“It means his entire development plan is illegal,” I said directly to my mother. “He can’t build those cabins there.”

“We have alternative plans,” Trevor snapped.

“If you move them back from the creek, you don’t have enough acreage to qualify for the commercial zoning,” I said.

I knew the zoning laws inside out; I had lived in this county my entire life.

Trevor’s breathing grew shallow, his chest rising and falling beneath his heavy coat.

“I need that road, Meredith,” he said, his voice dropping to a harsh whisper.

“You’re never getting it,” I said.

“If you don’t sell it to me, your parents lose their home,” he said, stepping directly into my space.

“Trevor, stop,” my mother cried, reaching out to grab his sleeve.

He ignored her, his eyes locked onto mine with a cold, desperate intensity.

“You’d really let your own mother and father get evicted just to keep a few acres of dirt?” he asked.

“You’re the one who put them in this position, Trevor,” I said. “Not me.”

“I’m offering you a way out,” he said. “Right now. A cash offer for the road.”