Page 212 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

The rest of the family sat around the living room. Gram was knitting in her chair, Molly’s new kitten playing with a ball of yarn at her feet. Shayna had come in a few moments ago, but she was morose and grim as she flipped through the channels on television. Tate was in a near stupor on the couch. A normal evening at the Baxter house. Luckily, Molly was already in bed.

He heard Becca rush upstairs then her door slammed. Moments later Nick came inside. A tiny spot of lipstick was at the corner of his mouth. Max found his gaze drawn to it. He simultaneously wanted to throttle his brother and quiz him at the same time. He controlled himself.

“Fun evening?” he asked casually.

“It was okay. Did you tell them all the news?” Nick asked Gram. He walked past Max and dropped onto the couch next to Tate.

“What news?” Shayna’s frown eased as she looked up.

The click of the knitting needles stopped then resumed at an even faster pace. “I did not,” Gram said. “But now that you’re all here, I might as well. I’ve decided to leave Windigo Manor to Becca.”

There was a collective gasp from all parties in the room. Max curled his fingers into his palms. “What about Molly?” he asked.

“You’ll all have a share,” Gram said. “Molly too. But Windigo Manor should go to the eldest Baxter. Will was my eldest son, so his child should inherit the house and enough money to keep it up.”

“You don’t even know if sheisWill’s daughter!” Shayna moved restlessly.

“I’ve seen enough to believe it,” Gram said. “Her mannerisms are very like Will’s, and she looks like him. The longer I’ve watched Becca, the more I’m convinced.”

“She could look like him and still be his niece and not his daughter,” Tate said, rousing enough to take part in the discussion.

“You should think about this,” Shayna said. “Tate and I have been here for you all these years. Becca has been here like two minutes. It’s not fair!”

“I agree.” Becca stood in the doorway. Her face was pale and set.

Max noticed the strain around her mouth. “So you got what you came for. I hope you’re pleased.” He couldn’t keep the disgust from his voice.

“I don’t want the house or the money. I told her that.” Becca swallowed, and the long line of her throat moved. Then she shivered as though cold. “I can’t live here, Gram. I have school to finish.” There was a pleading note in her voice.

“You can come back when you’re done,” Gram said.

“I’m not Will’s daughter!” Becca sounded near tears.

Max found it hard to squelch the sympathy for her that kept rising in his chest. Maybe she hadn’t planned it. She seemed so innocent. He reminded himself how Laura could appear the same way.

Gram’s face softened with love. “Whoever is your father, you’re my own dear granddaughter, Becca. I’ve seen the spirit you have, the tender love in your heart, and you love God. Those are all the very qualities I want for the person who is fit to care for Windigo Manor for future generations.”

Tears sparkled on Becca’s lashes. “You haven’t seen Jake or Wynne in years. They’re more qualified than me—especially Jake. Wait until you meet them.”

“What am I—chopped liver?” Tate slurred the words and staggered to his feet.

Gram sighed. “Tate, you’ve had too much to drink. Let’s discuss this in the morning.”

Tate made a sweeping motion with his arm and almost fell. “We’ll discuss it now,” he shouted. “I’ve served you faithfully for years, and this is the thanks I get?”

“You tell her,” Shayna muttered. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at Gram then at Becca.

“It’s about suitability,” Gram said. “I love you, Tate, but you’d have this place mortgaged within a year to fund your drinking and gambling.”

“I don’t gamble,” he protested.

“You lost fifty thousand dollars last week, so what would you call it?”

“Playing the stock market. There are always risks.”

“But you seem to seek out the riskiest propositions out there,” Gram said. “You haven’t shown me you can handle money. I’m sure the amount I’ll be leaving you will be gone in weeks. I’m sorry, but this is the way it has to be.”

Max wanted to protest but he knew it would do no good. Then Gram looked at him.