“Good idea, are we still going through it on Sunday? I’d love to see the upstairs and the attic.” Georgie tried to get me to loosen my grip on the phone. She gave me her goofiest smile.
I loosened my grip on the phone and answered, “Yes, we are. Bring some boxes and packing paper. Before the city or anyone else gets the house, we have crystal to pack up and maybe other things. There were several sets of china, etc. It would be nice to give one to Laci and Beth Ann. Maybe some lovely things for their future homes. We can pack the boxes, and I’ll hire Ben Clayson and his cousin to move the boxes to our houses.”
“Really? You’re the best.”
We both jumped when we heard a knock on the front door. Georgie ran from the back to see who it was. “It’s Bill,” she called out.” Yummy was barking at her heels.
I hurried to the front of the store. Bill was holding Yummy, and I held up my phone with the message.
Bill set Yummy on the floor and pulled out an evidence bag. “I’m sorry, Annie, but I need the phone for evidence.”
My shoulders dropped. “I need my phone.”
“You can get one at the phone store or they carry them in town at the hardware store.” His look told me he wasn’t pleased with that idea. “We’ll get it back to you as soon as we can. However, once we find the person behind the threats, there might be a trial. Then we’d have to keep it for evidence.” He wrote out a report and left.
I doubled my fists and hit the counter causing Yummy to bark again. “Did you hear Bill? They have them at the hardware store. I bet they also have burner phones. How easy would it be for Clark to use one to scare me? I need a phone upgrade, so I’m going to the hardware store and get one. I’ll show him I’m not afraid of him. I have enough time before my appointment with Lucas.”
I saw Georgie busy texting. She looked at me and said, “I’m coming with. I told Paul there was a small crisis, and you needed me this afternoon. He sends his love.” She hugged me.
I locked the front door, kept the “closed” sign in place, put Yummy in his carrier, and left.
#######
We walked into the hardware store, and my heart skipped a beat when Clark smiled at me.
“Hi, I’ve been worried about you. I’m glad to see you’re okay.” He leaned his tall frame on the counter.
I swallowed and said, “My phone broke. I need a replacement.” I explained what I had, what I wanted, and didn’t have time for a sales pitch for anything I didn’t need.
He nodded and showed me what I wanted. He took care of the paperwork and setting up my phone while I spoke to Georgie.
“All set,” he said. I handed him my credit card, picked up my phone, and headed toward the door.
He called after me, “Be careful not to get locked in any more sheds.”
Was he trying to be funny or threatening?
I turned and said, “No worries, I’m on my way to Lucas’ office to transfer the mansion and lake property to the city.” I walked out knowing he was staring at me with his mouth hanging open.
“Do you think that was wise telling him what you plan on doing?” Georgie asked as we got back in my car.
“Sure, I made it sound as if I was signing the papers any minute. If they are going to kill me, they only have five minutes to plan it.” I pulled into the law office’s lot and parked.
The secretary ushered Georgie, Yummy, and me into Lucas’ office without needing to wait.
Georgie took Yummy’s carrier and settled on the couch. I sat in a chair across from Lucas’ desk.
Lucas handed me a sheet of paper.
“This is an itemized list of the names and values of Inga’s holdings that are being transferred into your name as we speak.”
“Lucas,” I stammered. “There are several corporations on here that I recognize. There are also numerous stocks. These are mine?” I stared at the list.
“Yes, plus Inga had a safety deposit box. She told me she didn’t feel safe keeping bearer bonds or her fine jewelry at home.” He leaned back in his chair and interlaced his long fingers. “I will go with you and have the box transferred into your name.”
I swallowed and bounced my fingers up and down on my thighs. “Fine jewelry. What did she keep there?”
“Mostly her eighteen karat gold jewelry and precious gems.” He smiled.
“Did you say bearer bonds?” I know I was staring at him, but I couldn’t help it.
He nodded. “They will be available to you as soon as the box transfer is complete.”
“Okay,” I mumbled. “I haven’t finished going through the house, but there are some things I would like to have. I have decided to give the furnishings to charity or if they are antiques, to sell them and donate the money.”
“And the mansion,” he asked.
“Inga always wanted it to be a museum of the city and surrounding area. I would like to give it and the lake property to the city with the provision that they never build on that land. No condos, vacation homes, nothing or it all reverts back to my family. The mansion becomes Inga’s dream museum. Will you speak to the mayor about it? The portion of the lake used by the city for a public beach will remain the same. They will own it.
