Suspicion was not irrational.
What happened next would determine whether it became cruelty.
Peter arrived at the garage that afternoon.
So did his sister Anne.
Samuel had apparently told them where we were.
Peter stepped inside and stopped when he saw me holding the documents.
“What did he leave you?”
No hello.
I was too tired to be offended.
“A garage.”
Peter frowned.
“And land.”
“How much?”
Anne said:
“Peter.”
“What?”
I stood.
“Your father left you and your siblings most of his estate.”
Peter stared at Samuel.
“Is that true?”
“Yes.”
“How much did she get?”
Samuel told him.
Peter’s face changed.
Not because it was huge.
Because it wasn’t.
Walter had left me the property, the garage contents, a modest cash bequest and the parcel in Bellweather.
His children and grandchildren received many times more.
Peter looked embarrassed.
“I thought…”
“I know what you thought.”
He looked around.
