Damaged Goods by Diane McNab - HTML preview

CHAPTER FIVE

THE READING OF MY FATHER'S WILL

My Father had, as his Father had before him, employed Wilkins & Son's as their Lawyers.

Jane arrived and was escorted in to a large dark room with the curtains at half mast.

Mr Wilkins was a short stout balding man with a round pink face that either showed he had high blood pressure or he was a little too fond of the bottle.

“Ms Collins what a delight to meet you, please sit down and make yourself comfortable.”

He started with detailing the many charities her Father had donated to in the past and that they would be receiving sizeable amounts due to his passing. He also mentioned his house staff receiving remuneration for their years whilst employed by him.

None of this surprised Jane in any way knowing her Father would leave a legacy which in some shape or form managed to pat him on the back even after he was gone.

“And now” Mr Wilkins stated, his face going almost puce “he did leave another request. He has requested that the deed of the property at 9 Howard St, The Grove, be left to Summer Dawson.”

“Who the fuck is Summer Dawson?” thought Jane but at the same time an old memory of the last name flickering like a flame in her mind.

Her attention was brought back by Mr. Wilkins going into such a severe coughing fit she thought she might have to call an ambulance. He cleared his throat apologising, explaining he found the procedure very difficult and carried on.

“To my Son Zac Dawson I leave nothing.”

Jane sat in her chair not believing what she had just heard. “What did you just say, can you repeat that?” and with that he did repeat it loud and clear.

Jane sat in shock not understanding or even being able to fathom the words she had just heard.

“Are you saying I have a Brother?”

Mr Wilkins squirmed in his chair “Well for propriety sake's he is actually your half Brother.”

Jane felt the room spinning around her unable to speak.

Mr Wilkins looked at her and said gently “I am sure this has come as a shock to you. The last time I spoke with your Father I suggested that perhaps it would be best for him to speak with you regarding this matter but he totally disagreed saying that the time would be appropriate after his passing. I am dreadfully sorry.”

Jane sat staring at this man that her Father had trusted for years and said “I am sorry but I need to leave.”

“That's fine, I understand” said Mr. Wilkins. “I will get my Secretary to on forward the documentation to you. Take care of yourself.”

Jane sat in her car for some time before setting out in to what she considered to be a whole new world.

Jane drove to the Office asking Caroline if she could talk to her privately. Caroline by this point was not just an employer but Jane also believed her to be a friend and a confidante.

By this time is was almost 6.00pm with most of the floor staff gone and Jane desperately needed to talk to someone.

Looking at Jane's pale face Caroline said “Come in, close the door, you look like you have seen a Ghost” realising a little too late it was probably not the best phrase to use at this particular time.

Caroline brought out a bottle of scotch and two highball glasses reminding Jane of years gone by under similar circumstances.

“Okay shoot” said Caroline “get it off your chest.”

“Jesus Caroline this probably isn't one of my best ideas” said Jane getting up to leave.

“Sit the fuck down and talk to me” Caroline replied.

Jane started talking in a monotone voice, about the will, the beneficiaries and ultimately the disclosure of having a half Brother.

“What” Caroline almost screamed “you have never known about any of this until now, why that Bastard!”

Jane sighed “I don't know what to think or even for that matter how to feel about all of this, it's like being on a merry go round that won't stop.”

“Time will pass” said Caroline “time is a good healing process. However some time in the future you will probably want to reach out to your Brother and when you feel strong enough I will be there to help you through the process. Until then give yourself a break, I definitely think that you deserve that.”