Chapter 2 - Cold Water and Hard Facts
Ten minutes later, I walked back toward the illuminated cedar deck, carrying the leather binder under my arm. The party was in full swing. Vanessa was holding court near the stone fireplace, drinking champagne with two prominent real estate developers she had been desperately trying to woo for a commercial land deal.
"Ah, look who's back," Vanessa declared loudly as I stepped onto the flagstone path, eliciting snickers from her circle. "Did you find a bench near the water, Ruth? We're almost ready for dessert, so you can start clearing the barbecue tables soon."
Daniel took a sip of his IPA, avoiding my eyes as usual. "Vanessa, just let it go," he muttered half-heartedly.
"No, Daniel," I said. My voice wasn't raised, but it possessed a sharp, cutting resonance that caused the surrounding chatter to falter. "We need to clear a few things up before dessert."
I stepped up to the head of the long farmhouse table, setting the thick leather binder down with a firm thud.
"What is this nonsense?" Vanessa sneered, crossing her arms in crisp white linen. "Ruth, you are making a scene in front of our guests. Act your age."
"This land," I began, looking around at the twenty-six faces staring back at me, "was patented by my great-grandfather in 1902. It consists of two hundred and forty acres of prime waterfront property. Daniel has told many of you that he inherited this estate. That is a lie."
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Daniel’s face flushed a deep crimson. "Mom, stop it! What are you doing?"
"I am correcting the public record," I said calmly. "Daniel owns zero percent of Briar Lake. He holds no equity, no title, and no authorization to host commercial prospects on this dirt. Every square foot of this property belongs to the Thomas and Ruth Briar Trust. And as sole trustee, I have just executed an immediate revocation of all residential leases and guest privileges."
