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I sain

“So how can I help you?” I ask in a low and calm voice “You ht? And she’s been there a while?”

Katie nods quickly

“Yes, and Dinah’s been a great tenant for years She usually always pays her rent on tietful lately I think it’s because her business has been doing really well, but that’s a good thing, right? Tenants with money can afford to pay rent”

I nod, steepling ht

“That’s true, but ive Dinah a break? Just as an aside, we keep a waitlist of hundreds of potential renters at the central office, and her price than what yourfor that same apartment”

Katie stares atthis interesting tidbit I’m not sure what she expected, but to realize that there’s a line of other renters right behind you waiting for their shot

“Well, I can make sure she pays you on time from here on out,” she says in a rushed voice “I will personally make sure that Dinah walks her rent check in each month if it comes to that, and like I ood on any back pay in her purse for a checkbook “Here,” she says, pulling out a piece of paper and holding it out to ers “I already wrote it out The three months she’s ht here”

I take the check and look at it thoughtfully

“Thank you, I appreciate this We appreciate this,” I clarify “But again, it’s not just about ti to pay a thousand dollars a month for your mother’s apart now And as you knoe have every right to evict your e hears that she’s missed three months of payments, he or she will definitely side with Carlton Realty”

Tears begin to pool in Katie’s eyes