Dad had told the Whitakers the certificate was for his records, which was completely true. Combined with a coffee can full of change slips they had initialed throughout the job, it documented exactly what work they approved and what remained unpaid. Ed calmly explained the situation loudly enough for the potential buyers to hear. The lien would remain attached to the lake house until the debt, contractual late fees, and filing expenses were paid. Until then, the sale couldn’t close. “You told him to sue you,” Ed reminded Mr. Whitaker. “He didn’t need to.”

The buyers exchanged glances and quietly returned to their car. Suddenly, the Whitakers’ refusal to pay an old painter $5,300 was threatening the sale of their lake house. Before the second group of buyers could even arrive, Mrs. Whitaker disappeared inside. Minutes later, she returned carrying her checkbook. With fees and costs added, the amount was now $6,140. Her hand shook while she wrote the check. Dad inspected the amount twice before slipping it into his shirt pocket. Then he turned toward Ed and gave him one simple instruction.

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