esh paper hit me as I walked through t

nge man, being back in the little ar

room where he was supervising the paint parcel. "My pale little ar

thoughts of Alexander and our

h my number on it into one of his slacks but up

finitely m

got some life back in you," He w

ung behind the counter. If only Mr. Mart

wear, he's going to lose it if he doesn't se

art instructor

sed in a comfor

ed custom paint colours for the local artists, helped a confused college

Peterson who made it a point to buy a piece every mo

lly decided to call me. I glanced at my pho

is Lily," I said, in the sw

rofessional, nothing like Alexander's.

me. How can

l and Associates. I need to speak to you regarding a matter of utmost urg

t what is this about? I

le. This concerns an inheritance matter that requires your immediat

ng person. My grandmother died five years ago and she lef

n 15th March, 1995. Currently employed at Martinez Art Suppl

t. There were not a lot of people who

tly advertise that

– who are

estate matter. Miss Rose, I cannot stress how importan

barely past noon and Mr. Martinez had been e

ppose so. But I still

he Meridian Building downtown. The receptionist wil

lap. I was sure I had heard it somew

l see you at 3 o'clo

could say anything else. I s

Mr. Martinez asked, as he

leave early today. If that's ok

ake all the t

c steel monument, I felt woefully underdressed in my sundress and cardigan, especiall

ney and even older power. As I walked in, the receptionist smiled

traits of distinguished lawyers and judges u

ence Room," The receptionis

his sixties ros

harles Willis. Thank you for

hook his hand, "I have to say I am co

I offer you something? Wa

f how dry my mouth felt,

tack of legal documents on the table. They sto

as he settled back into his chair, "may come as quite

and it must have been evident to

ssmen. He built Thompson Enterprises from the ground u

r, "I'm sorry. Did you jus

d and legally binding, " Willis paused for some time, studying my fa

ilence, the only noise being the sound

e a whisper, "I've never known any Richard Thomps

withdrew a photograph, and sl

nize this man

was silver-haired with kind eyes and a gentle smile,

seen him bef

Thompson was very specific in his instructions. He left detailed notes explaining h

can barely balance a simple checkbook. How in the world am I supposed to run a b

nal business decisions. He valued character

Miami from here was beautiful but I couldn't focus on a

n't run a company. I don't know an

or a transition team to guide you through your initial period. But the fact r

rd sounded bi

notified. Your first official meetin

in four da

act

rubbing my temples, "I th

rocess. I must inform you, Mr. Thompson's nephew, Alexander Thompson was ex

fingers gave way and the glass slipped

ompson?" I ma

he was a child. Yesterday's will reading was quite a sh

de me whisper words in the dark that even I didn't understand, the way he'd loo

have I gotten