I lift my hand in confusion. “How did that even happen, Vern?”
Shaking his head, Vernon leans forward more. “Lily, I tried to tell him he was being an idiot. But you know Blake. He was stubborn as shit.”
“Did he have any money left?” I meant what I said about not wanting Blake’s money, but I need to know.
Vernon’s eyes soften, and I think maybe I haven’t given him enough credit over the years for being a decent human being. I just lumped him into a category with Blake and didn’t bother to know if he really was.
“Maybe twenty-five thousand.”
I’m shocked by that amount. Our house alone is worth almost seven million, last I checked. Blake was an asshole to me, but he always seemed like a very shrewd businessman.Why would he ever do something so stupid that would have him lose that much money?
But then again, did I ever really know my husband? It wasn’t like we would spend hours talking and catching up about our lives. Especially in the last few years, we barely spoke to each other at all, except when we were fighting.
Needing to get out of this office, I ask, “Is there any paperwork I need to do to settle anything on his estate? I don’t really know how all this works.”
Vernon nods. “Yes, I can start work on getting everything squared away. I’ll let you know when it’s ready for you to sign.”
I thank him and walk out of the office after he promises to call me soon with an update. The slight high I was experiencing this morning is starting to crash hard, and I feel numb and exhausted.
I order another ride, and when it arrives, I get into the backseat. As we pull out of the parking lot, I stare out the window, feeling more confused and somehow lonelier, like the fact that I knew my husband even less than I thought I did makes me even more alone. I need someone to confide in.
Someone I can trust.
And there’s only one person I can think of right now.
The moment I’m back in my hotel room, I steel my resolve, grimacing as I tap the number, bring the phone to my ear, and listen to it ring.
A deep voice that resonates in my core comes through the line. “Lily, is everything okay?”
8
Chris
“Lily, you have to answer me. Did something happen?” I press when she doesn’t respond to my first question.
The sniffle from the other side of the phone immediately sets me on edge. My back straightens and my muscles tighten. I’ve been sitting at my desk, trying to wrap up a few contracts so I can devote as much time as possible to doing some research into the recently deceased asshole Blake Bennett.
Any excitement I felt when I saw Lily’s name pop up on the screen has been obliterated by her obvious distress. I give her a few more seconds to respond before I prompt, “I need you to answer me.”
Her exhalation is loud and uneven. “Sorry, it’s just been a morning already. There was a news story done from my house.”
My muscles tense further. I expected this and saw the news myself, but I hate how bothered Lily sounds. “I saw it, too. I’m pissed how they worded you being brought in. But please don’t worry; I’ll handle any requests for comments. If anyone calls you, say no comment and tell me immediately.”
“Thank you. I’ll do that.”
My body relaxes minutely before I question her further. “Was that all that happened this morning?”
Lily sighs. “Not exactly.”
There’s something in her tone that has my full attention, like she’s unsure but has also made a decision. I’m not sure I’ll like whatever it is. “Okay, what else happened?”
She exhales again, but it’s steadier than when I first picked up. “I know you’re my defense attorney, but what if I needed advice about, like, money stuff?”
“Like tax law? That isn’t really my specialty, but I’m sure I can help you out.” Right now, I’d help her with pretty much anything. Taxes? Done. Constitutional? Sure. Environmental? Why the hell not? It’s not like I haven’t had to relearn laws long forgotten before.
“Uh, maybe not taxes. I’m also not sure it’s quite estate? But maybe that’s it because I don’t know what else it could be.”
I open my mouth to say something, but she rushes on. “I talked to Blake’s attorney today, and he gave me some news about Blake’s financial situation. I’m concerned about what that means for me as his spouse.”
