Page 136 of The Me I Left Behind

Mr. Murray continued. “I just want a minute now, to see if you have time tomorrow morning to discuss Max’s will. You know you are the executor of his estate. Correct?”

“No. I did not know that.” Maggie stared at Julia. “Did you?”

“No.” She turned to the lawyer. “Are you sure?”

“Quite positive. Max’s former attorney drew the will up about ten years ago. He passed that information along to me a few days ago. Max’s parents have made some moves toward contesting it and since he, the former attorney, is the Oliver family attorney, he thought it best to hand it off.”

Puzzled, Maggie questioned that. “Wait. I don’t understand.”

“I think I do,” Julia said. “In short, Max’s parents may contest the will, and apparently, they and Max shared the sameattorney. To avoid a conflict of interest, I’m guessing either Max’s parents would have to get a new attorney, or someone new represents Max’s wishes. In a semi-nutshell, I think.”

“Close enough,” Jonathan said. “Could we chat more thoroughly tomorrow morning at my office, say, around ten?”

“Yes. I can be there. Julia?”

“Of course.”

“Here’s my card.” Mr. Murray handed a business card to Maggie. “I’ll see you then.”

He walked off toward a string of cars parked alongside the narrow cemetery road. As he approached a late model Lexus, Maggie’s attention shifted to an older couple walking with purpose toward Max’s parents. She did not remember seeing them at the memorial.

Julia noticed them, too. “Do you know those people?”

“No. But Max’s parents seem surprised, maybe worried.”

She watched the couple turn away and head toward their vehicle. The older man reached out toward Max’s dad, saying something. Max’s father spun around and shouted. “You have some nerve!”

The woman cried out. “See how it feels to lose a child? How do you feel right now?”

“Oh shit.” Maggie turned to Julia. “Can you make sure the kids are in the car and away from this?”

“Sure. Why?”

“I think that’s Caroline’s parents.”

“Oh, fuck. Are you certain?”

“I’m about to find out.”

Julia glanced at the couple again. “I can take the kids on home. It’s been a long day.”

Maggie nodded. “That would be great. I’ll be there soon.” Good thing they drove separately.

“You’re okay?”

“Yup. Gonna be.” She headed toward the arguing couples, now in earshot of every word, and stopped just a few feet away.

Max’s mother was livid. “How dare you come here in our time of grief? We just lost our son.”

“I can’t say I am sorry for your loss,” the older man said. “We don’t want to get in your way here. We just want you to know that we finally feel justice has been served.”

“Justice!” Max’s father roared. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Your son took our daughter’s life. Now he’s gone too. Things come around,” the woman said. “And it took its damn time coming, but as they say, karma is a bitch.”

Max’s father pointed his finger at the man’s face. “We paid good money to keep your mouth shut. Keep that entire debacle quiet. The last thing either of us wants is this scandal brought to light again. Now, I suggest you keep your damn mouth closed, or I’ll have to file for breach of contract.”

“Try it,” the man said.