“He can, and he did,” Stone said. “And I should tell you, your father left supporting documents and a video interview that will refute any claims of being unduly influenced or not of sound mind when the will was created. Plus, I’m the one who wrote it for him, and wills are an area in which I have considerable experience. I guarantee you, his is ironclad.”
Aaron narrowed his eyes and snarled. “We’ll see about that.” He marched the rest of the way to the door, then looked back at his brother, who hadn’t moved since getting to his feet. “Ryan! Let’sgo!”
Ryan jerked at the sound of his name, then looked apologetically at Stone.
“Here,” Stone said, holding out the final envelope. “Your copy.”
Ryan took it. “Thank you.”
He picked his brother’s envelope up off the floor, then glanced at Susan and gave her a small smile and nod of his head.
“Ryan!” Aaron bellowed.
Ryan jerked again, then hurried after his brother.
As soon as they were gone, Stone said to Susan and Humphrey, “The rest of the will is the standard language, including directions for me as executor. If you’d like, I can read that to you. Or you can go over your copy at your leisure.”
Neither Susan nor Humphrey appeared to have heard him, as they both looked to be in shock.
Stone glanced at Ash and mouthed,Water.
Ash grabbed a couple bottles and held out one to Susan. “Water, Miss Vest?”
She blinked and said, “I’m sorry. What was that?” She then noticed the water. “Oh, thank you.”
She took the bottle but didn’t open it.
“Mr. Humphrey?” Ash said.
Humphrey took the other bottle, twisted the top off, and drank nearly half the contents. When he finished, he took a moment to compose himself.
“Thank you,” he said to Ash. He then looked at Stone. “Is there anything more?”
Stone nodded at the envelope Humphrey had been given. “Nothing pressing that you can’t review in your copy, but if you’d like me to read the rest to you, I can.”
“No. That won’t be necessary.”
Susan nodded in agreement.
“There is the matter of the addendum,” Stone said to Humphrey.
“I’m sure it’s self-explanatory,” Humphrey said.
“It is. But if you have questions about it or anything else concerning the will, feel free to call me.”
“Well, then,” Humphrey said and stood. “I should get back to the college. Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how much we appreciate what Trenton has left us.”
“He would be happy to know that,” Stone said. “We’ll be in touch soon concerning the transfer of the bequest.”
Humphrey shook Stone’s hand, then nodded at Susan. “Miss Vest, a pleasure to meet you.”
“You, too,” she said.
As soon as he was gone, Stone said, “I’m sureyouhave questions.”
“It’s too much,” she said, looking a bit like a deer in the headlights. “What am I supposed to do with all that money? I’m a teacher, not a business tycoon.”
“For starters, you don’t have to be a teacher anymore, if you don’t want to.”
