I trusted her to enter if a pipe burst or a window broke.
Not to hand access to someone running a vacation rental operation.
Then Evan asked a question that changed everything.
“How many weekends have you rented it?”
Richard looked annoyed.
“Several.”
“How many?”
He hesitated.
“Four completed reservations. This is the fifth.”
I gripped the back of a chair.
**My house had already been rented four times without my knowledge.**
Madison stared at him.
“Four?”
Richard looked surprised.
“You knew we were testing the market.”
“You told me you’d arranged two weekends!”
He shrugged.
“The demand was strong.”
Evan stepped closer.
“And how much money have you collected?”
Richard didn’t answer.
I took out my phone.
“Richard, I think it’s time we see your booking records.”
***
By late afternoon, the guests had contacted the rental platform.
The platform opened a dispute concerning the listing’s authorization.
Sarah and her group decided they wanted to leave rather than remain in the middle of a family conflict.
I didn’t blame them.
Richard eventually agreed to cooperate with their refund request.
I helped them locate available accommodations nearby.
