Where we are: Sophie Marmot and her daughters had moved into a new burrow last fall. They had awoken from hibernation to find that their Homeowners Association (HOA) was building a clubhouse directly over their burrow. Both the builders and the president of the HOA told her that nothing could be done. You can read about it here.

After talking to some of her neighbors, Sophie had learned  that the clubhouse was not originally planned to be over her burrow. The original plan was to build it near the entry of the subdivision, just off the woods.There had been a lot of arguing among the animals who lived in the woods but would not be allowed to use the clubhouse. As far as anyone knew, the issue hadn’t been resolved prior to hibernation.

Sophie: I guess I need to find out who decided to move it over my burrow.

Nelly: That won’t be easy. Maurice controls everything.

Sophie: Then I’ll have to talk to a lawyer. We have an old family friend who should be able to help.

Sophie and the girls made an appointment to see Stanley J Marmot, Attorney at Law.

Stanley: Welcome to my office. May I ask how you got my name? I like to thank folks who send me referrals.

Sophie: Actually you did some work for my uncle, Stuart Yellow-Belly, and my father Mortimer.

Stanley thought for a few minutes.

Stanley: I’m sorry, what did you say your uncle’s name was?

Sophie: Stuart Yellow-Belly

Stanley: You’d think I would remember a name like that.

The girls looked at each other and tried not to giggle.

Sophie: You helped him sell some property. He spoke very highly of you.

Stanley: That’s nice to hear. How is Stuart?

Sophie: Unfortunately, he passed away last year.

Stanley: I’m sorry to hear that. You said I knew your father as well?

Sophie: Yes, Mortimer Yellow-Belly.

Stanley: Those are very interesting names. Your grandmother was very creative.

Sophie: She was a yellow-bellied Marmot.

Stanley. Oh, yes. That makes sense. Did you have a reason to come by?

Sophie was wondering if she should just tell him that she had changed her mind. But her father had spoken very highly of Stanley. So she told him the entire story about purchasing the burrow and waking up to a clubhouse being built over it. Stuart had closed his eyes, and she wasn’t certain he was still awake.

Sophie: So I was speaking with my neighbors who have been in the HOA longer than us. They said that the plan had not been to build the clubhouse over my burrow. I need to find out why the plans changed.

Stanley: That does sound very unfortunate. Did you sign a contract with the HOA?

Sophie: Yes, I did. I brought it with me.

Stanley glanced over the contract and stopped at the last page.

Stanley: Is this your signature?

Sophie: Yes, it is.

Stanley: Then you have to abide by the rules of the HOA.

Sophie: But there’s nothing in that about the location of the clubhouse. I need you to find out whether it was changed after I moved into my burrow.

Stanley: How would you suggest I do that?

Sophie: I don’t know. That’s why I need a lawyer.

Stanley: Oh. I see. I really don’t see that you have much of a case here. You did agree to live in the subdivision with this HOA setting the rules.

Sophie was almost in tears.

Sophie: Thank you for your time.

Stanley: My pleasure. Please say hello to your uncle and father for me.

When they returned to their burrow, they discovered that the entryway had partially collapsed from the work above it. They had to dig out a new entry.

Nikki: Mama, do we have to move?

Sophie: No, sweetie. We’re going to have to figure out a way to stop the building. Maybe I should talk to that nice bear I met the other day.

Nikki: Bears are scary. I don’t think you should do that.

Zoe had been scrolling through her phone. She handed it to her mother.

Zoe: Maybe you should try this guy. It says he specializes in helping prey animals against predators.

Nikki: We’re not going to be eaten.

Zoe: No. But we’re definitely less powerful than Maurice.

Sophie (looking at the phone): I guess it’s worth a try.

Sophie dialed the number and waited nervously. 

Voice: Java J Gorilla, Attorney-at-Law. How can I help you?

Sophie quickly explained what was going on.

Java: What is the name of the subdivision?

Sophie: Marmot Meadows.

Java: Who is in charge of the HOA?

Sophie: Maurice Dupree.

Java: I know that name. And I think I can help you.

Next week: Can Java actually do anything for Sophie?

Pictures courtesy of Google Images.