I decided to answer this time. “Well,” she said in a syrupy-sweet voice. “How’s our little shack treating you today?”

“It’s fine,” I replied flatly. She gave a mocking laugh on the other end of the line.

“Of course it’s fine for someone like you,” she said. “It’s isolated and simple, just like your life.”

I gripped the phone tighter. “Skylar, why are you calling me?”

“I was just thinking that Mom and I could help you manage that property,” she said casually. “You’re so busy with your deployments and your military career.”

“It would make a lot more sense if I handled the logistics for you,” she continued. “You could still visit for the holidays, and it would be much easier for everyone.”