Family Landlords Raise the Rent to Force One Sister Out
I rolled the silver dial of my wristwatch again, feeling my skin turn red.
“It is just a temporary distraction,” I said.
“My sister is visiting for a few days.”
“We cannot have background noise on client calls next week,” Keith said, his screen flickering as he shifted some papers.
“Professionalism is not optional.”
The television volume went up another notch, a burst of recorded laughter filling my room.
I clicked the mute button on my screen, my face burning as Keith stared at me through the camera.
“I will have the deck to you by five,” I said, though I knew he could not hear me.
He gave a tight nod and disconnected the call.
On Friday evening, while Vanessa was out with a friend, the apartment was finally quiet.
I stood in the narrow hallway cabinet, looking at my metal filing box where I kept everything of value.
I wanted to double-check the exact wording of my lease agreement, specifically the clause about overnight guests.
My hand reached into the drawer, sliding past the labeled folders for my car insurance and my tax returns.
