Chapter 9 - The Road Back to Lake Haven
Daniel knew something was wrong before the family reached the lake.
His phone had received dozens of missed calls after their plane landed.
The landscaping company wanted payment.
The school needed confirmation of Noah’s home address.
The security company reported that Daniel’s access code had been removed.
Most disturbing was an email from the county clerk.
Notice of recorded property transfer.
Daniel opened the attachment while Vanessa drove.
The document showed that Margaret Hale had sold the lake house to Elise and Jonah Mercer.
Daniel read the sale price three times.
Vanessa glanced toward him.
“What is it?”
“My mother sold the house.”
The SUV swerved slightly.
“She couldn’t.”
“She did.”
“Call her.”
Daniel called.
Margaret did not answer.
Vanessa called Robert.
He answered immediately.
“What happened?” she demanded.
Daniel looked toward her.
“Why are you calling Uncle Robert?”
Vanessa lowered the phone.
“Because he knows property law.”
“No, he doesn’t.”
“He knows people who do.”
Robert’s voice sounded through the speaker.
“Do not go inside the house until I get there.”
Daniel leaned closer.
“Why?”
“The sale may be reversible.”
“On what grounds?”
“If Margaret knew there was a prior contract, she may have interfered with an existing agreement.”
Daniel stared at Vanessa.
“What prior contract?”
Robert answered before she could.
“The renovation agreement.”
“A renovation agreement doesn’t give anyone ownership.”
“No,” Robert said carefully. “But certain attachments may create an option to purchase.”
Daniel’s stomach tightened.
“What attachments?”
Vanessa ended the call.
“Why did you do that?” Daniel asked.
“Because he’s confusing you.”
“You called him.”
Lily leaned forward from the back seat.
“Are we going home?”
Daniel forced his voice to remain steady.
“Yes.”
Vanessa gripped the steering wheel.
“Your mother is trying to scare us. She wants you to beg.”
“She recorded the sale.”
“Records can be challenged.”
“With what?”
Vanessa did not answer.
Daniel looked out at the road.
For years, he had accepted Vanessa’s explanations because questioning them created conflict.
Margaret was difficult.
Margaret was controlling.
Margaret wanted gratitude.
Margaret did not respect their marriage.
Every accusation had allowed Daniel to avoid an uncomfortable truth.
His mother paid for nearly everything, and he had allowed his wife to treat her like an intruder.
The road curved toward the lake.
Daniel remembered the last conversation with Margaret.
When we return, the locks will be changed.
Then perhaps I should change them first.
He had believed it was an empty threat.
The SUV reached the property.
Margaret’s car was already there.
So were the vehicles belonging to several relatives.
Daniel stepped out and saw the unfamiliar flowerpots, the silver station wagon and the missing welcome sign.
His chest tightened.
He removed the old brass key from his pocket.
For a moment, he considered turning back.
Vanessa opened the trunk.
“Get the luggage.”
Daniel carried two suitcases to the entrance.
He inserted the key.
It did not turn.
He tried again.
Behind him, Noah began asking why everyone was standing outside.
Daniel tried a third time.
Then he heard his mother’s car door close.
He faced Margaret.
“Why doesn’t my key work?”
Margaret held up the closing folder.
“Because this isn’t your family home anymore.”
The confrontation unfolded exactly as Margaret had known it would.
Vanessa shouted.
Daniel demanded explanations.
Margaret handed him the storage receipt.
The new owners appeared.
Then Jonah Mercer opened the remodeling folder and revealed that Vanessa had promised the house to another party.
When the papers fell across the porch, Daniel saw the name printed beneath future title holder.
Robert Hale.
Daniel turned toward his uncle.
Robert was walking quickly toward the road.
“Uncle Robert!”
May you like
Robert did not stop.
Daniel dropped the storage receipt and ran after him.
