Family Landlords Raise the Rent to Force One Sister Out
“Why is your name on the county tax letter for this apartment, Vanessa?” I asked.
She did not stop stirring her sugar, the metal spoon clinking against the ceramic cup three times.
“I have no idea,” she said, her voice dropping into a flat murmur. “Mom handles all of that paperwork stuff.”
“The county sent this weeks ago,” I said, pointing to the date on the letter. “Before you even moved your things in here.”
Vanessa slipped her sunglasses down over her eyes, hiding her face as she leaned against the refrigerator.
“You are always looking for some kind of conspiracy, Lauren,” she said, tapping her painted fingernails against the granite counter.
“I did not sign this utility transition form either,” I said, holding up the second piece of paper. “But it has my name written on the bottom.”
Vanessa took a slow sip of her coffee, her shoulders rising as she took a deep breath.
“If you have a problem with the bills, you should call Dad,” she said.
“Dad told me he cannot get involved,” I said.
