“As far as I know,” Stone said, not feeling it was necessary to mention he didn’t remember going to sleep that night.
Ryan was clearly disappointed, but he gave Stone a nod and said, “I’m sorry you had to go through all that, and I’m glad you survived.”
“Thank you,” Stone said. “I know you both have a lot on your minds right now, but I wanted to let you know my assistant, Joan, will be contacting you about setting up a time for the reading of your father’s will.” He handed each man a business card. “If you have any questions, feel free to call me.”
Aaron’s brow creased. “What are you talking about? I have our father’s will.”
“Dated when?”
“What do you mean?”
“When was the will created?”
“A few years ago, I think.”
“I see the problem. Your father had me write a new will for him last month.”
Aaron’s eyes narrowed. “Is that right? I want to see it.”
“And you will. At the reading.”
“Look, I’m his executor. I have every right to—”
Stone held up a hand. “I’m not trying to argue with you. But in his new will, he namedmeas executor.”
“Why would he—”
Ryan grabbed his brother’s arm. “Aaron, if that’s what Dad wanted, then it’s okay.”
Aaron yanked his arm from his brother’s grip. “How do we know this is even real?” He looked at Stone. “Maybe you’re some two-bit attorney trying to get in on our inheritance.”
“Aaron,” Charley said, “before you put your foot any further into your mouth, you should know Stone is one of the most prominent lawyers in the country.”
“Also, I am not a beneficiary of Trenton’s will,” Stone said.
“That may be,” Aaron said, “but I’m sure your fees are going to be huge.”
“My fees were prepaid. The only extra I could potentiallyearn would be from any issues that might drag out the settling of the estate. And those would likely be paid by whoever did the dragging.”
Aaron scowled. “That shouldn’t be an issue, since everything will be split between me and my brother.”
“You two are not the only beneficiaries.”
“Oh, right. His alma mater, too.”
“Not just the college.”
“You’re saying there are others? Who?”
“I’m afraid I can’t tell you that as divulging other beneficiaries prior to the reading would be an ethical violation.”
“I don’t give a damn about your ethics!”
“Good thing I do.”
Before Aaron could say anything else, Ryan stepped in front of him. “Thank you for coming, Mr. Barrington. We’ll be at the reading.”
“Again, sorry for your loss.” Stone nodded.
