She let out a little huff. “I know the cops have been called on the people who rented it out last month.”
Carolina jerked her head up. “What?”
“Yes. They were disturbing the neighbors and they had a vicious dog that attacked someone.”
Her hand went to her mouth. “I had no idea. My husband managed the rental property and dealt with any issues.”
Dee finished bagging up her items and gave her a sympathetic look. “I’m afraid your neighbors might not be too happy when they find out the owner is moving in. I’m pretty sure those folks have a lot to say about the unfortunate incident. I mean, these people were hopping mad. Especially after multiple attempts to reach your husband. I hear he didn’t bother to return any of their calls.”
“My ex-husband.” Carolina reminded her. “It’s not my fault. I had no idea.”
“Just be careful and keep the noise down. Maybe everyone’s forgotten all about it.” She patted her hand. “Oh and welcome to town.”
Chapter 5
Carolina had a difficult time finding the lake house. The last time she’d been there had been years ago. She almost missed the driveway because it was overgrown and it was hard to see in the dark.
She slowly drove up the driveway and frowned. They’d paid a grounds crew to keep up the yard which included the driveway. Even though it was fall they should have continued to keep up the yard, yet it looked like no one had taken care of the place for months.
Her headlights hit the front of the house and her foot hit the brakes. She peered through the windshield, horrified at what she saw.
The house’s red paint was peeling and in desperate need of a fresh paint job. The flowerbeds were overgrown with weeds and grass and all her perennial flowers had long since died.
So, this is why Chris let her have the place. He knew it was a wreck. Undoubtedly, getting the house back in shape would cost several thousand dollars—money she simply didn’t have.
Carolina took a steady breath, trying to calm her racing heart.
What she needed was some dinner and a good night’s sleep. Everything would look better in the morning, she reminded herself.
She killed the engine and opened the door of the jeep. She pulled out her bag of groceries and one of the sheets filled with her clothes. She set her items by the door. She made two more trips in the rain.
Fishing the house keys out of her purse, she unlocked the large door and pushed it open.
The scent of mildew assaulted her senses.
She sat her sheets filled with her clothes on the floor and reached for the light switch.
The light flickered before illuminating the foyer.
The small table she’d bought for the entryway was gone. And so was the runner.
The hardwood floors were scratched and dull. They definitely needed to be sanded and refinished.
She headed further into the house. The living room opened up into the kitchen.
The large picture window that looked out over the lake had sold them on the property. The view was stunning. She had pictured Christmases at the lake house but that had never happened. Chris preferred to have Christmas at home.
The stone fireplace looked to be in good shape but the mantle needed dusting and the TV was missing from where it hung above.
She looked around the kitchen and noticed the sink dripping. Walking over she turned the faucet but the drip continued.
The living room couch and coffee table had stains on them.
She frowned.
Chris had not told her about any damage from renters they’d had.
She shook her head.
