Evan stared.
“You told me that money came from your bonus.”
She began crying.
“I was going to tell you.”
I closed the laptop.
For a moment, I couldn’t speak.
My daughter had been collecting money from my property.
Her husband hadn’t known where all of it came from.
And Richard had been keeping a percentage while pretending he was doing me a favor.
Then I noticed another document beside the reservation records.
It was labeled *Property Management Authorization*.
Madison’s name appeared at the bottom.
I picked it up.
It stated that she was authorized to represent the owner for rental purposes.
I looked at her.
“Did you sign this?”
She nodded miserably.
“I thought it was only for setting up the listing.”
“Madison, you weren’t authorized to represent me.”
“I know.”
Richard stepped forward.
“She gave me permission to manage the house.”
I turned toward him.
**“She couldn’t give you authority she didn’t have.”**
He stared.
For once, Richard Hale had nothing clever to say.
***
The following Monday, I met with a local attorney.
I brought the reservation records, copies of the listing, the management document, and Sarah’s booking confirmation.
The attorney reviewed them carefully.
