“The reason I asked you here is that Mr. Vítkovský has left the bulk of his estate to you, with one provision. He asks that you return him to his place of birth.”
“Prague?”
“Yes.”
Ivo had to think about that for a minute. Prague. That was halfway across the world. He didn’t have a passport or a visa or even a suitcase.
Mr. Berkshire pulled a manila envelope out of a file on his desk and handed it over. “If you choose to go, I’ve been instructed to give you this. It contains directions to Mr. Vítkovský’s estate in Prague as well as a letter that he wishes to be buried with him.”
He raised his eyebrows. “A letter?”
“Yes. I have not personally read the letter, but I believe it came from someone Mr. Vítkovský cared about many years ago, someone who passed away before Mr. Vítkovský arrived in the United States.”
A love letter from a lost love? That was both sad and sweet.
“Mr. Vítkovský’s will specifically states that you are not required to go to Prague in order to receive your inheritance. This was a personal request by Mr. Vítkovský.”
Ivo shook his head. “This isn’t about that. I don’t have a passport or anything, and I would have to take time off from work and everything. I’m just not sure I can do it.”
He had bills to pay.
“That is your choice, of course,” Mr. Berkshire said, but Ivo could hear the censure in his voice.
“How long do you think a trip like that would take?” he asked.
“No more than a few days, I should think, Mr. Koubek.”
“I could ask my boss for the time off, but—”
“Mr. Koubek, I’m not sure you understand. Mr. Vítkovský left you his entire estate. You could take all the time off you needed.”
“No, I got that, but what are we talking here? A couple of hundred dollars and some antique furniture?” Mr. Vítkovský had lived what seemed like a simple life. While his apartment was always well kept, there was nothing in it that would draw the interest of burglars.
“No, Mr. Koubek, we’re talking several hundred million dollars.”
Ivo stared, unblinking. He knew he had to have heard that wrong. “Could you repeat that?”
“Mr. Vítkovský was quite well off, Mr. Koubek. Between his investments and his holdings both here and abroad, he was worth several hundred million dollars. He left all of that to you, Mr. Koubek. You are his sole beneficiary. You inherit everything.”
Ivo swallowed tightly. “I guess I need to get a passport.”
