“You’re the one who has been trespassing on my land!” he accused, his voice unsteady from anger. “You’ve been helping my granddaughter disobey my orders!”
Taken by surprise, Penny could think of nothing to say in her own defense.
After his first outburst, Peter Jasko ignored the girl. Turning once more to Mrs. Downey he said in a rasping voice:
“You have my final decision, Ma’am. I shall not renew the lease.”
“Please, Mr. Jasko,” Mrs. Downey argued quietly. “Think what this means to me! If I lose the ski slopes I shall be compelled to give up the lodge. I’ve already offered you more than I can afford to pay.”
“Money ain’t no object,” the old man retorted. “I’m against the whole proposition.”
“Nothing I can say will make you reconsider?”
“Nothing, Ma’am.”
Picking up his cap, a ridiculous looking affair with ear muffs, Peter Jasko brushed past Penny and went out the door.