walk you through. Naturally, it's the only one of its kind,
well-constructed, immaculate, and decorated to the nines in
Ralph Lauren's classiest southwest decor. Of course, it's right
on the golf course, and we usually invite you to sit on the
deck for plenty of drinks and appetizers-the royal treat-
ment. Then we show you maps of the property, and a
schmaltzy video showing the other phases-rather parts of
the other phases. We usually know exactly which lot we
want to sell, and we tell you that we have this really special
lot-the only one of its kind-and only available because
someone died or something dramatic like that."
"And do people buy it?"
June nodded sadly. "Many of them have had a few too
many drinks by then, and they're caught up in all the
glamour. We help them to imagine themselves suddenly
living out their fantasies of the lifestyle of the rich and
famous. In other words, they buy in haste and repent in
leisure."
"Is anyone happy here?"
"Oh, some might actually be happy, but they're the ones
who have money to burn. And, of course, they all live in
Phase One. We'll drive through that first. We can stop at the
model home if you like."
"Let's do that. It might be effective for me to get the
whole 'royal treatment' as you put it."
158Melody Carlson
June laughed. "Maybe I should sell you a lot while I'm at
it too.
"Actually, I'd probably make a likely victim. I bought a
house sight unseen last year-not the smartest thing I've
done in my life. It could've turned into a real nightmare but,
fortunately, it's been more like a dream come true." Maggie
told her about Clyde selling his house to her as they drove
through Phase One. "This looks quite nice in here," she
observed. The houses were large and impressive with well-
watered and immaculate lawns.
"Yes. Unfortunately these are the minority of home-
owners in Desert Winds. But they have paid dearly for these
showplaces. Everything done Out here on the desert is highly
inflated-nothing comes cheap, except for the quality of
workmanship and materials, that is. Of course, some things
will only show up over time. These homes are only a year, or
two at the most, old. But my guess is that in five years they
will be having some major problems."
"Are you saying that even the best homes aren't well
built?"
"They cut lots of corners, have very low building stan-
dards, and often use inferior materials."
Maggie jotted all this down. Then they toured the model
home, and she was honestly impressed by its open, flowing
design and expensive decor. With classical music piped into