Page 14 of Triumph of the Wolf
“What does that mean they can do? Set up a zipline outfit or something?”
“I guess they could do that, but I have a feeling this is all tied together, don’t you? Someone got that property and wants more back here.Allof this.” Jasmine waved a hand to indicate the forest around us, including the direction of the cave and gully in her gesture.
“Maybe your dad can learn some more.”
“Yeah. I’m sure he can. We’ll figure it out. Nobody is stealing the family’s land.”
“You ensured that when you bit the tires on that truck, didn’t you?”
Her cheeks flushed, but she looked more exhilarated than embarrassed. “Those guys will think twice about returning after that, but they’re just the agents. They probably don’t know much about what the potential buyers arereallyup to.”
“But you weren’t going to let them go without nipping at their heels?”
“Ididn’t start that.” Jasmine waved at her chest. “But people have to be warned away from werewolf territory. For their own good.”
“How many of their tires were flat by the time they made it to the pavement?” I glanced at the van, wondering if I’d given Duncan enough time to collect himself.
“Most of them.” Jasmine grinned. “They were running on the rims by the time they left the woods.”
“And missing a tailpipe.”
“Naturally.”
“Do you mention your hobby of vehicle destruction on your résumé?”
“I do not. Besides, you don’t puthobbieson your résumé unless you’re fifteen and have no work experience.”
“Bolin mentioned his violin and spelling-bee skills on his.”
“I’m sure hisparentsgot him his first job. Wait, is working for you his first job?”
“I think so. Before that, he was focused on his academics.”
“How precious. I’m going to tease him about that. I’ve been working at least summer jobs since I was thirteen.” Jasmine wrinkled her nose. “I wish I’d saved more though. Then I wouldn’t still be living at home.”
“I guess I won’t hit you up to be a backer.”
“Backer for what?”
“Duncan suggested thatIbuy Sylvan Serenity.”
She wrinkled her nose again and looked toward the Roadtrek. “No offense, Aunt Luna, but you probably shouldn’t take investing advice from someone who lives in a van.”
“I told him it wouldn’t be possible. My net worth, sadly, isn’t much greater than yours.” And I was more than twenty years older. Trying not to grimace, I reminded myself that I’d pulled myself out of the debt that Chad had left me with and was making progress on saving for the down payment on a property I could conceivably buy one day.
“I guess you could technically put together a syndication and get a bunch of backers,” Jasmine said. “Since you’d still be running the complex, I assume, it could pencil out. Do you think the Sylvans would negotiate the price down for you? You’re mentoring their son, after all.”
“I’m not sure I’ve taught Bolin anything. He hasn’t even been willing to hold the wax ring for me while I install a toilet.”
“He’s coddled.” She smiled fondly. “I’ve told him.”
“I’m sure he appreciates your honesty.”
“I think he appreciates my boobs.”
“They can be useful assets in discussions with men. But no, I’m sure the Sylvans wouldn’t cut me a deal. They’re shrewd businesspeople. Even if they did, what would it be? Asking twenty-nine million instead of thirty?”
“That could make more of a difference than you’d think. Do you want me to math the place out for you? Figure out market rents, the carrying costs, and where it would pencil out? Is that the actual listing price?”
