Losing Jack

CHAPTER 1

Michael Anderson groaned as he pulled up at the small office complex. Trust him, he would be late for his own funeral. He stopped at that thought, what a poor choice of words since he had only just come from Jude’s.

He hesitated for a moment before he got out. Goodness only knows what would be said once he was inside. Even after more than a decade some things never go away, especially in a small town. His stomach lurched, he didn’t want to be ‘that’ Michael, especially in Sandy’s eyes. She was the one person who didn’t know about ‘that’ Michael.

With a glance at his car clock he made himself move. Slamming his car door without a second glance he hurried into one of the office doors that read G & G Attorney at Law.

Inside he was met by an older lady at reception.
“Are you here for the Harper Reading?” she asked in a hushed tone.
Michael nodded and she pointed to a wooden door to the left.

The door creaked slightly as he opened it and come face to face with four sets of eyes. Michael swallowed hard, resisting the urge to back out of the room.
At the head of a conference table sat a stern looking older man with a Manilla folder in front of him.
“Gordon,” he said extending his hand out, “you must be Michael?”
As Michael shook the attorney’s hand he looked around the room. Beth sat closest. She rang a handkerchief in her hand and managed a half smile.

Next to Beth sat Jack, who waved at him and loudly called out, “there’s Michael.” A hand rested on Jacks to quieten him. That’s when his eyes rested on Sandy. She looked up at him with red puffy eyes and motioned for him to sit down.

Michael sat beside Sandy, still not taking his eyes from her. She was so beautiful – again, not appropriate, he scolded himself.

The Attorney cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“We are here to read the last will and testament of Jude Harper, outlived by her husband Daniel Harper.”

Looking at each of them the lawyer opened the Manilla file, paused for a moment, then began reading.

“I Jude Harper, would like to thank all of you for coming. Each of you have been so kind to both Daniel and I, we owe you a debt of gratitude.”

To my dear friend Beth, you have been such comfort and so much help with poor Jack since we lost Daniel. I would like to thank you by giving you my antique dinner set.”

Beth let out a tiny sob, covering her face with her handkerchief as the lawyer continued. 

“For my adopted son Jack. I wish for Jack to be sent to a good Christian home, where he can be cared for with dignity and respect. I understand that everyone in this room loves Jack and would do anything for him. But I do not want him to be a burden on anyone, so please respect my wishes.”

The Lawyer paused for a moment as Beth let out a gasp and covered her face with her handkerchief again. He looked across the room for a moment before continuing.

“To Michael, you are so much more than a carer – you are family. You have done such a wonderful job helping us with Jack. Now I want to give you something you have denied yourself for far too long. I give you your freedom, please move on and find some happiness. To help you I also leave you $20,000.”

Michael felt as though all eyes were on him at that moment, he lowered his head and shifted in his chair.

“For my adopted daughter Sandy. You come into our lives at our darkest hour. Watching you come out of your shell and grow into the beautiful, capable woman that you are today gave us the strength to carry on. Sandy, you not only made our lives better, but after we lost Daniel, you carried on Daniel’s proud tradition by keeping Whispering Vines running. Both Daniel and I leave you our estate, with the task of making sure that our wishes are carried out.”

The lawyer closed up the Manilla folder on his desk and tapped it, “Well there you are folks, if you have any questions, feel free to come and speak with me, otherwise I will see you all at Jude’s Wake this afternoon.

Michael looked across at Sandy, she watched the lawyer intently as one single tear escaped down her cheek. He wasn’t surprised Sandy had inherited Whispering Vines and the whole estate, she deserved it.
He, on the other hand, deserved nothing.