“No one lied to you Owen, I’m not going to dredge up a probate settlement that was signed and stamped two years ago.”
“Unless you bring the family into criminal—”
“What criminal?”
They’re both shouting now. I’d never have believed it of Evan who is always calm and sensible. Only family can do this. No one who knew me would imagine me arguing with Horrible Howard.Some people just press your buttons and bring out long buried rage.
“Criminal activities or things that will damage our name.” Owen stops shouting and all we can hear is the sound of paper shuffling. Evan has also gone quiet but he’s breathing hard.
When Owen comes back on the line, he’s not shouting but it’s worse. “I’ve heard from a solicitor acting for Cotes Care Homes PLC. They’ve complained that you’re running a scam to defraud old age pensioners, disabled, suffering from dementia and vulnerable.”
Evan glances at Haneen and they both look gobsmacked. “I’m not running any scam, this is just rubbish.”
“He says you’ve duped them into moving from their care home into Kendric House.”
Evan barks a laugh that’s angry and incredulous at the same time. “This is a complete nonsense. I can’t believe you’re taking it seriously. Someone is trying to cause mischief.”
“So, you’re not renovating the house?”
“What’s this got to do with anything?”
“Only that you don’t have the money to renovate anything, not unless you’re hoping to make money out of rich old people by moving them into a house not fit for habitation.”
“Owen, I’m going to end this call. I don’t have time for this. What I may or may not do in my house is my business.”
He reaches for the phone to end the call but Owen’s answer comes fast as a bullet.
“Actually, dear brother, it isn’t. You forget the terms of father’s will includes a clause of ethical conduct. If you’re guilty of endangering life then the –”
“I’m not endangering life.”
“Good. I hope so for your sake. I’ve been asked to authorise a special survey to check that all parts of Kendric house are fit for habitation. If the survey flags up anything that might be a hazard then the place will have to be cordoned off until it can be made safe.”
And the call ends. It’s Owen who hangs up. Evan just sits staring at his phone on the table; colour gradually draining from his face.
It’s Haneen who finally breaks the stunned silence. “He can’t do anything. As you just told Leonie, you have all the insurance needed.”
He looks up at the two of us. “It is. But only for the open parts of the house. The north and west wings are full of hazards.”
“But they’re shut off.”
“And the top floors here and…” he points towards the south wing where Llewellyn has his business hub on the ground floor. I had noticed a wood plank laid across the stairs up to the third floor to block access.
“Didn’t you hear him. Ifanypartis dangerous. That means they will be poking around everywhere. In fact, I bet they will start in the parts not yet touched, find what they find and close us down.”
“But,” I have to say something. This whole problem is because of me and The Glyn. “I can speak to them about thevisits from the older guests. I’ll tell them it’s not how they made it sound…”
Haneen is watching Evan, her face more and more concerned. “They surely can’t close the whole house if the open parts are safe. They can’t kick us all out. You’ve done everything right. You can prove it.”
“I would have to prove it in court, and these cases take forever. If Owen scents a chance to ruin me, he’ll make sure the case takes years. He knows I don’t have the money for a long fight.” He scoffs bitterly. “I don’t even have the money for a short fight.” He rubs a hand over his face. “Hannie, if we’re evicted, then it’s not just you and me. It’s Llewellyn, the professor, everyone. It’s the end of all our projects.”
“This is my fault. If I hadn’t got involved with The Glyn and upset Cynthia.”
Evan shakes his head. “No, it isn’t. The Glyn is small fry. This is all Owen.”
Haneen asks, “You think he’s just jumping on this silly squabble with the care home because he’s been actively looking for something?”
“You remember that rumour in the village last summer? That he and not I is the real owner. He’s spreading the word around.”
