The afternoon rolls around, and Char and I walk hand in hand inside the Sycamore Mountain library. The doors have barely closed behind us when an older gentleman dressed in a bespoke gray pinstripe suit approaches.
“Mr. and Mrs. Newtown, I presume?”
“Yes.”
“I’m Walter Spornack. We spoke this morning. Why don’t you follow me?” He extends his arm toward the back of the library, and we follow along, Char and I looking curiously at one another the further we make it into the stacks. Once we’ve reached a private meeting area, he ushers us inside.
I pull out a chair for Char and have a seat beside her, anxiously taking her hand. I’m not sure why I’m so damn nervous. I mean, can they take back Grandfather’s money once it was deposited?
“I know this is all very mysterious. But I want to reassure you that you’ve done nothing wrong. There’s no need to be nervous. I’m simply trying to right a wrong.”
Char and I look at each other, baffled.
“It has come to my attention that your father has misrepresented your trust.”
I shift in my seat.
“While I have worked with the firm that represented yourgrandfather for many years, I was not his personal attorney. Yet once your grandfather’s attorney retired and handed his files over to me, I stumbled on some information that didn’t add up.”
“I don’t understand.”
“From my research, it appears that David Newtown, Jr. has been working with his attorneys for years, hoping to find a loophole to acquire the trust left to you by your grandparents. Basically, his money has been drying up, making him more and more desperate to tap into your holdings.”
I slump back in my seat, flabbergasted by this news. Not that it should surprise me that my father would sink so low as to basically try to steal my inheritance. He’s a snake. This is just one more example of how abhorrent a man he is. “So, all of the encouragement to work with him year after year, so I could acquire the money my grandfather had supposedly put in trust if I joined the firm was a lie?”
Walter clears his throat. “In essence, yes. Because the money has always been yours. There were no stipulations placed once you turned twenty-five. I had no idea the money hadn’t been transferred into your name until I was privy to your files.”
Char blinks up at Walter, appearing as confused as I am. “I’m lost. What does this mean exactly?”
Walter gives her a broad smile. “Well, if I may be so bold. It means that you two will never want for anything financially for the rest of your days, my dear.”
Once we madethe return trip back home, we sit silently in front of the fire for a long while. We’re both more than a bit stunned by the news. Lifting her hand to my lips, I kiss her knuckles before rubbing circles over her soft skin with the pad of my thumb. “What are you thinking?”
“Ha. I don’t know how to put words to it.”
I hold her hand, hoping she’ll elaborate.
“We have this perfect little life here. I’m not sure I want money to change anything.”
God, I love this woman.
“I’ve lived with that kind of power and wealth. It scares me. The very notion someone might think that their financial status makes them more important than someone else. That it warrants them to take whatever they want.”
I slip an arm around her, pulling her close. “I know. I’d seen what greed had done to my father. That’s why I put so much distance between us. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to have the nest egg if I needed it for anything. My mother’s health issues and living situation could have bankrupted me if my grandfather hadn’t provided for me. But I agree. We have a great life. Why don’t we find a way to use the trust to help others?”
Char sits up. “That’s a fantastic idea.”
“I’m not sure how yet. But remember I told you I’d love to develop a youth program here in Sycamore Mountain? Well, if we could get a pilot program working here, we could try to replicate it in other communities around the country. Especially underserved areas that would benefit from after school youth programs and little league opportunities for kids who might not otherwise have a chance to play?”
“Yes. And if it’s okay with you, we could discuss our ideas with Margaret. She’s managed to stay grounded while doing philanthropic work for years.”
“Oh, you’re right,” I agree, instantly feeling lighter. How had finding out you were suddenly a multimillionaire become so agonizing?
I notice Char’s face contort and instantly become concerned. “What is it?”
She bites her lip. “Are you going to press charges against your father? For trying to manipulate you and steal your inheritance?”
I have to admit, the ideahadcrossed my mind. “I’m not sure. But to be honest, I think I might take a page from your playbook.”
