath a row of chairs. The tape is dusty, but the clip at the end is clean, as if it snagged on something recently.

WHERE DO YOU GO FROM HERE?

Do you…

• Ask the Rival Developer if it’s theirs, since they often bring comparison materials?

• Check the chairs and floor nearby — someone moving quickly may have dropped this while retrieving something heavy?

• Ask the Environmental Regulator if it was part of their wetlands presentation setup?

One path is honest. The others whisper lies.