One Step Closer(86)

“Friend or lover?”

“How would I know?”

Veronica’s thin eyebrows shot up. “I thought you and he were as thick as thieves.”

“Yeah, well don’t think too hard, I wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself,” Caleb said sarcastically, breaking into the conversation. He hurled a dirty look in Veronica’s direction and rested a hand on the back of Wren’s back. “Let’s get started,” he said, nodding toward the other end of the table.

Veronica was happy to take a seat to Macy’s left, and Caleb and Wren were seated on her right. Jonesy, seated across from them got up and moved, closer to the end next to Jonathan.

“Jonesy,” Veronica nodded in her direction. “How are you?”

Jonesy’s obvious dislike of the woman was obvious. She huffed and didn’t respond. Veronica’s fake smile faded and was obviously embarrassed by the snub. She quickly turned her attention to Macy, introducing herself.

“That’s a horrible idea; sitting the hag next to Macy,” Caleb murmured in Wren’s ear.

Birds of a feather, Wren thought. She simply nodded and took the seat Caleb had pulled out for her.

Jonathan joined them, holding a manila envelope. “Have a seat, Caleb.”

When they were all seated, Jonathan placed the sealed envelope in front of him.

“Let’s just get to it, shall we?” He didn’t wait for an answer. “As you all know, Edison was not just a client, he was a good friend of mine for more than thirty years. I’m honored to be trusted with this task.” He turned the envelope over and opened it, sliding the contents out on a table. There were several sealed letter envelopes, and the flat pages of the will. He cleared his throat and started reading in a clear voice.

“I, Edison Allan Luxon, residing at 530 South University, Denver, Colorado, declare this to be my last Will and Testament, and revoke any and all wills and codicils dated previously.”

Wren could sense Caleb’s uneasiness as he shifted in his chair. Could he really be worried that Veronica would get the bulk of the estate? Wren had no doubt that Edison had nothing but dislike for her mother. It was evident over the past few years when he’d shipped her off on work assignments or vacations without him much of the time. After speaking to Caleb, she realized now, that was part of the MIT deal to keep her away from her.

Jonathan continued: “ARTICLE I: Funeral expenses and payment of debt. I direct my executor to pay my enforceable unsecured personal debts and funeral expenses of my last illness, and the expenses of administering my estate from the funds in my main checking account at the Bank of Denver. ARTICLE II: Money & Personal Property.”

Wren was grateful for her position between Jonathan and Caleb. She didn’t think she could stand being next to either Macy or her mother, no matter what the circumstances. She’d seen the way Macy glared at her in the limo and several times since they arrived at the firm. Caleb’s hand rested on the table next to her and she found herself wishing for him to steady her by holding her hand. She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye. He was sitting back in his chair, plucking at his lips; his eyes trained on Jonathan, who continued to read.

“To my housekeeper and longtime friend, Alice Jones, I leave the sum of one million dollars USD.”

Jonesy gasped. “Oh my goodness!”

Caleb and Wren both smiled at her as she grabbed a tissue from her purse and dabbed at her eyes. “You deserve it Jonesy,” Caleb said quietly, nodding his affirmation of his father’s decision.

Veronica’s lips pressed together in agitation. “Oh well, Eddie was richer than God. That’s just a drop in the bucket.” She was whispering to Macy, but everyone heard her. Caleb rolled his eyes and shook his head, and Jonathan stopped and shot her a disgusted look before he continued.

“To my loyal friend and attorney, Jonathan Westwood, I leave the sum of one million dollars, USD and one thousand shares of preferred stock in my company Luxon Pharmaceuticals, Incorporated. “

Jonathan paused briefly when Veronica made an annoyed grunt. He looked up at Caleb, who nodded again, reaffirming his approval of his father’s decision.

“Uggmmmm.” He cleared his throat. “Also, he and his firm will remain the attorney of record for Luxon Pharmaceuticals under their current and binding contracts & retainers going forward until expiration, at which time it may be renegotiated by the parties.”

Caleb couldn’t resist leaning forward on the table so he could make eye contact with Veronica. “Don’t worry. I’m sure my father set you up with what you deserve.” He pressed his lips together to hide a smile, but not before Wren saw the dimples appear in both of his cheeks. One eyebrow shot up for a brief second and she understood he was well aware of what was coming. Her head cocked when he met her gaze.

“To my ex-wife, Veronica Brashill-Luxon, I leave the sum of one hundred dollars USD.”

She sat up in her chair as if there were a steel rod up her back. “Wait. What was that?”

Jonathan grinned. “If I may continue?” He glanced back down at the document. “No, this is not an error. One hundred dollars and not a penny more.”

Jonesy, Jonathan, and Caleb were all watching Veronica intently for her reaction. Jonesy was the only one with any shock on her face, but was soon smiling with the rest of them. Wren’s hand came up to her forehead as one elbow leaned on the arm of her chair as she braced herself for the outburst she knew would follow.