Death, Diamonds, And Dirty Socks: 3 Book Set

By T.L. Tabor

Sitting at the reading of Grandpa’s will, thirteen-year-old Jarod Dailey never knew that any of this had belonged to his family. Not only were a mansion and title suddenly a possibility, but he also had a one-in-seven chance of inheriting an item worth five hundred million dollars. As the clock ticked down for him to make his selection from the will’s items, he used his heart instead of his head. Taking an old brown pair of shoes and fuzzy socks as his inherited item, the others walk away not only smiling at their new treasures, but laughing at his. Everyone that is, except for Brindly, his grandfather’s grateful butler who would have been left with the shoes if Jarod had not taken them.

It is the summer after eighth grade and suddenly Jarod’s life has changed drastically. Jarod is plunged into the excitement of this new world of money and mystery the inherited items have brought his family. His best friend Tommy and him figure out why the shoes were so valuable to Grandpa when theyfind a secret message inscribed on them. When used with the socks, he can connect with anyone, dead or alive through their shoes...and his first visit is from Grandpa. As Jarod and Tommy delve deeper into the mystery behind the magic socks and shoes, they uncover the dark and mysterious outsiders that desire the family's inherited treasures, and the family learns just how valuable the magical items are that Grandpa had spent his life protecting.

• Language: English
• Publisher: T.L. Tabor
• Release date: May 28, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311345769

T.L. Tabor

I have been writing fiction stories since I was very little, because I always wanted a new and exciting world to escape into for a while. As an adult, I decided to write a kids book about things I wished could be true, or how the world could change if our wishes could come true. Magic and the impossible was something I never wanted to give up believing in and I hope kids who read my books never stop believing either.I had so much fun writing Death, Diamonds and Dirty Socks, and laughed through it every time I read it, I just had to continue the series. So for you fans out there wanting more of Jarod and Tommy's adventures, stay tuned; Book Four: Solomon's Ring is available February 2016, Book Five: The Protected, March 2016, and Book Six: Vessel Of Safety, April 2016.

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Death, Diamonds, And Dirty Socks

First Three Books Set:

Priceless Inheritance (Book One)

Mischief Before Mastery (Book Two)

Cheating Death (book Three)

T.L. Tabor

Copyright 2014 T.L. Tabor

Published by T.L.Tabor

This book is available in print at most online retailers.

ebook License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, then please return to your favorite retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you.

Table of Contents

Book One: Priceless Inheritance

Chapter 1 - Family Secrets

Chapter 2 - Burns and Bradwick’s Fine Stores

Chapter 3 - Big Shoes To Fill

Chapter 4 - Lord Kentwood II

Chapter 5 - The Vault

Chapter 6 - The Title

Chapter 7 - Lord Kentwood III

Book Two: Mischief before Mastery

Chapter 1 - To Know The Secrets Of A Man’s Heart

Chapter 2 - Girls, Girls, Girls

Chapter 3 - The First Strike

Chapter 4 - Friend Or Foe

Chapter 5 - Good Riddance

Chapter 6 - The Book

Chapter 7 - Dark Places

Chapter 8 - It Starts With Begin

Book Three: Cheating Death

Chapter 1 - Mysteries Remain Mysteries

Chapter 2 - An Enemy For Life

Chapter 3 - Wheezing Weasel

Chapter 4 - No One To Trust

Chapter 5 - Rightful Owner

Chapter 6 - Timing Is Everything

Chapter 7 - And Justice For All

Chapter 8 - Some Things Never Change

Coming Next: Book Four: Solomon’s Ring

About The Author

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Book One:

Priceless Inheritance

Chapter 1 - Family Secrets

Thirteen years. Jarod Dailey had waited thirteen years to finally be thirteen and now Grandpa was dead. It had only been a week and the funeral was over, but the house was not back to normal yet. They all still had to go to the reading of the will. No one knew why lawyers had been brought in when Grandpa barely had anything to begin with. But many years back Grandpa had promised to show Jarod the family secret, the secret to his success, when he turned thirteen. How great of a secret could it have been anyway? Looking at how Grandpa had lived in that little house all alone for so many years, Jarod wondered if there ever really was a secret. It had always been something just between him and Grandpa, and now just him. All Jarod knew for sure right now was he had to dress up for this occasion…and wear the same horrible dress clothes for the third time that week.

Jarod looked down at his navy blue pants and groaned as he walked down the stairs. They were two inches too short and miles out of style. The shoes that went with them were more than too tight, so that left him wearing his white running shoes with red stripes. Topped off with a white button down, long sleeve dress shirt, the red, white, and blue combination made him feel as if he should be marching in a Fourth of July parade. Four fingers at a time he spiked his short cut, light brown hair and made it look cool...well, cooler. Hopefully, no one from school would see him today. Sandy brown hair, brown eyes, and a skinny build were nothing to brag about even on a good day. He had finally started to fit in at the new school, and even had a best friend after a year in eighth grade. With summer just starting, he had tons of plans with Tommy already, as soon as Jarod was finished with all this Grandpa stuff.

Mom, can I borrow your blue sapphire earrings? the voice echoed from halfway down the stairs from the person Jarod referred to as the Mirror Monster. His oldest sister, Meg, was sixteen, blonde, beautiful and stuck-up. She blended right in with all her new LA friends, but drove everyone in the house crazy with her primping, especially Mom. They hadn’t gotten along since Meg started fitting Mom’s stuff. Luckily for Meg, Mom was slim and in great shape for her age, even more so since Dad had left them.

For the fifth and last time, NO! Mom’s answer was expected, even to Meg. Her heavy stomping up the stairs let the whole house know how miserably abused she was living with this middle class family when she was so sure she was a princess.

Why does she get to wear normal clothes? Jarod protested.

Mom walked by him with a look, the phone pinched between her shoulder and ear as she put on her other pearl earring. "Because your normal clothes aren’t normal."

Jarod flopped down on the farthest edge of the couch and pulled his PSP game out from between the blue floral cushions and decided to stay far away from his mother. He could hear her in the kitchen, still on the phone with Harold, her new boyfriend of four months.

I don’t understand why the children have to all be there, she said in a shrill voice that mirrored her mood. Do you think he’d give them everything and leave me out?

Jarod couldn’t hear the other half of the conversation but he was sure Harold the lawyer was feeding her fears. He wasn’t good for her at all. Mom seemed to let him do more and more of her decision-making, as if she wanted him to take over her problems and make them go away. Only Dad could do that as far as Jarod was concerned, if she’d just give him a second chance.

Jarod looked at the round, wooden clock sitting on the white fireplace mantle. It was 12:15pm. They were supposed to be across town at the reading of Grandpa’s will by 12:30pm. As usual, they weren’t going to make it. He got up, his head still down in his game, and squeezed by his mother in the small kitchen to get to the refrigerator.

Close that up right now, we don’t have time, his mom snapped as she kicked the refrigerator door closed with her foot while she continued to listen to Harold’s advice.

Oww! screamed Lindy. Jarod’s six-year-old sister was still attached to the ponytail of blonde hair her mother was trying to brush as she moved around the house on her cell phone.

Here, I’ll do it, Jarod said, taking the familiar pink Barbie brush and finishing up Lindy’s hair as he did every day before school.

Well, I’ll call just as soon as I figure this all out, his mom carried on. If anything seems fishy, I’ll leave right off and let you know. There was a pause, then his mother smiled softly as she slipped on her taupe pumps that matched her normal suit perfectly. Jarod saw her hold out her hand and admire her newest gift from Harold, a diamond ring. Umm, you too, Sweetie. Can’t wait until then. Bye.

Jarod ground his back teeth together and tried to forget what he had heard. A ring, a wedding proposal, even without her answer it was still going too fast for Jarod. He was thirteen years old, and he wanted what every other thirteen-year-old wanted in the world; his PSP with unlimited time to play it, a Smartphone with unlimited texting, and a mom and dad under one roof with unlimited love just for him.

But that wasn’t going to happen today.

Meg, Jarod, Lindy, let’s go! Mom yelled as she grabbed her jacket off the brass coat hook and swung the door open. She pushed the end button on her phone, grabbed Jarod’s PSP out of his hand and threw it on the couch.

Oh, Mom! Jarod started. He had planned to use that as his escape through this whole thing today.

Not today, Jarod. I have no time, no patience and no help. I need you to pay attention in there with these lawyers. As he walked by her toward the car she gave him that look he could never refuse. How could he fight that? How could he let Dad down when ‘you’re the man of the house now’ was the last thing Dad had said to Jarod when he walked out with his suitcases two years ago?

Jarod fell into his fatherly role as usual. Come on, Lindy, get in. He opened the door of the burgundy minivan for his little sister and waited patiently.

Please hold Mrs. Peterson for me while I buckle up. She hates to lie down except at bedtime. Lindy shoved the tattered pink monkey into Jarod’s hands as she strapped herself into her booster seat. Thank you, she said politely as he got in the back seat with her.

Come on, Meg. You’re going to make us all late. Mom got in and started the car. Meg jumped in the front seat just as Mom put the car into reverse and started down the driveway. Really, Meg, I don’t think that top is appropriate.

Meg looked down at her lacey white blouse that was see-through in areas. Maybe it will get me one of those rich lawyers like your fiancée, Meg said with a devious yet serious smile.

Meg! Harold is more than just money to me. He’s kind and…well we’re not getting married yet… Mom’s scolding was cut short when the car’s engine clunked loudly three times then died mid-driveway.

I can’t believe this! his mother shouted as she put her forehead down on the steering wheel in disgust. We need this money more than anyone and we’re probably the only ones that won’t make it there to claim it.

Jarod couldn’t believe his mother had said that. Boiling her father’s death down to only what she could get out of it? He knew she hadn’t been on good terms with Grandpa for over a year. But a father had to be more than just a money supply. He knew his father was to him.

Put it in park and try again, Jarod instructed, leaning toward the front seat. Give it a little gas when it starts. It just needs to warm up a bit Dad says.

Well, he would know, his mom sneered as she started the car again and laid on the gas. He left us this bucket of junk when he drove off to his new life without the hassles of a family.

Nobody said a thing after that. All the kids knew there was nothing that would ever mend that fence in Mom’s eyes. The car rolled out into the street and there was quiet for the rest of the drive until they arrived at the meeting place.

***

Well, this is the lawyer’s place by the address on the letter, his mom said as they pulled up to a gated entrance of what looked like a modern-day castle. They had only driven thirty minutes to get there but it seemed as if they were in another world, one very different from the twenty-year-old tract homes they had just come from.

Jarod gazed with wonder through the gates and across the expansive lawn that still separated them from the mansion inside. How much money must lawyers make to be able to live like this, he thought? He knew that had to be a big reason why Mom was so attracted to Harold, even if she wouldn’t admit it. It definitely wasn’t his good looks, height, or full head of hair.

A loud buzz rang out from the polished, brass call box they had parked next to. Please state your name, came a very civilized and polite man’s request from the box.

I’m Ms. Katlynn... Kentwood.

Jarod’s eyebrows went up. He had never heard his mom use her maiden name before. It turned something deep in his stomach, another step away from Dad.

Welcome.

The black wrought iron gates with their elaborate scrollwork, slowly swung open like the curtains at an opera. Mom started through, but not more than ten feet in and the minivan stalled for the second time. Oh, isn’t this nice! Still not warmed up? Mom yelled at the car as she cranked on the ignition.

There was a honk of a horn from behind them and not a polite little toot either. Mom looked in her rearview mirror and groaned. The topping on my cake, she said with dripping sarcasm. Jarod turned around to see who it was. A shiny, midnight blue Mercedes, still with its brand new dealer plates on it. It was Uncle Max. I don’t think I could be more embarrassed, she said as she tried to casually drive forward with her right foot on the gas pedal to keep the engine going and her other one on the brake to hold them back a bit.

What is this place anyway? Jarod asked as they rounded the long curved drive and stopped under an arched brick entranceway covered over with lush, dark green ivy.

I’m not sure, she said. My father had many friends and some were lawyers. I’m sure this is just a favor to him, reading the will and distributing his meager possessions.

Jarod knew his grandfather was not rich. He had visited his house in Northern California with his mother several times and for holidays. It had been very small yet comfortable. But when sold and split between his mom and Uncle Max, he was sure Max would barely be able to pay for the insurance on his cars. The last year away from Grandpa had been because Mom needed money and Grandpa had refused. Jarod hadn’t seen him since.

They all started to get out as a tall middle-aged man with jet-black hair and a spotless black suit to match came up to the car and opened Meg’s door for her. Welcome Miss Megan, your grandfather was not stretching the truth when he spoke of your stunning beauty.

Meg smiled and flipped her hair as if the man had just asked for her autograph, then sauntered past him toward the house as though she arrived there every day.

The man next extended his hand out to Jarod’s mother as she came around. In the same Middle Eastern sounding accent he addressed her most formally. Greetings, Ms. Katlynn. Mr. Kentwood asked that I extend the warmest of welcome to his only daughter. The handsome man leaned forward and kissed his mother’s hand. She was just as taken by him as Meg. She smiled sweetly at him and continued on toward the house as if on butterfly wings.

And you must be Sir Jarod. Jarod took the man’s extended hand and shook firmly as his father had taught him. The slight bow of the man’s head showed respect, and oddly, Jarod too felt a little richer or special somehow as he looked into the man’s dark gray eyes.

Last, he opened Lindy’s door and offered his hand to help her step down. Instead of a hand, he got a pink monkey. There was only a momentary pause in his pleasant demeanor. Allow me, Mrs. Peterson, the man said.

Jarod cocked his head slightly. How did he know that?

Thank you, Brindly, Lindy said as she took his offered hand and stepped down like a perfect little lady. Mrs. Peterson sure has missed the fine cup of tea you brew.

Jarod became very cautious. Who was this man? And how did he know all of them?

As if he could read Jarod’s mind, the gentleman placed a hand on each of their backs as they started to walk up the steps toward the huge wooden front doors. I am Brindly, Mr. Kentwood’s caretaker here at Greenhaven Estates. I’ve seen all your photos and had a splendid afternoon with Miss Lindy and Mrs. Peterson on your mother’s last visit to see her father.

Every one of Jarod’s questions was answered, except how Brindly knew his questions. With a wary eye looking everything over more closely, Jarod entered Greenhaven Estates. Brindly had said this was Mr. Kentwood’s estate. There were only two Mr. Kentwood’s that Jarod knew of, Grandpa and Uncle Max, and this place didn’t belong to Grandpa. That left Uncle Max. He supposed that being a stockbroker could make you a millionaire. Looking back at Uncle Max, Aunt Lucinda, and their fourteen-year-old son, Fredrick, getting out of their car, it was very possible that this was their property. They fit here, his family didn’t.

Good to see you again, Kat, Uncle Max greeted his only sister. He was a tall man, and his dark shadow engulfed Jarod as he walked onto the white marble entry of the mansion.

Jarod’s mother forced a smile and kissed him on the cheek. Lovely to see you and the family, too. Jarod could tell this was not going to be fun.

Their light-haired family and Uncle Max’s dark-haired family stood apart. Surely feeling the uncomfortable atmosphere, Brindly did what he was hired for, he made them feel welcome.

Please, if you would all follow me. There are drinks and refreshments in the library and that’s where we’ll be having the reading as soon as the lawyers arrive. Brindly led the way across the grand entry complete with its crystal chandelier, mahogany walls, and double grand staircase, which led up to what Jarod could only imagine were uncountable suites. Two Chinese vases, taller than Jarod, stood as sentinels on either side of the grand staircases. The silk flowers in their entry at home always had dust built up on the leaves and petals, but these had no dust. They were real, and fresh, and filled the entire entry with a crisp fragrance of roses, lilies and other exotic things he had no name for. The atmosphere was not just set to be regal, it was regal.

Why aren’t the lawyers here yet? Uncle Max asked as he shouldered his way past Jarod’s mom to get to Brindly. Doesn’t this place belong to one of Father’s lawyers?

Brindly smiled politely as he turned to grasp the brass handles of two dark wooden doors. He motioned for them to come in as he stood aside and answered Uncle Max’s questions. The actual will had to be retrieved from a safe-deposit box in San Francisco only this morning. They should be here momentarily, then we’ll proceed with your father’s instructions. Brindly bowed his head slightly and then closed the doors as he left them all in the library.

Jarod’s mind turned fast. Something was very odd about this whole situation. If this wasn’t Grandpa’s or Max’s house, what other possible Mr. Kentwood could there be? He had a feeling they were here to find out.

I don’t like this, his mom said as she grabbed a pre-poured glass of champagne and slammed it down in one tip. Why are the children here, Max?

I have no idea, Max answered just as edgy. I hadn’t spoken to Dad for probably a month before he passed away. I didn’t even think he had a will. I always assumed we would be stuck with the details of splitting up everything in his cluttered house. Now it looks as if his lawyer friends are going to get their hands on even those tiny crumbs.

Jarod wasn’t sure if he should share his information about Greenhaven belonging to a Kentwood. Was there someone else to split the stuff with? This was becoming quite a mystery.

He grabbed a small triangle tuna sandwich from the silver platter ringed with grapes and pineapple wedges. Meg had already helped herself to the chocolate candies two at a time and Fredrick was scooping into something gross that Jarod guessed was caviar from the fishy smell. The cousins gathered by the food as the grownups huddled into their own conversation.

So, how is public school treating you, Jarod? Got beaten-up yet? Fredrick had been in private school since he was potty trained. As far as he was concerned, if you weren’t in private you weren’t even being schooled. Even today he had on his navy blue blazer from school. His slicked-back black hair was probably another requirement for admission there.

It’s better than you could ever imagine, Jarod said honestly. He had never had such good friends until this year. The sports are incredible and the classes are a piece of cake.

Of course they are, Fredrick said with his long pinched nose rising a little higher. Do you think you’ll get into any kind of decent college from there?

I’m going to acting school when I’m done with high school, Meg interjected as if to impress Fredrick. Jarod turned back to the sandwich tray to avoid Fredrick’s laughing face.

It seemed like an eternity before Brindly opened the doors again and Jarod was free of Fredrick’s snide remarks. Luckily, Lindy had been saved from most of his comments as she fed Mrs. Peterson tiny frosted cakes while she sat on the floor.

Mr. Douglas T. Porter, Brindly announced as a very short and round man walked hurriedly into the library. He seemed very happy but rushed. Behind him a tall young man, about in his twenties, wheeled in a moving dolly with seven brown shipping boxes of different sizes on it.

Sorry to have kept you waiting, Mr. Porter said as he flipped his large black briefcase onto the mahogany conference table. He took out a white handkerchief from his suit coat breast pocket and wiped the sweat from his forehead. "The jet was delayed by fog. You know how that fog is in San Francisco. Just glad I got everything here as Lord Kentwood ordered.

At this, everyone in the family looked at each other. Lord Kentwood? Ordered? Jarod knew it was too late to inform his mom now about the other Mr. Kentwood that was mentioned.

Uncle Max blurted out what was on all their minds. Who in God’s name is Lord Kentwood?

Mr. Porter stopped his wiping suddenly and looked at them all for the first time. He seemed to be taking in the jumble of appearances before him, none of which matched as relatives to a lord for sure, except maybe Fredrick in his navy blazer with the embroidered school emblem. Well… Mr. Porter started, carefully eyeing each person, Lord Kentwood was my friend and your father I presume, he said to Uncle Max. You are Maxmillion Kentwood, aren’t you?

Uncle Max looked at his sister then his wife for clarification that they had just heard what he had. "You mean my father, Bobby Kentwood?"

Mr. Porter cleared his throat. The young man next to him, a lawyer too no doubt, looked as offended as Mr. Porter. Lord Robert Kentwood, he restated the name, is most definitely the man I am speaking of, was great friends with, and will miss dearly. I am here at his order to present his last will and testament to his surviving family members. And I must add that it is with great honor that I carry out his last requests. It was evident that Mr. Porter was slightly indignant about the family’s lack of knowledge of Grandpa’s title.

Suddenly, Jarod’s mom dropped into one of the large burgundy leather chair behind her. We’re rich, she said in a dazed voice that was barely audible. The old son-of-a-gun was loaded all this time and he let me suffer. She sat there shaking her head for a moment and then burst out laughing. It was high-pitched phony laughter of disbelief, and it was loud. Meg, Lindy and Jarod looked at each other then back at Mom. Maybe she’d just had too much to drink.

Uncle Max still wasn’t convinced of the newfound family fortune. "So you’re saying that my father, Robert Kentwood, is a lord and has ordered you to read us his will?"

Start unpacking the boxes, Jason, Mr. Porter said to his assistant. Mr. Kentwood, Porter addressed Max. I believe everything will become clear as I read your father’s will and carry out his last requests. Please do all be seated and we will get started on this forthwith. He motioned for them to sit in a row of burgundy leather chairs, where mom was already seated.

Jarod headed for the chair nearest the food, but his mother grabbed his arm and pulled him down next to her in the middle. Arranged in a line so that they faced the conference table, the chairs were about five feet away so all had an equal view of the lawyers. Uncle Max sat on the other side of Mom, Aunt Lucinda next to him, then Fredrick. To Jarod’s right was Meg and at the end was Lindy. There was still one more chair available. They all eyed it thoughtfully.

Brindly, Porter turned to the butler and spoke with great respect. Please take the last chair there. It was Lord Kentwood’s wish that you be included.

Brindly looked just as shocked as the rest of the family. He took his seat just as Jarod’s mother jumped up from hers. Oh, this is how it’s going to work, she said with a sneer.

Porter raised one disapproving gray eyebrow and then shook his head as he went back to arranging his papers in his briefcase.

Mom sat down but was not quiet. Harold said it could turn out like this, everything going to one person out of spite. I at least thought it would be a family member, maybe one of you kids…not a… she turned with a glare toward Brindly, …butler. She had not lowered her voice on purpose. Brindly had the refinement not to acknowledge what was obviously overheard, but Mr. Porter slammed his briefcase shut and singled her out.

Mrs. Dailey, if there are any comments that you might have about this will, it is suggested that you refrain from sharing them until you are in the presence of your lawyer.

Mom crossed her arms and was reaching her boiling point, as Jarod recognized from first hand experiences, left twitching eye, fingers grasped tight into her own arms. Just like Harold said it would start. Suddenly she grabbed Jarod’s hand and bolted up again. "Come on kids, we’re leaving. You, Mr. Porter, can discuss the terms of this will with my lawyer." Jarod was yanked along as his mother latched onto Lindy’s hand as they passed her chair.

I must warn you, Mrs. Dailey, that stepping outside that door now will disinherit you and your children. Mr. Porter’s words stopped Mom dead in her tracks, inches from the threshold.

She turned slowly around and closed her eyes to regain her composure before she spoke. I suppose we have no choice then. Just like when we were children. Mom humphed. Uncle Max almost looked disappointed they hadn’t made it to the door before the warning.

Mr. Porter waited another embarrassingly long moment as he stared at Mom. Finally, he looked away when they were all seated again. Then let’s begin, Porter said.

They all shifted in their seats and got comfortable. Lindy seemed very happy to be by Brindly and shared a bit of cake she had in a napkin. Jarod saw that Brindly kindly took it and politely ate it although it had been quite handled already and probably had monkey fur in it. Meg was inspecting her nails for chips, and his mother, still with tightly crossed arms, was glaring at Porter as if he were an unfair schoolteacher punishing her. Jarod on the other hand was attentively watching Porter and Jason as they prepared for what had to be the most excitement Jarod had ever been a part of. His grandfather was a lord and owned this estate. Jarod was already satisfied. Whatever came next would be overtime bonus points.

Porter began to read from a very official document and went on through a bunch of formality stuff as Jason began to place the boxes on the long table in front of them. Now for the distribution of possessions and holdings. Porter became the focal point of all their attention.

Greenhaven Estates shall forthwith remain undivided and at the disposal of all family members in the room. To begin with, no one member may occupy the residence for longer than two months a year to allow ample time for all to enjoy it as a vacation or retreat getaway.

What? his mother yelled out. No one gets it!

Mrs. Dailey... Porter started again with waning patience.

"It’s Ms. Kentwood," she corrected him.

"As you wish, Ms. Kentwood. Do I need to begin again, since you seem to have failed to hear in the accompanying documents that I have already read, that any disputes or challenges to this will enable the trustee, myself, to disqualify you from the inheritance?" There was silence. Short, tubby Mr. Porter had suddenly become very powerful and important to them. Jarod’s mother fumed in her chair...silently.

I’ll continue where I left off, then, Porter said with a deep steadying breath. The Greenhaven Estate will be run and managed by Mr. Brindly, who is to remain in his current position and lifestyle for as long as he may live.

Jarod saw Brindly smile almost sadly, as if he were recalling his old friend’s kindness. Jarod’s mother couldn't resist leaning forward to glare at him with pursed lips.

"So we can have parties here, but he gets to live here?" Her forced icy stare landed on Brindly, who, always the gentleman throughout every attack, kept his face expressionless.

"You are finally correct, Porter said with a slight jibe of his own. It was clear that his patience was fading fast having to deal with this family. Not quite the honor he had anticipated obviously. Now for the rest of Lord Kentwood’s holdings. Uncle Max leaned forward in interest, as did slender Aunt Lucinda, just as eager to get her hands on more money for spa treatments no doubt, while Fredrick not really caring, flipped through a sports magazine he had pulled from his pocket. Porter went on, All holdings have already been liquidated and added to the estate accounts for its upkeep and management. What remains of Lord Kentwood’s dispersible belongings are the items you see before you now on this table."

Jarod had been watching as Jason placed the items on the table, carefully concealing each under a black velvet cloth and arranging them equidistant apart. There were seven items, just as many as there were family members seated there, not counting Brindly of course. Jarod was sure he was not the only one who had calculated this out.

That’s it? Uncle Max yelled. You sold everything else? His old Honda, his tiny home in Santa Rosa?

Porter remained ever calm. The will states that further distribution of assets will remain postponed until such a time as the new Lord of Kentwood assumes the title.

Uncle Max’s face lit up like a jack-o-lantern after sunset. Well that’s me then, he said stepping forward. I’m the eldest and his only son. He stated his rank, but nobody but smiling Aunt Lucinda seemed to be convinced this was legitimate.

If you would please take your seat and let me finish, Porter sighed as he rolled his eyes yet again and returned to his papers to read aloud. The title and assets of this estate shall pass to the person most qualified to use them wisely. If no such person shows themselves as qualified, the estate will remain as is for the family’s use and the title shall not pass.

I don’t get it, Meg said before anyone else, even though they all echoed her thought.

Max’s face was once again screwed up in disagreement. "I can’t imagine anyone here being better qualified than myself to manage large sums of money. I believe it’s clearly evident, that of the two families here, I have more wisely profited from the monies at my disposal." He looked down his long ramp-like nose at Jarod’s mother.

Jarod’s mom shot back, Using funds wisely isn’t just about tallying up dollars, Max. She smiled at Porter. I believe that a family’s happiness must be factored into the equation.

Porter closed his eyes to them both and shook his head as he held out his hands to stop either of them from saying anything further. I am not the one set as judge of this entitlement. It simply says a person who shows themselves as qualified to use the assets wisely. Porter put his papers down and eyed each one of them. After the many years of being your father’s friend and confidant I have no choice but to honor his request exactly as it was put forth to me, for I know he thought on this for many long hours. Until it’s shown in act or deed that one of you is qualified to assume the responsibility of this estate, it will remain in holding. I must remind you that should there be any disputes, I, the trustee of the estate, will settle the matter as I think your father would have dealt with it.

Even dead he’s controlling us, Mom snorted in disdain. Porter was about to give her another lecture but she put her hand up to stop him. I know, I know. No disputing anything father dearest wanted.