“Evelyn and I have five million dollars in investor capital lined up that depends on hitting that November deadline.”

“Evelyn is your business partner,” I said.

“Does she understand that the valley property is entirely in my personal name?”

Daniel stood up from the iron chair, holding the rolled paper against his ribs like a wooden club.

“Evelyn knows exactly what she needs to know to keep our business afloat.”

“That does not answer my question, Daniel.”

“I’m going inside to call the site surveyor,” he said, stepping past my chair and sliding the glass door open.

“Your tea is still sitting on the kitchen counter from last night if you want to throw it out.”