All good things have an expiry date. I learned that at a very young age. And it’s far better for them to end on my terms than to be at someone else’s mercy.
But I hadn’t been able to let Katherine go.
And she knew it.
Was that what this was? Was she trying to give me roots? Gifting me a home in death that I couldn’t possibly say no to...? It was sick, twisted, manipulative...and it had Katherine’s benevolent heart all over it.
‘I know this is a lot to take in.’ McAllister is filling the strained silence. ‘Perhaps if you’d each take the paperwork away, read over it and come back to me with any questions you may have? I will make myself available to you any time you need. Katherine was my dearest friend, my longest client too. This isn’t just my job...it’s personal.’
Edward gives him a grim smile before turning to look at me, a thousand questions burning behind those rich brown eyes that have haunted my dreams for so long.
I wonder what it would take to have them look at me like they did before. With laughter, with warmth, with—
Leave it alone, Summer! You left for a reason. You ran for a reason. Those reasons haven’t gone away.
‘Here.’ McAllister slides an envelope to each of us. ‘She left you each a letter.’
I manage a sad smile, my fingers trembling as I reach for it. The family crest to the bottom right of the ivory embossed paper triggers an ache deep within that I find impossible to ignore. ‘Thank you.’
‘Is there anything more you’d like to ask?’
I shake my head.
He looks at Edward, whose eyes are trained on the envelope clutched in my hand.
‘Mr Fitzroy?’
‘No. Nothing that will make sense of this at any rate.’
McAllister gives a grim smile. ‘I understand. But rest assured, your grandmother thought long and hard about this. She was never one to make such decisions lightly, as well you know.’
Edward’s eyes flash, but his words are measured, ‘No. She wasn’t.’
‘As for your mother—do let me know if I can help relay all this to her. I’m surprised she declined my invitation to be present today.’
‘I’m not.’
Edward’s tone is clipped as he reaches forward and takes up his letter, tucking it inside his jacket. He’s all action now, as though he’s made a decision only he is privy to.
‘Thank you, Charles, we’ll see ourselves out.’
‘I’d offer to escort you to the estate...’
McAllister is looking at me, but it’s Edward who speaks. ‘That won’t be necessary.’
Edward’s already on his feet and I follow suit, frustrated that he’s talking for both of us but too numb to argue. I shove the envelope into my satchel and sling the bag over my chest, hurry to tug my backpack from Edward’s reaching grasp.
‘I’ve got it,’ I say, throwing it onto my back, my eyes colliding with his in challenge.
He clenches his jaw, gives me a brisk nod and gestures for me to lead the way.
I take my time, refusing to dance to his tune.
It’s not like I planned any of this.
It’s not like it’s my fault.
‘Thank you, Charles.’ His tone warms with respect for the older man and a modicum of gratitude. ‘I’ll be in touch.’