Family Landlords Raise the Rent to Force One Sister Out
“You knew Vanessa was moving in three weeks before she showed up,” I said, my voice flat and measured.
He stopped rubbing the key fob for a second, his fingers freezing against the leather.
“Your mother felt it was the only way to keep Vanessa from losing her credit rating,” he said. “She was trying to solve a problem.”
“She solved it by taking my home,” I said.
“We did not think you would leave,” he said. “We thought you would just adjust to the change.”
I walked over to the counter and picked up the water bill, sliding my fingernail under the flap of the envelope.
The total was eighty-four dollars and twelve cents, and the name on the envelope was still mine.
“I have already transferred the account,” I said. “This is the final statement for the old place.”
He nodded slowly, his eyes fixed on the white paper in my hand.
“Vanessa is having trouble with the water heater,” he said. “She does not know how to relight the pilot light.”
“The manual is online,” I said.
