"Rachel Monroe. I represent Daniel Brooks."
He looked at me, then at Linda. "I was told the seller's attorney would not be present."
I stared at him. "What seller?"
He frowned. "Mr. Brooks?"
"That's me."
He slowly lowered his folder. "My name is William Price. I'm with Cumberland Community Bank."
There it was: the bank inspector. Charles Bennett had guessed correctly.
William looked toward the temporary fence. "I was asked to verify site control conditions before tomorrow's financing review."
Rachel's voice changed. "Verify what conditions?"
"That Brookstone had obtained possession of the first acquisition area."
I pointed toward the workers. "Does this look like possession?"
William did not answer immediately.
Linda stepped between us. "Daniel is interfering with an executed land transaction."
I laughed once. "There is no transaction."
"There is a signed agreement!"
"Not signed by me."
William's expression changed. "You're disputing the signature?"
"I'm telling you it is fake."
Now he stopped taking pictures completely.
Linda shook her head. "He is trying to renegotiate."
"No."
She pointed at me. "He rejected the final payment schedule after accepting the initial deposit!"
I stared at her. "What deposit?"
"The 800,000."
"I never received $800,000."
William turned toward Linda. "You told the bank the seller had received the deposit."
"He received it through his acquisition representative."
Rachel stepped forward. "Name?"
Linda hesitated. "Blue Ridge Land Partners."
Rachel almost smiled. "That company belongs to your husband."
"It is a separate legal entity."
"Does it represent Daniel?"
"It handled acquisition."
"That was not my question."
William looked from one woman to the other, then he closed his folder. "I think this inspection needs to stop."
Linda's eyes widened. "No!"
"Yes. The financing review is tomorrow."