Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

I said. hoping I wouldn't have to go into a long explanation about Linden's condition,

"I suppose not. She has had a very tough time. very tough time. Well then. I'll tell you what I know. I know that you have a trust that will generate a fixed amount of income. and you have asked Mr. Bassinger to arrange for me to help you organize that income so you can cover all the basic expenses of Joya del Mar. Your funds will cover that monthly nut, as we say," he continued, flashing his smile.

"Good," I said, releasing the air I had trapped inside me out of fear I would learn my plan was impossible and all I had promised would be another broken rainbow for my mother and Linden,

"However, I don't know if you have been made aware of a sizable lien against the proper[y."

"A lien?"

Little jolts of electric fear surged under my breasts.

"A lien is a legal maneuver a creditor will make to force you to pay what you owe him. In this case. your grandmother's third husband. Kirby Scott, pledged the property against a line of credit at the bank, which he then defaulted upon."

"Oh. What does that mean exactly?" I asked. My experience with financial matters was very limited. In fact, in the weeks following my father's death. I had learned more than I knew my whole life.

"It means that your mother cannot sell the property without first paving off this debt. and something has to be paid toward it on a regular basis."

"How much are we talking about?" I asked, and held my breath.

He closed and opened his eyes, indicating that it was going to be a painful response.

"A quarter of a million dollars." he replied. "And then there is the accumulating interest, of course. It complicates matters."

"What did he do with this money?" I asked, wondering if there was a way to get it back.

"Your guess is as good as mine. I'm afraid. Most likely lost it in Las Vegas or Monte Carlo. I'm sorry to give you this news."

"Does my mother know?"

"I send her reports, but we've never discussed it."

"Can I afford to pay it off and still generate enough income to take care of our needs?"

He smiled. I guessed I was asking the right question.

"Well, not with the full army of servants now employed. You can hold on to the landscaper, but I'm afraid not all of the household servants, the chef. the chauffeur."

"I understand," I said.

"When the rental income stops, you will have to create a sensible budget, until Grace sells the property, that is. In the meantime. I have all your accounts arranged. generating as much interest income as we can without experiencing too much risk. I understand you're going to attend college soon."

"Yes."

He sat back, looking- like a disapproving uncle now.

It wouldn't have been a bad idea to hold on to the Eatons," he said after a moment. "I still might be able to negotiate something with them."

"No," I said firmly.

"It's a big property for just you. Grace. and Linden," he insisted. "I would not be fulfilling my obligation to you, as well as to Mr. Bassinger. if I did not point all this out to you as clearly as I can."

"It's just as big for the .Eatons."

"Yes, but the rent is no burden for them, nor are the servants and the maintenance. We might be able to get them to come up on a purchase price offer."

"I'd rather the bank took it over." I said dryly. He shrugged.

"If it went into foreclosure. the Eatons, or any of a few dozen other families, could pounce on it and get it for even less, especially if you are unable to keep it up and it degenerates in any way."