Max,

I agree very strongly with Aine and kat/katlaughing. WE NEED A LAWYER. It is important to know what our rights and liabilities are. It is also important not to speak to those jerks directly, but through a lawyer who can "run interference." In my neck of the woods (Wash. DC Metropolitan area), most lawyers will give you a one hour consultation for free. Just be sure not to let them think that you are lawyer-hopping.