Page 104 of Left Behind

“First, I want to tell you that you were your brother’s world, and it is good to put a face to a name,” Lee said. “Every time he came in to add to the will or update it, he talked about you, so take heart from how dearly you were loved.”

Carey’s eyes welled, but she was smiling. “It was mutual. He was all I had when I was growing up, and he never failed at making sure I wasn’t in need.”

“Okay then,” Lee said. “Down to business. Everything I told you over the phone is here in writing. We’ll go over it together, and then you’ll sign in the necessary places. I’ll file the documents and get the property deeds registered in your name. Did you bring copies of the death certificate?”

She handed him a manila envelope. “I wasn’t sure how many I would need so I ordered ten copies.”

Lee removed the number he needed and handed the envelope back to her, then began to read the will aloud, stopping in necessary places to explain a detail. He kept going until they were through. Carey signed everything.

“The estate will now go into probate,” Lee said. “It’s a lengthy process. It could take up to six months. But Billy was prepared for that and had a separate bank account in your name only. The money in it is yours now. All you have to do is sign the authorization card at the bank. He wanted to do that in case you needed it to tide you over while the rest was being settled.”

“I never knew he was so smart about stuff like this,” Carey said.

“The name of the bank is in the file I just gave you. It’s near your address, so it should be easily accessible for you. I’ll stay in touch with you throughout the process and keep you updated on progress.”

“How do I pay you for all this?” Carey asked.

“Oh, that’s already been taken care of,” Lee said. “What I’m doing now is finishing up the services Billy paid for on your behalf.”

Carey reached for Johnny’s hand, too moved to speak.

“What about inheritance taxes?” Johnny asked.

“Good news for you,” Lee said. “The State of Kentucky does not have an inheritance tax. If you sell property later, you will of course pay tax on that, but everything Carey inherited is free and clear.”

Carey was sobbing now and laid her head on Johnny’s shoulder.

Lee picked up the phone and buzzed his secretary. “Linda, would you please bring a couple of bottles of water into my office?”

“Yes, sir. Right away,” she said, and a few moments later came in with two cold bottles of water and put them on his desk.

“Please, help yourself,” Lee said as he pushed a box of tissues toward Carey.

She grabbed a handful and began wiping her eyes and mumbling apologies.

“No need for that, Miss Eggers. You don’t apologize for grief or love,” Lee said.

Johnny opened a water bottle and handed it to Carey. Taking a few sips was enough to stop the tears and gave her time to regain her composure, while Johnny sent a quick text to Uber. They were about ready to go.

“Thank you,” Carey whispered. “Is there anything else I need to do now?”

Lee shook his head. “We have the ball rolling. Now it’s just a matter of getting it pushed through the courts. There aren’t any issues. It just takes time. I’ll walk you out,” he said.

She gathered up the file with all of her copies, then tucked her hand under Johnny’s elbow to steady him on the way out. They sat down in the outer lobby until they received a text that their driver was outside, then walked out into the sunshine.

***

Gardner and his team had been scrambling for the past two days. He had the evidence he needed for the search warrants being served this morning, and he was pulling Junior Henley back in for questioning at the same time, purposefully leaving Carl hanging, hoping he’d panic and head for wherever he was storing records.

Carl Henley was as antsy as a virgin bride on her wedding night. After being taken in for questioning, only to be released after his statement, he’d heard nothing, and Junior seem oblivious to the implications. His son seemed to think that just because they’d been let go, they were in the clear.

Carl knew better. It felt more like a ticking time bomb, with no way of knowing when it would blow. He had no idea they had Pryor in custody, and his snitch on the inside wasn’t communicating. This was not a good sign, either.

He and Junior were at breakfast when the doorbell rang, and before he knew it, the police were taking Junior back in for questioning.

“Daddy! Call the lawyer!” Junior kept shouting, as they walked him out the door, but Carl was already on the phone, doing just that.

No sooner had he disconnected, than his cell phone began to ring. His contacts were being hit with search warrants and being taken in for questioning, and they’d just hauled Junior off again. This didn’t look good. For the first time in Carl Henley’s life of crime, he panicked, and made a crucial mistake.

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