It turned out that Andrew had planned everything down to the last detail. Judy had changed her will in the days before she died, her solicitor having made a special trip to the house.
The country residence had been left in trust for Mary, as well as a substantial amount of money. She would be financially independent once she reached eighteen.
The rest Judy had signed over to Andrew, who in turn, had gifted it to me. I would inherit the house in Kingsley, a property I never intended to set foot in as long as I lived, and also an obscene amount of money that I intended to invest. Things would take a while to be finalised, but I was in no hurry.
Michael had got a job and moved to the city. He came back to see the children on the weekends. He and Toni hadn't lasted very long. Apparently, he’d caught her in bed with her Jamaican neighbour. This, I must admit, cheered me up whenever I was feeling low.
We couldn't file for a divorce just yet, although we agreed I would buy him out of the house and keep all the furniture. He'd taken his personal belongings, and as far as I was concerned the house was a much happier place without him.
We made a few changes at home to fit in our new family member. The computer desk now lived in my bedroom and Jacob moved into the former study, which freed up a decent-sized room for Mary. We were in current negotiations about its décor. She had very definite ideas about what she wanted—something she had undoubtedly inherited from me.
The children adapted well to all the changes. They adored their new cousin and she loved them to bits.
I, on the other hand, no longer felt the dread I'd come to believe was part of being a parent. I could allow the children space to grow without feeling I had to supervise every move they made. I’d enrolled them both into full-time day-care and now enjoyed the quality time I got to spend with Mary.
Walking away from the court, I felt lighter than I had in ages. All the weight I'd carried over the years had somehow lifted.
I glanced downward and a gaunt little face looked back up at me. "Shall we get an ice-cream, honey?" I asked.
"Yes, please, Auntie," Mary replied.
"We should celebrate. You are happy about this, aren't you?"
Mary nodded, the small smile on her lips not reaching her eyes.
"Maybe happy is the wrong word under the circumstances, but you know what I mean, don't you? They said you can live with us forever. That is what you want, isn't it?"
"Yes. I love being with you and my cousins."
She did seem to be coming to terms with her new life. However, I knew it would take her a long time to fully accept the loss of her mum. She still had no idea why her dad had left or about the murders. I knew she would have to know one day, but not yet.
As Mary and I reached the car park, my phone tinkled in my bag. I stopped walking and dug around for it.
You have 1 new message
Congratulations! Big hugs to my two favourite girls — A :)
I hugged the phone to my chest. My eyes filled with tears as I turned on the spot, scanning the area.
"What's wrong? Why are you crying, Auntie?"
"Nothing, sweetheart, nothing at all." I dropped to my knees and pulled her into my arms.
"I'm just happy, that's all. Really, really happy."
The End
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Netta Newbound, originally from Manchester, England, now lives in New Zealand with her husband, Paul and their boxer dog Alfie. She has three grown-up children and two delicious grandchildren.
For more information or just to touch base with Netta you will find her at:
www.nettanewbound.com
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For more books by Netta go to
Amazon
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Acknowledgements
Massive thanks to my family—especially my husband Paul for all your support and encouragement.
To my wonderful critique partners Sandra Toornstra, Linda Dawley, Serena Amadis and Jono Newbound—you’re the best.
To my Editor, proof reader and friend Sandra Toornstra. You’re amazing.
And finally, to the BOCHOK Babes – my go-to group for anything from critiquing to formatting or just a good old moan. Where would I be without you?
Behind Shadows: A Psychological Mystery Thriller (The Adam Stanley Series Book 1) Page 23
