They Remodeled My Mountain Retreat Without Asking — Then Learned Every “Family” Home Was Mine

that communicated the depth of her distress before any of the words did. A letter had arrived. It said they had to leave the house within thirty days. Was I involved? Her question was rhetorical in the specific way of people who already know the answer and are hoping that saying it out loud will somehow make it wrong.

“Yes,” I said. “The notice means continue reading …