Paying three hundred thousand dollars of debt before being ordered out of the house
“The crown molding in this room is original to the nineteen-twenties,” Evelyn remarked, her eyes tracing the ceiling. “It is so rare to find that level of craftsmanship preserved.”
“Yes,” I said. “We have tried to maintain it.”
“Arthur always loved this house,” she continued, referring to her husband. “He was so proud when Marcus bought it. It would be a tragedy if it went to strangers.”
I wondered if she knew the exact figure of the bonus I had just transferred to clear the first portion of his guarantee.
“I am only doing what is necessary to secure our future,” I said, choosing my words with care.
“Naturally,” she said, pulling the string from the box and lifting the lid to reveal four heavily dusted pastries. The sweet, dense scent of toasted almonds and powdered sugar drifted into the cold room, masking the faint draft from the front window. “We must make sure Marcus appreciates the effort it takes to maintain a home like this.”
I watched her slide a pastry onto a small paper napkin she had brought in her pocket.
“He is trying,” I said.
