Jen and Stu already knew that I was going to start construction in the spring, and that little by little I was going to evict each tenant on General Assistance, until I was able to get everything completed. I was actually surprised that they decided to move without any job prospects or any form of income coming in. 

Out of the blue, Jen mentioned she didn’t take any rent money from anyone, and that the tenants were all lying to me just to avoid paying the rent.  That’s when I knew she was lying both about the laptop and about the fact that she was going to Florida.  Why did she have to bring up the money about the tenants?  I did not even ask her anything about that yet.  I did not even have the chance to talk to any of the tenants yet, to see what their story was. 

I continued with the conversation as if I accepted everything that came out of her mouth as true. I was cordial and polite. I did not even blow up. I was so proud of myself for not losing my cool.   After I hung up, I told Tiffany “At least I know it wasn’t you that snatched the laptop. Do you know what happened with the washer and dryer?” “Oh, she told me I could have them. I already sold them to a used appliance store” replied Tiffany. I figured as much. I thanked her for her help, took a deep breath, and then walked back to the house, where my brother Bill was waiting for me in his pickup truck.  He was ready to go, and so was I.

As I look back on the events of the first week of January 2009, I cannot forget this feeling of devastation that came over me.  The moment I found out about the betrayal and the theft, I instantly went from being a generous, self-confident & and loving man to a needy and mean a&#hole.  I did not like the monster I had become. 

I confided in one of my business partners Don, and told him every single little aspect of the situation.  I was so overwhelmed about the whole event that I felt like punching somebody or something out.   I always considered myself to be a strong guy mentally, and I carried myself as such. Physically I may look like a weak little thing, which is the way I like it, but I always had this air of confidence, even though deep inside I was this scared and confused puppy, always fearing what the future held for me.