Gypsy Spirits (24 page)

Pastor Anders arrived and said, “We can begin.”

Wishing she was anywhere else, Annamarie let her mind wander a bit to the outbuilding she knew was on the other side of the hill. She could see the pines to her left and oaks to her right. It was a beautiful place to live and a fitting place for grandpa to be laid to rest, but not for Garret and Nancy to be hiding. Forcing herself to pay attention to Pastor Anders, she listened to him recite the Twenty-Third Psalm, thank the Lord for accepting his child Michael into his heavenly home, and to bless his family with strength during this difficult time. 

Difficult, more like impossible she thought, trying to keep her mind on the service. 

Pastor Anders intoned, “Amen,” everyone repeated it.

Shaking George’s hand, he said, “
Unfortunately, I must be going. God bless you.” 

Stepping forward, Mr. Ranford said, “I’ll take care of Mr. Logan now. In a few moments, the grave will appear as if I’d never been here.”

It was then Annamarie saw his assistant dressed in clean jeans and a crisp blue shirt. Definitely the person who would do the physical work, but professional at the same time.

Maureen pulled on George’s arm to start his walk back to the house. Daniel and Annamarie willingly followed. 

When they arrived, Elaine had coffee, tea and a plate of cookies waiting in the living room.

Sitting down in a chair with a cup of coffee in his hand, George said, “I hope Townsend is late.” 

Right on cue, the doorbell rang. George groaned. 

Daniel rose to let Mr. Townsend in. Annamarie could tell by the look on Daniel’s face he didn’t want to see Mr. Townsend any more than George did.

Carrying his usual black briefcase Mr. Townsend nodded to them. “I apologize for being here at such an inconvenient time. It was Michael’s wish his will be read today.”

Although they already knew, it did nothing for their mood to hear it again. They were tired and stressed, and wanted a few days to recover from this week of hell. 

Mr. Townsend began with more apologies and condolences. “I have been Michael’s friend for as many years as I can remember. Is everyone ready?”

George dropped his head onto his arm saying, “Yes, yes.”

“Michael wanted it read today so there wouldn’t be any misunderstandings from the beginning.”

If they weren’t confused before, they certainly were now.

“This is the Last Will and Testament of Michael Andrew Logan.”

Mr. Townsend continued, “Besides his insurance company Michael Logan had many business interests all over the country. Most of these will be sold according to his final wishes. The insurance company will remain the same with George
Logan, the sole owner. Michael made several provisions for his staff over the years, including his housekeeper Elaine. He made arrangements for a sum to be paid to Good Shepherd Church and other charities close to Michael’s heart. My office will handle those legal dealings. He also made plans for the continuing care of his brother John. The timber business is legally tied to this house and neither can be sold. They are to remain in the Logan family for as long as there is a Logan to inherit them and to reside in the house. If the time comes when there isn’t a Logan heir, the entire estate will be given to the town of Timmus Woods, with the house converted into a museum. From the proceeds of Michael’s liquidated business dealings and timber profits, a trust will be set up to care for the property. The taxes will be paid, and all upkeep for the house and property will continue the way it is now. A monthly allowance will be available for the inside of the home and the hiring of help if needed. Michael decided the family is able to support themselves. Therefore, there are no monetary inheritances.” 

Maureen shifted in her seat weighing the situation before asking, “What about the house?” They all knew Maureen had wanted
the house for years. 

Mr. Townsend cleared his throat and said the final provision concerned the house.

“First, Michael wanted you to know he loved you deeply George, and was proud of the life you have made for yourself with the insurance company. Second, he knows this house was built because of love, and will thrive with love. Michael has left the house, all its furnishings, contents and the surrounding land to Daniel and Annamarie.” 

“What?” Maureen screeched, “You’re joking. They’re only children.” 

Annamarie now realized why grandpa had told her to remember she would always have a home here. 

“They can’t have it. This house is supposed to be mine. I put up with that old man for years. It should be left to George and me.”

George’s anger grew and Annamarie was becoming nervous.

“Stop, please,” said Mr. Townsend, “There’s more.” 

“It’s about time,” said Maureen. “He must mean in the future or something.” 

“No,” continued Mr. Townsend, “the house belongs to Daniel and Annamarie as of this moment. If they don’t want the
house, it will go to the town as I described earlier. I filed the necessary paperwork this morning. Everything’s done except for one thing.” 

“Now what,” said Maureen? 

“Daniel and Annamarie have inherited the house and property, but it’s not an equal share inheritance.” 

“Finally something makes sense,” cried Maureen, her voice rising in pitch, “If we don’t get the house, it should belong to Daniel and not ‘that
girl.'” 

Amazing how quickly Annamarie went from “dear” to “that girl” in Maureen’s eyes. Daniel was right about crossing his parents. This wasn’t her doing yet she was still getting the blame.

“May I please finish?” interrupted Mr. Townsend. 

“Yes,” said George. “Let’s get this over with.”  

Annamarie sat there feeling as if she would be thrown out of her new home, by a woman who wanted the house more than anything. She was ready to give it to her until she heard Mr. Townsend clarify grandpa’s wishes.

“I explained earlier Michael wanted this house filled with love, which is why he left it to Daniel and Annamarie. He knew there was only one way to assure love would always fill this house, and that was for Annamarie to live here with any children she might have, regardless if she and Daniel remain married. A fifty-fifty inheritance could cause his great-grandchildren to live elsewhere which is why he left seventy-five percent of the house and property to Annamarie, the remaining twenty-five percent to Daniel. He believed if they did divorce, Daniel could still live here in the north wing, but the main house would always be Annamarie’s.” 

In shock, Annamarie’s eyes moved from Mr. Townsend who appeared relieved to have finished fulfilling his legal obligation, to George now pale as death, to Maureen boiling with rage, to Daniel laughing out loud saying, “This is classic grandfather.” All Annamarie wanted to do was run. 

“Townsend, you’re fired,” yelled George rising to his feet. 

“Michael and I anticipated that,” Mr. Townsend said looking directly at Annamarie. “He paid me a large retainer to assist you in any legal matter you may have, Annamarie. I’m now your attorney.” 

“Okay,” she said unable to think of any other response. 

With a kind, understanding smile, Mr. Townsend handed her one of his cards, put his papers back into his briefcase and left.

Daniel jumped up, grabbed Annamarie, hugged her and said, “Look at this place. It’s all ours.”

Then he whispered, “With grandfather out there with my grandmother, I don’t think she’ll be back in the house, and your spirit will keep me safe from the spirits in the woods. This is perfect.” 

Annamarie knew reading a will often brought out the worst in people, but she’d never expected everyone to overreact like this. All she wanted was to go home.

“I’ll be happy to help you get settled.” Elaine offered in her uplifting manner.

Maureen screamed at her to get back to the kitchen while George sunk deeper into his chair. 

Daniel said, “It’s time for all of us to leave and get some rest.” 

Apprehensively, he asked his dad, “Do I still have a job?”   

“Of course you still have a job, and I even understand why your grandfather divided the property the way he did. He loved Annamarie and doesn’t want his great-grandchildren to live anywhere but here. But still, he could have left the house to us with the provision it’s yours when we’re gone. He knew Maureen loved this house.” 

Remembering her conversation with grandpa, Annamarie knew Maureen would never live here, but she never thought the house would be hers.

Daniel said, “Come on. We should all go home. After some sleep, we can discuss it. There’s nothing we can do about it now anyway.”

Grudgingly Maureen and George followed behind them, not saying a word. Maureen was still fuming and her face hadn’t returned to its normal color.

***        

“They’ll come around or they won’t. We can’t change what they’re thinking,” said Daniel during the drive home. 

“Do you have any idea why grandpa left us his home, and why he left me the greater percentage?”

“I’m honestly surprised he left me anything. I’m happy we have
the house. I know you’ll care for the house the way grandfather would want.”

He knew his grandfather loved her, and Annamarie had adored his grandfather.

“He wanted love in his home, and while he might have doubted my love for you, he was sure of yours for me. I’m not upset you have more of a percentage than I do. It will always be our home, even if you banish me to the north wing,” he said. 

“Never,” she responded, taking his hand in hers. 

“Grandfather knew my parents got along in public, but privately they weren’t a happy couple.” 

“Grandpa told me last week your mom would never live in his house, but I would always have a home there. I thought it was only the ramblings of an old man hoping for a happy family.”

“Grandfather knew what he was doing.”

It occurred to Daniel he didn’t recall if Mr. Townsend said when his grandfather made that particular will.

“Don’t lose Mr. Townsend’s card. I have a feeling mom and possibly dad might try to fight the will. Since we have only been married a few weeks, the will must be fairly new. Mom will jump on that fact.”

Looking at the card, she noticed Mr. Townsend had written his home number on the back of the card.

“Grandfather covered everything. Mr. Townsend will never let you down,” Daniel said.

***

Maureen and George argued all the way home. Fortunately, it was a quick five minute drive with George behind the wheel.

Swearing she would fight that crazy old man’s will, Maureen said, “Do you know when your father made
the will? It had to be recent since he mentioned Annamarie. Couldn’t we say we think your father was senile because of his age and health? We could get the house. I’m sure he left it to us in a previous will.”

Her words angered George, but he was too tired to argue any longer and let her rant.

***

Daniel and Annamarie arrived home shortly after seven-thirty. Both were hungry. Before they got out of the car, Daniel backed it out of the
drive and said, “We’re going to Ray’s. It’s too late to cook.”

***

Elaine finished the kitchen cleaning at the Logan house. There wasn’t much else to do. She walked through the house to be sure everything was in place, and checked the lock on every door and window. She left, locked the door behind her and wondered if she would ever be back. Her heart was breaking while she drove home.

***

By the time Daniel and Annamarie were served the burgers and fries they had ordered, the sun was setting. At the same time, Garret was contemplating what he thought was a great idea.

“Nancy, the funeral’s over and it’s getting dark. The house is empty. I’m tired of sleeping on the ground and eating canned food. We can get into the house, eat some decent food and sleep in a bed.”

Nancy wasn’t as sure as Garret but agreed to follow him.

Slowly making their way up the hill between the outbuilding and the big house, they saw the house was completely dark and ran toward it hoping a marvelous meal awaited them. Garret managed to break into the back door and walked boldly to the kitchen. Nancy followed slowly and nervously. 

“This is great,” said Garret when he flipped on a light switch and opened the refrigerator door. Inside was sliced roast beef, cooked potatoes, fresh fruit and half of a cherry pie.

Elaine hadn’t known what to do with the food, and decided to leave it for Annamarie. Her decision
elated Garret and Nancy, who lost no time filling their plates.

***

At the same time, Elaine felt one of her sick headaches coming on. “Where’d I put those pills Dr. Norse gave me? Oh yes, in my purse so I’d have them with me today,” she said to herself. 

Her purse wasn’t where she normally kept it when she arrived home. She looked around the
house and thought she must have left it in the car. She didn’t find it there either and realized it must still be at the Logan house. 

“Where is my mind today?” she said. If it weren’t for the headache, she wouldn’t have decided to return. I still have the keys, she thought, and no one will be upset if I just get my purse.