Chapter 6 - The Uninvited Guest
Before either of them could utter another word of excuse, the electronic chimes of the front doorbell rang through the house.
Miriam jumped, clutching her pearl necklace as if someone had fired a pistol.
"Who is that? Did you call the police?" Wesley asked, his voice shaking with naked panic.
"I didn't call the police," I replied calmly, walking out of the dining room and into the entryway.
"I invited someone who has been waiting very patiently for this Thanksgiving dinner to conclude."
I opened the front door to reveal Marcus Vance, one of Portland’s most ruthless real estate attorneys, accompanied by a licensed appraiser.
Marcus wiped his polished leather oxfords on the doormat and handed me a warm travel mug of coffee.
"Happy Thanksgiving, Renata. I trust the turkey was well-received?"
"They barely touched it, Marcus," I said, stepping aside to let both men into the warm hallway.
Wesley and Miriam appeared at the end of the corridor, staring at the strangers like trapped animals.
"Who the hell are you?" Wesley demanded, attempting to summon a shred of masculine authority.
"I am Marcus Vance, legal counsel representing Renata Chen in the property liquidation and asset forfeiture proceedings."
Marcus pulled a laminated court order from his leather briefcase and held it out for Wesley to inspect.
"As of 9:00 AM yesterday, the circuit court granted an emergency petition for partition and immediate listing of this real estate."
May you like
"The locks will be changed on Saturday morning at ten o'clock sharp," Marcus announced with professional detachment.
"Any personal property remaining inside after that hour will be cataloged and placed in commercial storage at your personal expense."
