RaeLynn and Rebecka, I really enjoyed what little time I spent with you as well. I know things have been hard since you lost Ricky, and I loved my grandson as much as I love all of you. I wish we could have all been together as a family, just once even. Charlotte and I didn’t set the best example, I’m afraid, and I’m sorry for that. I’m sorry for a lot of things.
I can’t change the past, but I do have one wish for the future: that my family could finally forgive all the wrongs that they have held onto for so long now. I know what I’m asking isn’t simple, but I’m offering an incentive. It will be well worth your time to do as I ask. Mr. Sisco will explain the details.
I’m sure this letter has left you with as many questions as it has answers, but don’t worry, I’ll be writing more letters. Each will be given to the appropriate person at the appropriate time.
Until then, sending my love,
Elijah Walker
CHAPTER 4K. J.
I’M THE ONLY ONE IN THE ROOM WHO HASN’T TEARED up. Aside from Mr. Sisco, anyway. He’s thumbing through more paperwork, waiting for everyone to dry their eyes with a tissue from the box conveniently placed in the center of the table.
My lack of water works probably makes me look like a real bitch, but I’m just too nervous about what’s coming. I mean, I’m sad, too. Obviously. I had no idea Grandpa had cancer, and I feel terrible we didn’t go see him more, especially since he was so sick. Mom and I figured he died of a heart attack.
Mom sniffles, dabs at her eyes with a tissue, and then levels her sister with an accusatory glare. “You should have told me he was sick.”
RaeLynn bristles, pushing her shoulders back. “I didn’t know! He didn’t tell anyone. Just like that letter said.”
“But you saw him more than we did,” my mom spits. “You live closer.”
“He didn’t look sick the last time I saw him,” RaeLynn says with a scowl. “A little thinner, sure, but not horrible. He was hiding the fact that he was ill! And besides, it’s not like it was that much farther for you.”
Mr. Sisco’s round face puckers, but he doesn’t butt in. He just gets up and closes the door.
“When was the last time you saw him?” RaeLynn continues. “You could have gone to visit him more. What was your excuse?”
I can see Mom’s jaw clench as she grinds her teeth. She’s trying to think of a good comeback, I’m sure. Mr. Sisco returns to his seat, but still says nothing, which surprises me. I figured lawyers were supposed to be good at getting people to calm down in tense situations like this. That’s how they seem on TV.
“Don’t you dare try to blame this on me,” RaeLynn snaps.
“Would you stop it?” Becka hisses. “Both of you. You’re acting like children.”
RaeLynn looks like she’d like to lay into Becka for reprimanding her but must think better of it in front of all of us.
Mr. Sisco clears his throat again. “Can we please proceed, ladies?”
RaeLynn huffs a loud breath while my mother continues to glare at her. “Yes,” my aunt says finally. She lowers her head, looking ashamed. “Sorry.”
Mr. Sisco starts reading from Grandpa’s will. “Elijah Walker’s house and possessions will go to auction with all proceeds going to the Arkansas Entomological Society.”
“What?” Mom gasps. She was probably still holding out hope that he’d leave the house to us or at least some of the land. RaeLynn gives us both a self-satisfied look. I doubt she wants the property. She has her own fancy house, or so I hear.
“But a sum of $350,494 is to be divided equally among RaeLynn Shipman, Jackie Walker, Rebecka Cowles, and Katherine Walker.” Mom gasps again, but this time so does everyone else.
“Grandpa had that much money?” Becka asks. She’s apparently forgotten about the stain on her shirt again as she leans forward, her hands dropping to her lap. She has full, pouty lips covered in clear lip gloss, and it makes me want to smack her for some reason. But it’s also kind of hilarious seeing her looking like this. I’ve always thought of Becka as Little Miss Perfect, but she’s not looking so perfect now.
“There are, however, several stipulations,” Mr. Sisco continues. “The first one being that Rebecka and Katherine’s portion of the money must first go to pay for their college tuition. Acceptance to a college or university and a 3.0 grade average are required in order to retain the inheritance. Whatever is left after that is theirs to do with as they please.”
My shoulders droop. Well, shit, looks like I won’t be getting anything after all. It would be a miracle if any college would accept my transcript as is, and I haven’t even taken the ACT.
“My college is already paid for,” Becka says, frowning. “I have a soccer scholarship at the University of Arkansas.”
Oh, how nice for you. I didn’t think it was possible, but my dislike for Becka multiplies. I’m also miffed at Grandpa. Why couldn’t he just fork over the money without all these dumb stipulations?
Mr. Sisco peers at Becka over his glasses. “In that case, the money could be used for related costs: room and board, et cetera.”
This seems to please my cousin and aunt, and I roll my eyes. If Becka only knew how easy she had it. My mom’s looking pretty chipper right now, too. She’s probably envisioning all the ways she can spend her part of the money. I’m sure she’s seeing a new car in her future and more fun at the casino. Irritation wells up inside me and my jaw tightens. Why am I getting the shaft here? It’s not
