every room, computerized heating and cooling systems,
remote-controlled window coverings, and many other of the
very latest innovations, she almost became convinced that
she'd rather have a house like this than her own dear house
back in Pine Mountain. "Are all the homes in Phase One like
this?"
"Some come close, but nothing is quite this nice. It would
cost a fortune. But, after a few drinks and some persuasion,
most people assume that this," she waved her arm around
dramatically, "is what they'll be getting when they sign on
the bottom line. Of course, if they'd only read the fine print
they might suspect otherwise. But don't kid you Looking for You All My Life159
is very careful to obey the letter of the law. For the most part
people are incredibly trusting and gullible-especially some
of the older ones. I want to show you a couple of the vacant
houses so you can get a better look at some of the construc-
tion problems-one in this phase, and the other in the latest
phase. Then you can decide for yourself."
Maggie couldn't believe the difference between the vacant
houses and the model home. She took photos of uneven
sheet-rock on the walls where nail heads had popped out,
wobbly toilets, cheap lighting fixtures, thin vinyl flooring
with bubbles, and one bathroom where the plumbing wasn't
even connected to the sink. On top of this, June explained
how many people were having problems with improperly
installed, but very expensive, septic tank systems that sat
aboveground and were becoming environmental and health
hazards.
"You can see why I want to get out of here," said June
after they finished touring the last house.
"Do you know much firsthand about the other develop-
ments?"
"I've seen enough of them to know that this is truly their
best one."
"I guess then what I've read about the other places might
be true as well."
June nodded soberly. "It's all because of greed. Cohn and
his associates have made millions, maybe billions-at the
expense of others. And this may be only a rumor, but I've
heard that Cohn has some lawsuits pending. I'm sure it's all
a matter of public record. It shouldn't be too difficult to get
the details."
"Have you ever heard of any actual settlements?"
June shook her head. "Cohn keeps all that kind of stuff
under pretty tight wraps. The only reason I heard about the
pending lawsuits was because I was dating him at the time.
And that is something I don't want to talk about."
Maggie surveyed the golf course again. It was really quite
an attractive contrast with the surrounding desert. "It's too 160Melody Carlson
bad they had to take all those shortcuts and do such a