Chapter 4

Ms. Wrong Foot Walters said, “I seem to have made a mistake. What did you mean when you said, ‘not more than 15?’”

“Million. Not more than fifteen million,” Junior said. “You took that in stride very well ... The location had better include waterside and ... in a canyon with real rock cliffs would be nice. A few acres that won’t need mowing could make a sale. Surprise doesn’t like close neighbors ... trespassing is right out.”

“How big a home?”

“Well ... here’s the catch ... she wants to rent with a no lease situation ... in case she doesn’t like it. There’s just her ... and a niece, who is more of a daughter than a niece. The niece has her own place ... and there is room but Surprise intends to keep to herself. She’ll be outfiting herself and her domicile ... and she’ll be needing a vehicle when she arrives.

“I can see the no lease rental didn’t sit well with you. I can tell you one thing ... if she likes it ... she’ll buy it. When she goes back to building boats, she’ll use it as a vacation bonus for her International executives.”

“Building boats? Luxury Yachts?”

“No ... Farr 3.7 meter single handed racing skiffs.”

“A production facility?”

“No ... she builds boats as a hobby. But it pays its own way. She is her own employee and she is ... fussy. Oh ... she also builds the most expensive kitchen cabinets you have ever seen ... that’s on a contract basis. She has a backlog of cabinets. I understand she is 4 years booked. People who know don’t mind the wait.”

“Who are you?”

“Do you have a fifty?”

“Yes.”

“Take a closer look at it.”

“Oh ... Oh!”

“See the resemblance?”

“That’s you ... only younger.”

“I was 13 when I posed for the engraver.”

“You’re the Princess.”

“Well ... I suppose. I did inherit the position when mom was murdered.”

“This whole prank isn’t a prank?”

“Nope ... show me what you have. Surprise will take what I recommend. We’re pals.”

“Within the parameters you discussed, there are three in my portfolio. I know from the Association that they are the only homes for sale with an option to buy in the greater Austin area. Two are rather far out but the homes are on the water. Neither of them have access to public transportation. There is one ... a distress sale ... taxes ... east. One hundred ten acres. The home is huge. Two story. Ten or twelve thousand square feet on the main floor and two basements. It is NOT a desirable area. The acreage is the last plot of undivided land in what was a Spanish Land Grant.”

“Not a desirable ... what’s the matter with it?”

“I am not in the least bit prejudiced but the area is overrun with hispanics...”

“We’ll take it.”

“What?”

“Surprise is a great equal opportunity employer ... she is also friends with every Mexican in Pentwater. She knowingly hired a bunch jailed by ICE ... and sold them her main business. One of them is running for the State legislature. She’s a politician ... I even like her. Such an organizer.”

“What?”

“If Surprise doesn’t buy it her niece will.”

“What?”

“Write it up.”

“What?”

“Ten thousand a month?”

“What?”

“Ah ... confusion ... I love it.” Junior went to the door. “Ann ... we need you.”