That was technically true.
But Dad had another document.
Before beginning work, he always asked property owners to sign a work authorization referencing the original estimate.
Richard had signed it.
So had Melissa.
The authorization specifically referenced the estimate number and therefore the agreed scope and price.
“She knows exactly what she agreed to,” I told Dad.
“Yes.”
“So why is she refusing?”
“Because she thinks she can.”
Then he became quiet.
“There’s something else.”
“What?”
“When I went back to discuss it, she mentioned you.”
My stomach tightened.
“What did she say?”
“She reminded me that her husband employs my daughter.”
I immediately understood.
Melissa was suggesting that if Dad continued demanding full payment, my job might somehow become part of the disagreement.
“Dad, I can talk to Richard.”
“No.”
“Why?”
“I want to handle it myself.”
Then he added something strange.
“And I have something.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’ll tell you tomorrow.”
“Dad.”
“Go to work in the morning.”
His voice was calm.
Not excited.
Not angry.
It was the voice he used whenever he had finally understood a difficult problem.
The following morning, at 7:46, my phone rang.
Dad.
“Get over here.”
“Where?”
“Richard’s house.”
“What happened?”
“Your boss just found out what was underneath his pool.”
I froze.
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m not alone.”
“Who’s there?”
He told me.
I grabbed my keys.
The drive normally took twenty minutes.
I made it in seventeen.
When I turned onto Lakeview Drive, I immediately saw two police vehicles.
Dad was standing in the driveway beside an elderly woman with white hair and a folder tucked under one arm.
Richard was arguing with an officer.
Melissa stood nearby looking completely shaken.
I parked and hurried over.
The elderly woman approached me first.
“Are you Julie?”
“Yes.”
“My name is Eleanor Marks. I live on this street.”
She gestured toward Richard’s property.
“I was here when this house was built. I was here before it existed too.”
I stared at her.
“I don’t understand.”
“Your father will explain.”
Then she looked directly at me.
“But before he does, you should know something. What happened here is not his fault.”
I found Dad.
“What is going on?”
He led me away from Richard.
“Remember that strange calcium deposit I mentioned?”
“Yes.”
“The pipe had failed in an unusual way. The buildup suggested something outside the pipe was creating pressure.”
