PART 2
“Wait,” I said, looking up from the yellowed 1953 document on Harold’s desk. “You’re telling me that removing my dam would violate a legally binding federal flood control contract?”
Harold’s grin reminded me why he had never lost a property rights case in sixty years. “Better than that, son. If anyone forces you to breach this contract and flooding occurs downstream, they are personally liable for every penny of damage. Plus federal penalties for interfering with authorized flood control infrastructure.”
The metallic taste of adrenaline filled my mouth. My great-grandfather hadn’t just built a dam to create a pretty pond. He had engineered a critical flood control system. He got the county to legally recognize our family as responsible for protecting the valley downstream.
“Harold,” I said slowly. “What happens if someone destroys authorized flood control infrastructure right before the spring snowmelt?”
His laugh sounded like autumn leaves
