Page 96 of Mountain Grump

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My fingers tremble against my lips.

I will.

I will find my own family.

I’ll make my own happy future.

In Colorado.

I swallow. Wishing I’d spent more time with Uncle Jack in the past years.

The corners of Richard’s eyes crinkle. “Matty, I leave to you my investment account.”

My eyebrows lift.

There’s more? Beyond the twenty thousand?

“It’s already in your name. And will be dispersed to you, by my accountants, over four years. Each year, on your birthday.”

My heart thuds behind my ribs.

Today is Friday. My birthday is next Tuesday.

The room is silent. And from the edge of my vision, I can see everyone leaning forward. Waiting for the detail.

Thehow much.

“There is a catch, my dear. One I will insist on. And before you wonder your precious purple head about it, know that if you don’t comply, the money will go tothem.” Richard looks up from the letter and slowly sweeps his gaze across the room. And I justknowUncle Jack wrote something telling Richard to do that. He looks back down to the letter. “Before I tell youthe what, ask me how much.”

The lawyer lifts his eyes to mine.

I lower my fingers to my chin. “How much?”

He holds eye contact. “Two million.”

I blink.

I swallow.

I choke on my inhale.

“Dollars?”

The edge of Richard’s mouth pulls up into a smirk. And that look… That look tells me he wasn’t just Uncle Jack’s lawyer. He was his friend.His family.

“Dollars.” He confirms with a nod. Then he lowers his eyes to the paper again. “Now ask me what you have to do.”

I can feel the outrage pouring off my family members.

Can feel the tension ready to burst through the room.

Two. Million. Dollars.

How on earth did Uncle Jack have two million dollars?

I slide my hand lower, until it’s covering my throat. “What do I have to do?”

Uncle Jack loved me.

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