Chapter 8 - The EasementOwen’s father left behind one useful surprise.
A 1987 public-access easement.
Rachel found it in a metal document box beneath the market office floor.
The lane beside Cole Harbor Seafood had to remain accessible to the municipal pier.
Voss’s proposed marina needed control over that lane.
Without Cole property, the project still worked.
Poorly.
With it, everything became easier.
Traffic.
Delivery access.
Marina entrance.
Utilities.
Rachel explained:
“This is why they want you.”
Owen looked at the old map.
“Why didn’t Dad tell me?”
“He probably did.”
Rosa smiled faintly.
“You never listened when he talked about deeds.”
Owen almost laughed.
The appraisal changed too.
With access rights, redevelopment value might exceed three million dollars.
Voss’s $1.85 million offer suddenly looked less generous.
Nathan’s option became more suspicious.
Rachel reviewed it.
“Likely unenforceable without member consent.”
Nathan exhaled.
“Good.”
Rachel looked at him.
“Not good.”
He froze.
“You took money for something you may not have had authority to sell.”
Nathan’s face fell.
Consequences.
Again.
Then Rachel found a clause.
If Voss failed to obtain control of the property by December, the option advance converted into a personal debt against Nathan.
He owed $100,000.
Plus interest.
Voss had built pressure on him too.
Jayden asked:
“Why does everybody sign things they don’t understand?”
Rachel looked at Owen.
Then Nathan.
Then smiled slightly.
May you like
“Excellent question.”
Nobody else smiled.
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