“I did.”
“Then you understand where we stand.”
I walked past him to the edge of the water. The lake had risen another foot. The spring pipe fed it steadily, clear water disappearing into muddy arrogance. Straw had been spread over the banks. Someone had already planted clumps of ornamental grass.
“You’re still working,” I said.
“Our attorney advised us to complete scheduled improvements unless there is a court order.”
“Your attorney advised you to keep digging on land that isn’t yours?”
“Our survey says otherwise.”
“Your survey ignored the physical monuments.”
He crossed his arms. “Daniel, I understand this land means a lot to you. I do. But we’re not trying to steal anything. We’re trying to build something beautiful. This could benefit both properties.”
“You never asked me.”
“We didn’t think we needed to.”
“That’s the problem.”
His jaw tightened. “Look, maybe when this is resolved, if a small adjustment needs to be made, we can discuss compensation.”
“There it is.”
“What?”
“You’re betting I’ll sell you the problem you created.”