“Yeah. I’ve been enjoying the scenery,” she lied as the doors swished closed. “I didn’t realize we’d arrived until the car stopped.”
The second the doors opened, she located the stairway. Finding an alternate way to the ground floor was something her dad had taught her.
Linc had dressed in a white shirt, dark slacks, and shiny black shoes. Even with the somber outfit, his tan skin and sun streaked hair made him stand out in any crowd. Samantha resisted the urge to tell him that. He opened the door to the attorney’s office, stepped back and let her and Nana enter.
Linc hand caught her wrist. “I wish I could make this easier for you.”
“Thanks. I’m stronger than I look. Besides, this meeting will provide more missing pieces to the puzzle.” She smoothed loose curls back into place and marched to the desk.
A blonde paused from flipping through an entertainment magazine paused and rewarded them with a smile. “Ms. Anderson?”
“Yes. Mr. Davis is expecting us.”
She stood. “If you’ll have a seat, I’ll let Mr. Davis know you’re here.”
Minutes later, Samantha and Nana followed the receptionist to Attorney Davis's office. The woman knocked, opened the door ushered the two women inside, then without introductions walked away. Inside a sedately decorated office done in brown and tan, Colonel Sanders rushed to meet her. No, based on the jiggle of his belly, Santa Claus.
“Samantha, it’s nice to finally meet you.” He grasped her hand firmly, pumping it up and down. “I heard all about you from your grandfather. Charlie was my friend first, client second.” Mr. Davis waved at two chairs across from his desk before seating himself. “May I call you Samantha? And I’m Ham, I insist.”
“If it will help me sort this out, you may call me anything you like.” She swallowed a nervous laugh, pushing her curiosity about his name to the side.
Samantha introduced Nana to Ham. His demeanor immediately shifted to cool as he nodded and shook her hand.
“Please be seated.” He beamed a smile from under his white moustache. “Have you read the will all the way through?”
“Yes, but there has to be somebody besides me deserving of his estate. I was a stranger to Charles Pearson.” Samantha shifted in her chair, stifling the urge to stab a finger on her twitching eyelid.
“Under the laws of the state of California, the will is clear and legal. The estate belongs to you. Not quite everything was left to you. Charlie left his Army medals to Linc Hawkins, which are in Charlie’s safe deposit box.” He pushed a small, yellowed envelope across the desk to Nana. “To you, Ms. Greenberg, he left this letter.”
Nana’s hand trembled as she lightly rested her fingers on the old envelope. She slid it into her hand, placed it inside her purse, and turned her attention back to the attorney.
“I understand this is a lot to take in; however, the entire estate, which includes the restaurant, house, and various investments, are yours, Samantha. California is perpetually behind in the probate court, but I don’t foresee any issues.”
“How long are we talking about?” Her job was secure, but a leave is never indefinite.
“I’m estimating around eight months. I don’t foresee any complications, because Charlie had a hard rule about owing people money. He paid everything off as soon as he could. There’ll be a few bills for The Lobster Cage, but nothing else.”
Samantha made a timeout sign with her hands. “I can’t stay in California for eight months.”
“Ms. Anderson, you’re the executor of the will. As administrator, you have certain responsibilities.”
Blood rushed to her head. She hated situations where she had no control. Organized to a fault, the unknown sent her nerves jumping.
“What exactly are the executor’s duties?” She planted a finger on her eyelid as the twitch kicked into overdrive.
“Administration of the estate includes managing the assets to prevent losses, paying bills, filing tax returns, preparing an inventory of the assets, and dozens of other duties. The goal is to wrap up all of the loose ends of the decedent’s financial affairs and distribute the estate to the beneficiaries without further legal problems. Much of this has already been done since Charlie knew his time was limited, and he wanted to make things easy for you.”
Her own bitter laughter startled her. “How kind of him to spare me any confusion.”
“If the estate were smaller, say less than one hundred thousand dollars, the will wouldn’t go to probate.” Ham continued, apparently unfazed by her terse comment. “However, this estate consists of property, life insurance, and a stock portfolio. The total’s far in excess of the minimum.”
“Excess? What are we talking about here?” She swallowed.
“The estate is valued somewhere around seven million dollars. Could be more. Could be less, but I doubt it. Those figures are before attorney’s fees and of course, taxes. You’ll need a real estate appraisal for both properties before the taxes can be determined.”
His words circulated through her brain a couple of times before it came back around and settled. He used the term million, hadn’t he? Absurd. She should say something to break the silence in the room.
“You said there will be attorney fees. Can you represent me?”
“If you wish. I’ll have paperwork drawn up for your signature within a couple of days. It will give you time to decide what you want to do with the property. Leave information on how you can be reached with Jill, our receptionist.”
Ham stood, indicating the meeting had concluded, leaving Samantha feeling as if she’d been dumped off Santa’s lap.
“The restaurant can remain open?”
“It’s your decision as to whether it closes or not. Charlie would have wanted it to stay open, because the people who work there depend on that paycheck.”
An elephant sat on her chest as Ham took her elbow and escorted her to the young girl still flipping through the magazine. He’d not spoken one word to Nana since he’d passed her the envelope. Samantha was sure he knew more than he was sharing.
“I have questions about my grandfather.”
“I’m due in court, but we’ll talk more when you return to sign a power of attorney.”
Linc stood and joined them. “I’ll bring her back when you’re ready.”
“Thanks,” Ham turned and returned to his office.
Samantha left her information with the receptionist, took Nana’s hand, and then followed Linc into the hall.
Linc caught her elbow and guided her to the elevator. The enormity of the responsibility and the incredible amount of money hit her. Blood drained from her head, forcing her to place her hand on the wall for support.
“It's a lot to take in,” he said.
“I’ve never met anyone so prone to understatements.” The elevator doors opened and she boarded, keeping her gaze locked on her shoes during the descent.
CHAPTER 6
Linc had a good idea as to what Sam and Ruth had learned from Ham, so he chose not to pry. Neither woman had much to say on the drive back to the hotel, leaving it to him to make small talk.
“Anybody hungry?”
“I’m fine.” Ruth’s voice barely made it from the back seat to his ears.
“Same here.” Sam seemed to be deep in thought.
Traffic was a bitch, which was an everyday event in Southern California, but when Linc finally drove west off the busy L.A. freeway to the Coast highway, the drive to Nana’s hotel went quickly. Linc still couldn’t get over how grand the place was. He had no doubts that his skin would chap just sitting in one of their chairs.
“Delivered safe and sound.” The valet opened the car door, helping Ruth exit the car. Linc joined the two women on the curb. “You have my number if you need to go somewhere.”
Sam touched his arm. “If you’re not too busy, I’ve changed my mind. I’d like to go to lunch and maybe later to The Cage.”
“I’m at your service. Hop in,” he said. “Ruth,
call me if you need anything.”
“Thank you.” She extended her hand.
“My pleasure,” Linc said, clutching her tiny hand in his.
A fragile air hung around Ruth like a cloak. She’d aged years in the short time she’d been in Ham’s office. The sadness in her eyes pinched his heart. For a second, he wanted to hug her. Instead, he got in the car and let the two women talk for a minute.
“You okay?” he asked after Sam had buckled up.
“I will be. Thank you for not asking questions. We both needed time to think.”
“No worries. I’m accustomed to a need to know situation. It would take a blind man not to see your grandmother is hurting.”
“Charlie left her a letter. She looked so frail when she slipped it in her purse, it broke my heart.”
“She didn’t read it?”
“No. I guess she wanted some privacy.”
“I get that. If you’re hungry, I know the perfect place to grab a bite.”
“Afterward, will you take me to where Charlie is buried?”
“Of course. I need to swap cars and then we’re off.” He drove to Dave and Maggie’s house, parked, and traded keys. When he returned Sam had slipped on her sunshades, and waited next to his car.
“Now you look like a real California girl.”
“Don’t even start,” she said with a laugh. “I have a job and friends in Texas. I want to know who killed my grandfather, but the case is closed, so what can I do? Maybe I’ll liquidate, and then hire a detective to figure out what happened.”
“Does your grandmother know that I think he was murdered?”
“No, and she doesn’t know about the break-in at Charlie’s house or about that black SUV. It just seemed like too much to dump on her at one time.”
“I can understand that.”
The drive north on the coast highway was smooth. Linc snuck a peek at Sam from time to time, catching her smiling at the countryside. The restaurant sat at the edge of a mountain surrounded by rock formations and evergreens. Linc pulled into the parking lot and turned off the engine.
“It’s beautiful here.” Sam got out and turned in a circle. “And cooler. The countryside is very different than the city.” She walked around for a minute taking in the sights.
“A little farther up we’ll find snow. If you’re up to that.”
“No thanks.” She waved her hand. “Texans do not fare well in snow. At least, this one doesn’t.”
“I’m starving.” He motioned to the restaurant entrance. “Let’s ask for a table on the patio.”
She’d been quiet, making limited small talk since leaving Ham’s office. Linc believed he’d picked the perfect spot for her to open up. They were seated with a glass of wine in front of them before he brought up the trip to Ham’s office.
“You’re a wealthy woman now.” He shook his head. “If Ham was right about the numbers, you never have to work again.”
“I have always had to work. I have no idea how to act with a lot of money.”
“You’ll figure it out.”
“I think it’s best to sell everything. Ham can arrange getting the appraisals as soon as I sign the paperwork giving him the authority to act on my behalf. I know you want to buy it, but I can’t give you an answer right now.”
“Charlie really hoped you’d hang around.”
“How do I know what he wanted? He never bothered to speak with me. If he had, maybe he’d have shared that little tidbit of information.”
Anger was cathartic, so Linc merely nodded. She gulped her wine instead of sipped. She set the glass down, and shared the conversation she’d had with her grandmother. No wonder Sam sported dark circles and tension lines around her eyes.
“Damn him.” She picked her glass but set it down with taking a sip. “I want him to tell me why. I need to understand why he walked away from my grandmother. And if you’re right, I want to know who killed him and why.”
“I won’t stop digging even if you don’t stay.” Linc didn’t mention that he’d kept an eye open for danger. No car had followed or gotten too close, but he’d remained on alert. I understand you can’t commit to selling The Cage to me, but if you do, I promise I’ll turn it over to Dave or Maggie to manage until I retire. “
Her hand clutched the stem of her wineglass. Linc pulled her fingers loose and held them in his hand. God, her skin was like silk. His blood warmed, air became scarce, and his mouth dried out. Things were complicated enough without starting something he couldn’t finish. She jumped when the waiter came to take their order. It broke the moment, and that was a good thing.
“Excuse me.” Sam pushed away from the table. “I’m going to wash my hands.”
Lust had gotten the best of him, and Sam had pulled her hand away from him like he’d had a contagious disease. The hunger in his eyes had to have been as easy to read as four-inch headlines in a newspaper. By the time she returned, he’d resolved not to get caught again.
“Are you alright? You look a little pale.”
“That’s because I am a little pale. I don’t get out in the sun much.” She chuckled, obviously trying to ease the tension.
“We’ll have to do something about that. I’ll take you to the beach in the morning. You’ll be surfing before you go home.”
The waiter brought their plates of spaghetti and retreated.
“That’s not a good idea. I sunburn at the drop of a hat.” She smiled as her cheeks flushed. “And I don’t know how to swim.” She busied herself with her food.
“We’ll stay in shallow water. If you want, you can wear a life vest. I’ll teach you to paddle the board. I’ll bet Maggie will loan you a suit.”
“Linc.” She pinned him with a look. “I didn’t come here on vacation.”
“No, you didn’t. How about this. I’m going to speak with a few of Charlie’s friends. Would you like to join me?”
“I would love to.”
“Then it’s settled. We’ll hit the beach early in the morning and then make a few house calls.”
“Why do I feel as if I was just conned?” She took a bite of her bread stick.
“You can’t do anything until Ham gets the paperwork ready for you to sign.”
“Okay, you win if the minute I get the call, you’ll take me to sign the papers.”
“It’s a deal.” He considered offering a handshake but decided against it. “We should get on the road. The Cage starts getting busy around six. You want to go back to the hotel or would you like to come with me?” He indicated the waiter should bring their bill.
“Sure. I’ll call Nana and let her know where I’ll be. She may not be ready to tell me about the letter, but I want to give her the chance.”
Linc signed the check, held Sam’s chair for her, then caught her arm at the elbow, holding on until he’d opened the car door and closed it.
“Before you get too mad at her or Charlie, remember it was her secret to keep or tell.”
“I’m not angry.”
Linc stopped at the hood and looked at her. “Really.”
“Angry is not the right word. Well, maybe it is. Plus, I’m a little worried about telling her that Charlie’s death might not have been an accident.”
“There’s no ‘might not’ about it.” Linc started his car.
Every time Sam turned around, she was surprised at her surroundings, like this mountain covered in evergreens. He slowed down as they approached the cemetery.
She read the sign out loud as they drove under it, “Tower Memorial Cemetery. I feel terrible. I’d forgotten we were coming here.”
“It’s nice up here, isn’t it?” He wove through the narrow paved roads. It’s warmer because we’re closer to the desert.”
He parked the car, smiling to himself when she waited until he’d opened the door and extended his hand.
“Charlie’s right here.” Linc lead her around a small section of graves. “The headstone should arrive in a few weeks. The military paid for
it, and that means at least a three-month wait.” He stopped a few feet away from the grave. “If you want to be alone, I’ll understand.”
“Stay. Please.”
She walked to the grave, knelt on one knee, and placed her palm on the ground in front of her. He hoped coming here would make Charlie more real to her. He simply stood quietly behind her until she stood. Her sigh prompted him to move closer and place his hands on her shoulders. “I’m sorry this happened the way it did.”
“Me too. Should we head back?”
“We’re in no rush.”
“We passed a shopping center on the way here. If we have time, I’d like to stop and pick up a few things.” She shook her head. “It’s crazy…I keep worrying about my credit card limit, and yet Ham said that I’m rich.”
“That you are,” he said walking her back to his car. “I wondered when that was going to sink in.” Her bewildered expression co-mingled with excitement, making her stone cold beautiful.
“Something about spending Charlie’s money doesn’t feel right.”
“He’d be very unhappy to hear you say that.”
“I’m trying to wrap my head around not having bills to worry about.”
It was like watching a flower bud open and turn its face to the sun. Yesterday, she’d been wary and guarded. Today, she was beginning to relax a little. Linc drove back to the mall and parked in front of a boutique, laughing off her invitation to go with her and give advice.
“I’m more in to taking clothes off a beautiful woman than putting them on, so I’ll pass.”
“I’m beginning to believe you like seeing me blush,” she said, before hopping out and heading straight to the store.
Linc considered her statement, and found she was right; he enjoyed watching her cheeks color up. An hour passed before Sam burst out of the shop with a bright smile and carrying a large shopping bag in each hand. Her long legs striding toward him as the gentle sway of her hips brought an uncomfortable surge of lust to his lower region.
“You buy out the store?” He took the sacks from her, avoiding eye contact.
“No, I put a few pieces back.” She absolutely glowed.
Till The Dead Speak (Killer Affections Book 2) Page 6
