However, Conn ceased sending the Hunts bills in 1996 after they indicated they would not pay. The Court agrees that for Conn to have sent monthly bills would have been a "vain and useless act." See J-O'B Operating Co. v. Newmont Oil. Co., 560 So.2d 852, 859 (La.App. 3rd Cir. 1990). Moreover, although Conn withheld. $225,356 of the Hunts' gas proceeds to offset the expenses owed during this time, the Special Master's finding that the. Hunts owe a net amount of $114,927 makes clear that Conn was deprived of the use of its money.