Murder Checks Inn - Tim Myers [15]
Alex found it incredible that his uncle had managed the variance even then. Alex had been fined three times over the past two years for turning the beacon on over and above the once-a-year Lighthouse Lighting ceremony that had turned into a festive event for folks from seven counties.
Sandra went on. “The scattering of the ashes is to happen only after the executor, that’s me, spends quite a considerable amount of cash on a farewell party, including balloons, party hats, and streamers, as well as an extravagant buffet and a dance band. Jase wanted to go out in style, and he’s going to get exactly what he wanted. Is Monday night good for you two?”
“Monday night’s fine,” Alex said, and Tony reluctantly agreed. The Hatteras West Inn was going to host the oddest funeral Alex had ever heard of, but it was just like Jase to go out with his own sense of humor at the forefront.
As Tony gestured to the open document, he said, “What about the rest of it? Are you going to finish reading the will now?”
Alex said, “Come on, Tony, there’s no rush. Why don’t we wait until after the funeral? We can’t really call it that, can we, and I refuse to call it a party. Maybe send-off is the best term for it.”
Sandra said, “I’m sorry, Alex, but Jase wanted the entire will read as soon as possible, and seeing that you two are the main parties mentioned with specific bequests, we might as well go forward.”
She picked up the document again and began to read aloud. “To my nephew Tony, who always valued money above nearly everything else, I leave three-quarters of the bonds and stocks in my estate.”
“Just how much money are we talking about here?” Tony asked.
Alex said, “Tony, is that really an appropriate question right now?”
Alex’s brother didn’t look the least bit fazed by the comment. “So money matters to me. Jase knew it; I’ve never hidden it from anybody. After I’ve made my fortune, you’ll still be stuck running a broken-down old inn.” He tapped Sandra’s desk with his fingers. “So, how much do I get?”
Sandra frowned as she looked through a stack of papers still in the folder. Finally she said, “As close as I can figure it, you’ll be getting around one hundred thousand dollars.”
Tony’s smile was substantial. “Good old Uncle Jase. He understood me after all.”
Alex had been surprised by the revelation that Tony would receive the lion’s share of the inheritance. He’d always thought he and his uncle had shared a special bond. Alex was more hurt that it hadn’t been an even split than upset over the fact that his inn could have really used the healthy influx of cash. Hatteras West would find a way to get by, no matter what. It had to; it was his life.
Sandra continued. “To my nephew Alex, I leave my most prized possessions, including my collection of books as well as the entirety of my remaining real property. I’m sorry it’s not more, but remember this always, Alex; our bond always went beyond money.”
Tony slapped Alex on the shoulder. “Sorry about that, Alex. Well, at least you get twenty-five grand out of the deal.”
Sandra frowned gently, then said, “I’m sorry Alex, but that’s not the case. Jase willed the remainder of his money to the Elkton Falls Preservation Society. You know how much he loved this old town.”
Tony stood and said, “Jase was something, wasn’t he? Alex, are you ready to go back to the inn? We can deal with the other stuff later.”
“Why don’t you head back without me, Tony? I’ll catch a ride and be out later.”
Tony slapped him on the shoulder. “Come on, don’t be a sore loser about this. I’m sorry you got screwed, but that’s the way it goes sometimes.”
Sandra piped up, “Tony, why don’t you do as Alex suggests and go on. I’ll give him a ride out to the inn myself.”
Tony shrugged his shoulders. “Suit yourself. See you there, Alex.”
And then he was gone. Alex wouldn’t have been surprised to see him skipping as he left the office.
Sandra said, “Oh, Alex, I’m so sorry. I tried to