Part 100 (2/2)

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

workmans.h.i.+p 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 cla.s.sical music piped into

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