“Oh, you did,” I replied. “You told your guests last night you were managing the house. People were impressed. They asked about your business model.”
Melissa’s eyes flicked to him, sharp with sudden suspicion.
Before Brandon could respond, Patricia emerged from my master bedroom wearing my robe and carrying my favorite mug.
“Eleanor,” she said, oblivious to tension, “we need fresh towels. And the Wi-Fi is slow. Can you call someone?”
I stared at her, then at Brandon, then at Melissa.
And right then, my phone rang.
“Eleanor Sterling?” a brisk voice asked. “This is Janet Morrison with Coastal Properties Real Estate. I have questions about the beach house listing.”
Beach house listing.
I put the call on speaker, because clarity is a gift.
“I’m sorry,” I said, “but I haven’t listed any property for sale.”
A pause. “That’s odd,” Janet said. “We received an inquiry yesterday from a Brandon Sterling claiming to represent the owner for a potential sale. He provided detailed details and said he was authorized to handle all real estate decisions.”
The silence that followed was so complete I could hear the ocean through an open window.