When Cody arrived, he immediately called it a family matter. Marlene corrected him: it became a business matter when he charged strangers for land he didn’t own. Finally, Cody admitted he needed money for rent, credit cards, and truck repairs. Marlene reminded him that she had already helped with his rent, tires, and electricity. Then Cody said the words that destroyed her remaining sympathy: she had money and barely used the land anyway. Marlene realized he had seen a widow and mistaken her generosity for permission.

Then Marlene asked how many other hunters he had charged. Cody first guessed four or five groups before admitting he had been doing it since the previous season. She ordered him to refund everyone and provide complete records. When Cody protested, Marlene revoked his permission to enter the property and showed him the deed and tax documents bearing her name. Finally, she demanded his gate key. Cody slowly placed the old brass key beside the coffee cups and drove away. Later, the full truth emerged: Cody had secretly sold access to eleven groups and collected more than $9,000.

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