Chapter 7: Notice text
Caroline Briggs’s formal notice went out as promised: ownership confirmed, occupancy rights restated, and a clear line that overnight stays required written invitation from me. Rebecca’s reply came through a tone that tried to sound wounded and practical at once. She accused me of turning Eleanor’s death into a weapon. I did not answer the accusation. Weapons are for people who still need to win an argument. I had a deed and a quiet house.
Trent attempted a different route—an email about joint maintenance funds and “preserving the asset for the grandchildren.” Caroline answered that one. Her language was polite and final. The asset was already preserved. It sat on Lake Marlin under my name. Contributions were not solicited. Management was not shared.
Cooper sent a separate message, short and without strategy: he had liked the cracked paddle and the way the water sounded under the dock. I wrote back that he was welcome to visit again if he came without a campaign. He said he understood. Madison did not write. I did not require her to.
