No threats.
That made Marcus more cautious, not less.
“Mr. Reed?”
“Yes.”
“My name is Jonathan Hale.”
Marcus knew the name.
Crestline's former attorney.
The man smiled.
“I'd like to talk.”
Marcus stayed in the doorway.
“About?”
“Your property.”
“No.”
Jonathan's smile disappeared.
“You haven't heard my offer.”
“I don't need to.”
“You should.”
Marcus crossed his arms.
“How much?”
Jonathan gave him a number.
Marcus stared at him.
“That much?”
“Yes.”
“That's more than the property is worth.”
“We know.”
“Then why offer it?”
“Because your cooperation is valuable.”
Marcus nodded.
“There it is.”
Jonathan sighed.
“Mr. Reed, this doesn't have to become a battle.”
“It already is.”
“No.”
Jonathan's voice remained calm.
“You've made it a battle.”
Marcus smiled.
“You sent a fake easement.”
Jonathan's face changed slightly.
“I don't know what you're referring to.”
Marcus looked at him.
“Then you should talk to your own people.”
Jonathan stepped closer.
“You're making a mistake.”
Marcus didn't move.
“No.”
He pointed toward the street.
“You're making a mistake.”
Jonathan frowned.
“What's that?”
“You came here.”
Jonathan stared at him.
Marcus continued.
“You could have sent another letter.”
He pointed toward the security camera.
“You could have made another anonymous complaint.”
He pointed toward his phone.
“You could have tried another company.”
Then Marcus looked directly into Jonathan's eyes.
“But you came to my house.”
Jonathan's face became unreadable.
Marcus smiled.
“Now you're on camera.”
For the first time, Jonathan looked up.
He saw the camera.
His expression changed.
Marcus stepped backward.
“You should leave.”
Jonathan didn't move.
Marcus's voice became colder.
“Now.”
Jonathan finally turned.
He walked toward his car.
Marcus watched until the vehicle disappeared.
Then he closed the door.
He immediately called Daniel.
“He came.”
“Who?”
“Hale.”
Silence.
“Jonathan Hale?”
“Yes.”
“What did he want?”
“To buy my property.”
“How much?”