Chapter 9 - CHARLES CALLSCharles finally called me directly.
“You’re really doing this?”
“Doing what?”
“Calling the note.”
“It matured.”
“You know what I mean.”
“I asked for financials.”
“You were going to extend.”
“I was considering it.”
“Until dinner.”
“Dinner made me stop making decisions based on family sentiment.”
He laughed bitterly.
“Family sentiment? You hit a child.”
“Yes.”
That stopped him briefly.
“I’m dealing with that.”
“You think saying that absolves you?”
“No.”
Another pause.
He was accustomed to people defending themselves when he attacked.
I had learned something useful from Dana.
Not every true criticism requires counterattack.
Charles changed direction.
“Andrew would be disgusted.”
That hurt.
He knew it would.
“Maybe.”
“You think he wanted his parents thrown out?”
“No.”
“Then extend.”
“Give Dana a repayment proposal.”
“We’re family.”
“The current paperwork already proves family needed paperwork.”
He became quiet.
Then:
“How much do you want?”
“The amount the note says.”
“I don’t have four hundred twenty thousand dollars.”
“I know.”
“So what happens?”
“Refinance, sale, or a negotiated plan supported by real numbers.”
“You’re punishing us.”
“I’m not allowed to punish you with estate property.”
“Don’t hide behind lawyer language.”
“I’m also not allowed to give away Nina’s financial interest because you expected Andrew to rescue you.”
He hung up.
Ten minutes later Sylvia texted:
May you like
You have always wanted to erase us from Nina’s life.
I did not respond.
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