Page 11 of The Liar I Married

“No, the estate must be left entirely to Michael, if he is of sound mind and doesn’t have a criminal conviction.

” He sighs. “You can stipulate that if Michael dies without an heir, or doesn’t meet the original criteria, the estate goes to your children, once they attain the age of twenty-five.

” Peering over the top of his glasses, he rests his elbows on the table and towers his fingers.

“Once the will has gone through probate, I will speak to Michael’s attorney and request he makes that provision in his will. If he refuses, we’ll move to plan B.”

I lift my chin, resolute to ensure my girls are well provided for.

“I don’t have a problem with Michael inheriting the estate but if it belongs to me now, I owe it to my children’s future to include them in my will.

I must insist that my children are included if I agree.

I’m assuming you already have a codicil for me to sign? ”

“I do and will make the changes to your will. I must caution you not to reveal the specific details of your inheritance before the estate is legally in your hands because it leaves it open to a challenge from your brother. I don’t represent him so need to protect your interests.

” He gives me a long, concerned look. “You do realize that any profit you make from the proceeds of your inheritance, including investments, belong to you. If you filter them into a trust fund for your children, no one can challenge their entitlement.”

I could easily go to John for financial advice, but until I’m sure our marriage is solid, finding someone else outside the family will be crucial.

I nod. “Yes, that sounds like a plan. I know you’ve worked for Grandma in this office.

Do you have everything here to produce the copies I need to sign?

I’d like to get all the legalities finalized if possible. ”

“Indeed I do.” He opens his laptop. “I’ll come and get you, when I finalize everything. Just remember, it’s in your best interest not to divulge the terms of the will. Your grandmother was very clear about this.” He hands me a letter. “This is for you. I hope it explains everything.”

I take the letter and open the door. A shadow moves and I hear soft footfalls.

Was somebody listening at the door? I hurry along the passageway, in the direction of the library, expecting to see Maria or one of the family but only the murmur of voices comes from the family room.

Did I imagine someone was there? With so many things happening at the same time, it’s becoming difficult to cope.

It seems I can’t believe my own eyes right now.

I slip inside the library, closing the door behind me.

It’s a safe place and I can relax here. I sniff the envelope.

It smells like my grandmother. A wave of misery washes over me.

I miss her and the house is empty without her.

I turn on the light above a favorite chair, sit down, and tear open the envelope.

My grandmother’s distinctive handwriting blurs as my eyes fill with tears.

My dearest Jessie, if you are reading this, Grandma has left the building.

There are things I wanted to tell you but I’ve kept them secret for your protection as well as your mother’s.

The truth can destroy lives but you’re strong enough to rise above it.

The information I discovered is buried within the walls of Stonebridge Manor.

Find it, and you will understand everything.

The only piece of advice, I can offer you, is don’t believe what people tell you, not even those closest to you. Grandma.

What truth? I peer around the room. I spent many happy times reading in front of the fire but suddenly the security has vanished.

The shadows play tricks with my mind and dark corners seem to whisper secrets I can’t quite hear.

If I can’t tell anyone, what can I do? As sure as hell I can’t discover the secrets on my own.

Why hadn’t she been more specific? I look around and swallow hard as the walls seem to close in around me.

What truth must I know about? Is something terribly wrong in my family?

If so, why did Grandma believe I can fix it?

I stuff the letter into my purse and hurry out of the door.

I need to speak to Mom, but if the news will hurt her, maybe not.

I must tell her the estate is mine now—or will be once probate goes through but that could take a year or so.

Dad has run the estate since my grandfather died but if this involves him, he’s off the list as well.

No wonder he didn’t come to the reading of the will.

Maybe he believed his secret would come out?

I can’t involve John—not yet—but I need to speak to him and tell him about my inheritance.

Today it was nice to enjoy the old connection we once had and it was so good to lean on him, even for a while.

He’ll be happy for me—won’t he? I check my watch.

He’ll be driving back to the office but my call will go through to his phone via the Bluetooth on the Lexus. I make the call.

“Jessie? Is there a problem? I’m ten minutes out from the office.” John sounds annoyed.

I hear a giggle in the background. “Are you alone? What I need to say is confidential concerning what we attended today.”

He says nothing. I hear a grunt as if John is trying hard to stifle someone close by. Then a female voice comes through the line like a dagger straight to my heart.

“This is Rebecca Lawson. I’m John’s attorney. I’m sure anything you need to say, you can say in front of me.”

I slump against the wall as every ounce of fight drains away in a wave of misery.

Suddenly, everything fell into place. I’m such a fool to believe it was all over between them.

The sparkle in John’s eyes hadn’t been for me; he’d planned on meeting Rebecca or had her holed up somewhere waiting for him.

I’m sure my heart is bleeding and the cut is so deep nothing will heal it.

I straighten as anger takes over. How dare he treat me like this?

I must turn the tables on the self-confident woman and fast. I might be a simple housewife but I know how to play the game.

I’ve had plenty of practice since marrying John.

I chuckle as if hearing her voice amuses me.

“Oh, Ms. Lawson. I remember you. John has mentioned you work for him. I’m afraid this is much too personal to share with you.

” I take a breath and my hands are shaking. “John, are you there?”

“I’m still here, Jessie.”

“We’ll talk later tonight, darling. This exciting news is for your ears only.” I disconnect and lean against the wall, panting.

What is he going to say, when he discovers I’m wealthier than he is? Will he try and control my estate and maybe syphon most of it into his accounts? I don’t exactly trust him right now. What he’ll never know is that his chances of getting his hands on one cent of it, if I’m dead or alive, is zero.