“Well, yes, that’s true,” she replied.
“I know this all seems overwhelming, but my advice would be to get yourself a train ticket this afternoon and go to Port Henry. Bernard knew Mr. Prescott better than I did, and he can speak to his personal wishes far greater than I can. I don’t know why he was so concerned that you take care of this dog, but maybe meet the dog. Spend a little time in your dear friend’s home, which is now yours, and relax. Learn about him. You might be surprised and find that this is exactly what you need.”
Riley considered what the lawyer said, and nodded. “This was truly important to him?”
Annabeth nodded. “I can say with absolute certainty that it was.”
“Okay then.”
Later that afternoon, after going over a few more legal issues and signing some papers she wasn’t entirely sure about, Riley found herself on the train to the Port. She’d visited once as a teenager but had never been to one of the mansions there. Deciding to call it an adventure of sorts, and in effect, honoring her friend, she went to Port Henry hoping this dog wasn’t going to get too attached to her.
5
Donovan
The news of the passing of Jameson Prescott hit Donovan harder than he expected it too. When he got back to the office after walking the dogs, he told Toni some of what he’d found out. After they reminisced about Scrappy and how funny Jameson had been when he got his new puppy, Donovan worried who the beneficiary of the estate was.
“I hope they like dogs,” he said.
“You mean, you hope they like giant dogs that walk around like a bull in a china shop,” Toni said, laughing.
Scrappy was by far, the biggest, clumsiest dog on the planet. At least that’s what Donovan thought. Every time Jameson brought him in for his shots or a check-up, that dog would break at least one thing with his tail flinging around like a lion tamer’s whip. He still wasn’t full-grown and at about ninety pounds the last time he was in the office, Donovan imagined he’d be bigger already.
“Do you think he knew how big that dog would get?” he asked her.
“I don’t think he cared. He was looking for a companion that wouldn’t turn into another ex-wife, if you ask me.”
“That’s a good point. You know he didn’t have any family?”
“I did know that. He was a nice man. What do you think will happen to his house, and to Scrappy? Is Bernard going to keep him?” she asked.
“Bernard said that Prescott had a beneficiary and they’d be there soon,” he replied.
“Interesting. Did he say who it was?”
“He did not. I guess we’ll find out soon enough in this small town. I’m sure the vultures are out, hoping his property goes on the market soon.”
“Well, whoever it is should keep that house. It’s an excellent investment,” she replied.
Donovan laughed. “Look at you, Miss ‘it’s a good investment.’ You’ve turned into quite the mogul yourself.”
“Fuck off, Donovan. It’s not news that the property value here goes up year over year. Just because I got a payout after divorcing a lecherous asshole doesn’t make me any less wealthy than the other trophy wives in this town. Only difference is, I don’t have to give a blow job to my annoying husband for a new purse. I can just go buy one for myself now.” She pursed her lips and put her hand on her hip dramatically, adding flair to her point.
“Touché, milady.” Donovan mock saluted her and chuckled. “I didn’t mean to imply you didn’t deserve what you have,” he offered apologetically.
“I know. I’m just telling you how it is around here. Sometimes I think you forget that I’m a townie just like you. Just because I have s
ome money now doesn’t mean I’m an idiot. I got what I deserved in that divorce, especially after the bullshit I had to deal with in that family. They were lucky I took a payout instead of making them pay me a stipend for the rest of my life. I just didn’t want to deal with them anymore, and even still, I have to see that piece of shit with his new lady around town.”
“I haven’t seen them, but I heard he was engaged again. I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be sorry for me, be sorry for that fool. She surely has stars in her eyes, and I’m certain she has no idea what sort of life she’s signed up for. But, maybe she doesn’t care. There’s a lot of women in this town who only care about being taken care of, and are perfectly happy to keep their mouths shut and fuck when they’re asked to, for payment in jewelry, clothes, and an opulent life. I’m just not one of them. I’m no prostitute.”
“You really think these wives are prostituting themselves to their husbands? Isn’t that a little bitter?” Donovan tread carefully, but he was genuinely curious what Toni’s opinion on the topic was, especially since she’d been on the other side.
“Okay, prostitution is a strong word. But they’re robots. They do what they’re told, and in return, they get stuff. Whatever superficial stuff filling the void of having no opinions or feelings causes. Eventually, some of them get tired of that Stepford life, but from what I saw, that’s a true life goal for others. They feel honored to be put in that position. I was always too much for my ex. The things he loved about me in the beginning, the things that make me who I am… my sass, my opinions, my wild attitude… they all drew him to me until it was time to settle down, then he wanted to change me. At first, I thought it was part of growing up, but then I realized that it was to fit me into a cookie-cutter life that was dictated down for generations. Anyway, I’m not an idiot, and I got away and made myself a deal that sets me up for success. So, fuck off.”
“Fair enough,” Donovan replied, grinning back at her.