Page 130 of Breakout
Janis walks in moments later, sneering in our direction. When I go to face the front, I catch another familiar face. I frown when I recognize Gabe. He’s sitting in the back on Janis’s side. It makes me wonder what he is doing here.
I turn forward once more, knowing I will have to deal with that after. The judge comes in, making us stand before we take our seat again.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am here today. I thought this would be a routine inheritance claim. I deal with them all the time where the family members are able to come to an amicable resolution. This is no ordinary case. As I poured through the evidence provided by both sides, I was able to see how one side is truly more deserving of this inheritance. I have never been more disgusted with some of the things I read in these files.” The judge looks up at Janis. “Ms. Anderson, it has been brought to my attention in these files that you have stolen from your grandfather many times. That you have sold the items, priceless heirlooms, in order to fund your habit. Tell me, Ms. Anderson, what is your drug of choice?”
Janis sputters. “Why are you talking to me? I don’t do drugs. I’m rich, why would I do drugs?”
“Trust me, Ms. Anderson. You don’t want to lie to the court. I’ll save you, though. It seems meth is your drug of choice. According to several witness statements, you have been seen on many occasions smoking it. It surely would explain your poor behavior. With that being said, your grandfather didn’t want to cut you out of the will completely. He’s given you one last option. It’s clear as day, and I will be honoring it. If you complete a two-year inpatient detox program with therapy to help change your thinking, he has set aside money for you. If you choosenot to take this option or leave early, the money will be donated to charity. What will it be?”
“What? He can’t do that. I am owed this money. It should be mine. I am the sole Anderson heir. The only living member left.”
The judge shakes her head. “I’ll give you thirty days to consider the offer. If I do not get written proof of your enrollment into the program, we will donate the money. As for the rest of the items outlined in this dispute, it is this court’s belief that Matthias Anderson was of sound mind when he made the decision to leave all of these assets to PeytonAnderson-Hayes. Effective immediately, possession of these items will revert to Mrs. Anderson-Hayes. No further disputes will be heard on this matter. It has been closed indefinitely. Ms. Anderson, I expect you to respect Mrs. Anderson-Hayes’s privacy. At her lawyer’s request, we have granted a permanent protection order against you. If you approach her, call her, or attempt to visit any property that she owns, you will be arrested on sight. Understood.”
Janis looks flabbergasted. “What? You can’t do that.”
The judge bangs the gavel. “Court is adjourned. Bailiffs, escort Ms. Anderson from the room.”
Janis is cussing as she is escorted outside.
Peyton turns to Mr. Piper. “Is that it? No one else will come forward?”
He looks sad. “Your Aunt Gloria died many years ago. Your uncle hasn’t been seen for decades. Even if he comes out of the woodwork, he has no claim to it. The Anderson estate and fortune are officially yours.”
Peyton gapes. “I can’t believe it.”
He smiles. “You’ll get used to it. I have another appointment, so I have to go. Sorry to run, but we should get lunch sometime. I would love to tell you stories about your grandfather.”
Peyton smiles warmly at him. “I would love that.”
He hurries out of the courtroom as we take our time. When we step outside, I see Gabe waiting.
“We can get a protection order against you too, you know,” I call out to him, making Peyton turn his way.
“Gabe? What are you doing here?”
He looks down at his feet. “I came to apologize. Janis told me that he was hurting you. She said I needed to save you from him. I can see now that she was manipulating me.”
“How do you even know her?” Peyton asks.
“She approached me after class one day. Said that she was your cousin and concerned about you. I really did like you, but it was her idea to ask you out. She gave me the push I needed to do it. What I told you about my sister was real. I never lied, but I feel like I was a little too pushy now knowing what the truth is.”
“Why are you here right now?” I ask.
“Janis called me ranting about ruining everything and calling me incompetent. She mentioned the court date, so I came. I had to see for myself.”
Peyton shakes her head. “Respectfully, Gabe. I don’t ever want to speak to you again. I hope you get the help you need to move past whatever happened to your sister, but you tried to ruin what I have with Beck. I can’t forgive that no matter what the reason is. I’m sorry.”
He nods. “I know. I am too.”
He turns and leaves. Grabbing Peyton’s hand, we follow him down the steps, stopping at the bottom.
Turning toward Peyton, I kiss the back of her hand. The last time we were here, we had gotten married. Now I have no idea where we stand.
“Are you okay?” I ask her.
She shakes her head. “I won, but I don’t feel like a winner.”
I nod, unsure of what else to say to her.
