Bella didn’t say a word.I think she was just glad I was eating.
Sadly, though, I haven’t stopped.In the ten days since then, my pants have gotten tighter than they’ve ever been.
Oh, and the Little house hasn’t gotten further along.
That’s the other thing.I’ve sort of bailed on it.But not for long.I’m heading there today to stain the cabinets in the butler’s pantry.I had them ready to go that day when Chase—No.I’m not going to think about him.That Saturday.They were ready to go.
“What’s it say?”
Oh.Crap.I forgot what I was doing.Reaching in, I pull out the paper, set the envelope down, and read:
Dear Ms.Velma Lou Hamlin,
We are writing on behalf of our client, Joseph C.Feinster III.
It is our understanding that you recently purchased the homestead at 29 N.Main St, Zodiac Hills, Nebraska 69432.We would like to extend a cash offer with a purchase price of $545,900.00.Please note this amount exceeds the current market value of this property.In addition, our client would purchase this homestead as is, with no inspections or other contingencies.
Please respond to this letter via telephone, in writing, or in person, within five business days.
Sincerely,
M.J.Calhoun
Partner, Calhoun, Long, and Ramirez
Attorneys at Law
196485 San Pueblo Circle
San Francisco, CA.99348
333-684-0011
I hear him gasp before I’ve even had a chance to reread the stupid letter.“What the hell?”Dad’s voice sounds as shocked as the one in my head.“You’re gonna sell, right?”
“Uh…”
“I mean, it’s over three hundred grand more than you paid for the place.”
“Uh…”
“It’s two hundred grand more than you were going to sell it for.”
I’m about to say “uh” again, but I’m able to get more out.“Why?”
“Why would you sell?”Dad laughs.“Because that’s a ridiculous sum of money for that old place.Take it.”
“No.Why would someone pay that much over assessed value?”There’s nothing around the house that would constitute that kind of offer.“This is crazy.”
“People with money, like that fellow obviously is there.”He points at the paper.“Well, sometimes they don’t have sense and all they can think to do with their money is buy creaky old houses.”
“No, Dad.That makes absolutely zero sense.”I read the letter again.“Who is this Joseph Feinster?”
“Do that thing on your computer.Look him up, Velma Lou.”
Great idea.Setting the letter down, carefully, I reach for my laptop and look him up on the internet.When the search ends, I can’t help noticing there’s not a lot out there.There are several pages about Joseph Feinster, but when I click on the first link, it’s an obituary.
