Page 55 of Lakehouse Promises

“No. You sound like a man who has never laughed a day in your life,” she admitted.

He snorted. “Want me to call the cops?” I’m trying to get your roof finished and she isn’t helping my progress.”

“No. I’ll take an early lunch and deal with her.” She ended the call and looked over at Bernice who was staring at her.

“That was Thomas.”

“I know.”

“He said my ex-mother-in-law won’t let him put my roof on.”

“Tell him to ignore her.”

“I did. From the sounds of it, she’s literally blocking his ladder.”

“If you leave, you are taking it as your lunch break.” Bernice narrowed her eyes.

“Fine.” Carolina grabbed her purse from behind the counter and hurried to her car.

By the time she pulled into her driveway she saw Janice leaning against the ladder, blocking the only way for Thomas to get on the roof.

”What’s going on here?” Carolina demanded. “Thomas needs to get back on the roof so he can fix it.”

“I’m not moving. I asked to see this man’s credentials. I believe a roofer needs some kind of license. Therefore I’m stopping work until I’m satisfied that my son’s house is in good hands.”

Incensed, Carolina stepped forward. “Yeah, well, it’s not your house, it’s mine and if you don’t move, I’m going to call the police.”

“You have got to be kidding me.” Janice glared at her.

“Try me.” The words spilled out of her mouth.

Phoenix arrived, saw the interaction, and stood over by Thomas unsure of what was going on.

When Janice didn’t move, Carolina dug out her cell phone. She began punching in numbers.

Janice tried to call her bluff.

“Yes, can you send a police officer out to my house? I have a crazy woman who is trespassing on my property and won’t leave.” She proceeded to give her the address.

“Carolina Johnson! How dare you.” Janice thundered. She stood from perching on the ladder and fisted her fingers at her sides. “I cannot believe you called the police on me like I’m a common criminal.”

“You really called the cops on her?” Thomas arched his brow.

She ignored his question and kept her gaze on Janice. “They are on their way so you can either wait here and take it up with the police or you can leave.”

Janice smugly crossed her arms and glared. “We’ll see what they have to say.”

Off in the distance the wail of a siren was heard.

Carolina gasped.

Janice’s smile slid off her face. Her face went pale. “You actually called the cops on me.” She ran inside.

“Huh.” Thomas snorted, unable to hide the fact he was impressed.

It took less than thirty seconds for Janice to come barreling out of the house with her suitcase and belongings.

She threw them in the car and got behind the wheel. She started the engine and peeled out down the driveway.

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