“A way to solve everyone’s problems.”
“Everyone?”
“Mom, Richard’s resort project could create hundreds of jobs.
The access road would only affect a small portion of your land.”
“Your father refused.”
“Because Dad was stubborn.”
“Because he had reasons.”
Jared leaned forward.
“Listen to me.
Richard’s increased the offer.
He’ll pay two hundred and fifty thousand dollars for the easement.”
I looked at the papers.
“Your father was offered considerably more.”
He blinked.
“What?”
“Years ago.”
Jared’s expression changed so quickly I almost missed it.
Surprise.
Then calculation.
“Who told you that?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Mom, you don’t understand development economics.”
“Then explain them.”
He sighed.
“The project depends on financing, permits, investors—”
“And my land.”
“Yes.”
“Then why are you speaking as if I’m the problem?”
He looked away.
I pushed the document back toward him.
“No.”
“At least read it.”
