The Joy of Mendacity

[tamaranth]

A while back you sent me a letter to let me know that a Property Inspector would be visiting [here] on 30th April. The letter said, "Since we do hold a set of keys, it is not necessary for you to be present."

Today I had two calls from 'Gerald'. The first call was to tell me that he was just around the corner. I told him that I was at work and he seemed annoyed at this, as he didn't have the keys. This was because he worked from the C___ branch and he had been told I would be in all day. (I don't know where this information came from: I work full time and am two weeks away from a major deadline, so taking time off is not feasible right now!) Finally we agreed that he would get the keys from the R___ office and inspect the property on Wednesday.

Then I had another call from him, saying that I needed to be present. In the end I agreed to be home at 9am on Friday.

On reflection, though, I'm a bit worried about this. It doesn't match up with either the letter or the conversation I had with Louise in the R___ office on Friday, asking her if it was possible to ask the Inspector not to call until after 9:30. During that call she said it would only be possible if he hadn't already left 'with the keys' -- then called me back and said that would be fine, he wouldn't be here until mid-afternoon.

I'm probably being really paranoid but as a woman living alone, who has been pressured into being at home despite apparently not needing to be, I'm a little worried. Could you please confirm that Gerald does in fact work for [your marvellous company], and possibly explain why I need to be present for the inspection?"

that'll teach him to get stroppy with me. (And also, a real -- if not especially overwhelming -- concern.)