Well, here we are driving through the city on our way to Amber’s house. It was left to her in the will and everything was legally transferred to her. We have picked up a lawyer from Brown and Associates, a large legal company from Baldwin Corp. They are the best lawyers in the city and handle nearly all prominent cases. I had things a bit wrong, apparently Amber’s dad was a carpenter and he built the house with help from a couple carpenter friends of his.

The electrical was done by a local company, as was the plumbing. Amber’s parents and her younger sisters, aged 17 and 19, were at home in bed at the time the fire broke out. But, there was not too much damage done and all 4 died from smoke inhalation. Each bedroom had a smoke alarm, plus there were 2 in the hall.

Her mom changes the batteries every six months just to make sure they were in working order at all times. She was always worried about fires. But, they had no insurance on the house, though her mom kept saying they should get some. The last time Amber talked with her mom they had decided to get insurance and were to finalize things the next day.

One week later was the fire. I am curious to know why none of them made it out alive, especially since the fire happened at 7am and her father needed to be at work by 8, and he was always up by 6. We arrived at the house which was in perfect condition. Amber had faithfully paid the taxes and had hired someone to look after the yard.

I took Amber, Allan (our lawyer), Kat, Mac, Rusty and Tiger along. No one answered the door so we went around back and some guy was there sitting on the deck. He was not happy to see us and told us to get off his property. “This property belongs to my client,” said Allan, pointing to Amber, “and you are trespassing.” “I bought this place 5 years ago,” he growled, “and have the papers to prove it.”

“That is quite interesting,” I said, “especially since this house did not exist 5 years ago.” “Get out!” he yelled, “Or I will call the cops!” “You will need a good lawyer too,” said Allan, “give him my card and tell him to call me. Oh, here is something for you as well, it just says that you must remove yourself and any possessions and you have 72 hours to do so.”

I had thought something like this might happen, so we came prepared, though it might be hard to make the 72 hour timeframe stick, but we can try. We then left as the man was tearing up the papers he was served. Next was city hall. In we went, same group of us, plus Aari this time too. Allan asked to see the bylaw officer but we were told he was not at work that day.

So he asked for the mayor, but he too was missing as were all the city counsellors. This is a strange place. Allan told the receptionist to get one of them here in the next 15 minutes and we will wait, or we would be suing the city for 100 million dollars. I am not sure why he gave that figure, but later he said it was the first thing that came to mind. It worked and the bylaw officer arrived quickly.

He asked to see proof of Amber’s claim and tax receipts. “These receipts are frauds,” he said, “no such person has ever worked here. Now, leave before I call the police.” Allan then produced their list of employees from their own website showing this man did work there. “Oh, right, Tim,” he said smiling, “it was hard to make out his signature.”

“Liar,” said Amber firmly, “his name is printed right under his signature.” “Oh, right, let me go upstairs and see what we have on file,” he said, and he began walking away with Amber’s papers, but Mac stood in front of him. “Leave the papers behind,” he said, “or we go with you.” “Sorry,” he replied, “forgot I still had them.” He gave them back and disappeared.

“We have trouble,” he said on the phone, “that lady is back wanting her house.” “Tell Mike to move out right away and give her house back,” said the voice, “then we can deal with her once her friends leave.” “I am sorry for the mix-up, “he said upon returning, “I will get that man out of there right away.”

“A wise decision,” said Allan. We left, and watched. Sure enough, a moving van came and the man moved out with all his belongings and was gone by 6pm. That was just too easy, and Aari agreed. He feels that a big criminal organization was involved. I agreed, so next is to get an autopsy done…

To Be Continued.

©2023 Steve McLeod.