Page 102 of Key West Homecoming

“I signed a lease with you because you told me you had the right to rent this house. Now I know you didn’t.”

“That’s not accurate.”

“Then let your attorney explain it to Rachel Alden.”

“I don’t want to talk to Rachel. I want to talk to you.”

“I don’t have anything to say.”

“You’ve been paying me every month for three years. That’s a relationship.”

Jake stepped close to him. “You collected rent on your mother’s house without telling her. I don’t know what you call that, but I’m not calling it a relationship.”

The easy expression left Arthur’s face.

Jake had seen that happen before. A person stayed reasonable as long as being reasonable got him what he wanted. When it stopped working, something else came through.

“Listen to me,” Arthur said. “You are standing on property that belongs to me. I’m going to open this gate, and you’re going to step aside.”

He pushed it open.

Jake stepped into the space between them.

He didn’t raise his voice or touch Arthur. He didn’t need to.

Arthur stopped.

“You’re not coming through this gate,” Jake said.

“Are you threatening me?”

“No. I’m telling you not to come onto the property. I think we both know what could happen to you if you insist on coming onto this property.”

Arthur didn’t move.

“There’s a hearing next week,” Jake continued. “The original will has been filed with the court. If you think this cottage belongs to you, that’s where you make your argument.”

Arthur stared at him. “You don’t know what’s riding on this.”

The words came out quickly, and something in Arthur’s expression changed as soon as he heard himself say them.

Jake noticed.

“No,” he said. “I don’t.”

Arthur’s jaw tightened.

“You’re the tenant.”

“I’m also the person who paid you rent for three years, and if Rachel asks me to testify about that, I will.”

“You think anybody cares what you have to say?”

“I guess we’ll find out.”

Arthur held the gate another moment before letting it swing closed.

“You’ll hear from my attorney.”