Walter kept his hands in his pockets. “I said I’m not selling.” Howard nodded slowly, studying him. “I get it. But you have to understand, this project isn’t going anywhere. And construction’s messy. Noise, dust, trucks running at all hours. It’s not going to be pleasant out here.” He smiled, but the warmth didn’t reach his eyes.
“Wouldn’t it be easier to move now, while you can still choose where to go?” “I built this place myself,” Walter said quietly. “I’ll decide when to leave.” For a moment, neither spoke. Then Howard’s smile flattened. “That’s your call,” he said. “But I’ll tell you this, in six months, you won’t recognize this valley.”