Edward gave the man a smile. “Well, he wasn’t counting on someone like you, Gus Snyder.”
Gus gave an uncharacteristic grin. “Nor the Pinkertons.”
Will looked at the others. “So how does this alter the plan we’ve made?”
Getting to his feet, Gus straightened. “I was just about to fill them in on how I think this should move forward.”
24
“You ready for this?” Edward asked Will as they headed up the walkway to the Evans house.
“I am. I told Laura to go shopping with Mrs. Duffy and get the rest of the staff out of the house. I don’t want anyone at risk when you fellas arrest Evans.”
“Good idea. And I like that we waited for him to call the meeting with his lawyer. Now there will be no suspicion when I show up as your witness.”
“Good morning, Wilson,” Granite said, opening the door before they could even knock. “I was watching for you. My lawyer has already arrived and is waiting for us in my office.” He looked at Edward. “I know you, don’t I?”
“I’m Edward Vogel, a good friend of Will’s. You’ve seen me on many occasions,” Edward said, offering his hand.
Granite shook it and gave a nod before looking to Will for an explanation.
“Edward is going to be my witness. You said you’d had the lawyer draw up a standard will for me, leaving everything to Laura.”
“Yes, that’s right. I’m glad you thought of bringing a witness. I asked Grayson to stand with me. Come to my office.”
They followed him into the house and down the hall. Inside his office, Will noted Mr. Grayson standing by the bookcase while the lawyer sat behind Granite’s desk. It seemed odd that Granite Evans would have allowed the man that position of authority.
“Gentlemen,” the man said, getting to his feet.
“This is my lawyer, Herbert Damarus,” Granite said. “Herbert, this is my future son-in-law, Wilson Porter, and his witness.”
“Glad to meet you both,” Damarus said, reclaiming his chair. “Let’s get right to work. Mr. Evans has arranged a new testament for the distribution of his properties upon his death. He is leaving the entirety of his estate to his daughter, Laura Elizabeth Evans.”
Will smiled. “I didn’t know her middle name was Elizabeth.”
The lawyer frowned. “Hmm, yes. Well, it’s written here on the document.”
“It’s of no consequence at the moment,” Granite interrupted. “Please continue.”
“Mr. Evans has reviewed the will and agrees to the contents herein and will now sign the document before these witnesses.” The lawyer presented Granite with a pen and turned the paper to face him.
Granite signed the copies and turned with a smile to Will. “Now it’s your turn.”
Will stepped up, knowing what was expected of him. The lawyer handed him a single piece of paper to read over. It was a very simple document stating that upon his death, all of Will’s earthly goods would go to Laura Elizabeth Evans.He took up the pen and signed it quite willingly. No matter what, he wanted Laura taken care of.
“And sign this copy as well. One will be kept in your possession and one in mine.”
Will nodded and signed the additional page. He would take care of getting his own lawyer to manage it later.
“Now we will have the witnesses sign,” the lawyer instructed.
Once the signing was complete, Granite looked more than a little satisfied with the way things were going. He motioned Grayson to leave. The lawyer handed Will his copy of the will and then left Granite’s on the desk.
Evans ushered out the lawyer while Will folded the signed paper and put it in his pocket. He glanced over at Edward as the grandfather clock in the hall chimed the top of the hour.
Granite returned to the office all smiles. He went to his liquor cabinet and drew out three glasses. “I know it’s early, but we need to drink a toast.”
“I think we can forgo that,” Edward said.
