Beneath the Abbey Wall by A. D. Scott Read Free Book Online

document in front ofhim as though to ward off the venom wafting across the deck—“the marital home at Ness Walk is left, unencumbered, to Sergeant Major Archibald Smart.”
    No comment from the sergeant major this time.
    â€œNext. All monies in the bank account in the name of Joyce Eileen Smart are bequeathed to the local orphanage. Joint bank accounts revert to the widower.”
    â€œWhat bank accounts? I know nothing of a separate account. How much is in there? I have every right to know.”
    What an auld eejit, Jenny thought.
    â€œWe can discuss that later.” Angus wanted to get on with the reading, knowing there was worse to come. He took a deep breath. “The estate in Assynt, Sutherland, is left, in its entirety, to Donal Dewar McLeod.”
    This time Angus began wondering if Sergeant Major Smart would need an ambulance.
    â€œI knew it! That man.” Sergeant Major Smart pointed at a now more alert Don, or at least a man with his eyes only half shut. “That man murdered my wife.”
    Don was immediately on his feet. Jimmy put an arm between him and the sergeant major, who was attempting to rise from his chair. The Gurkha jumped between him and Don. McAllister was saying, “Calm down, calm down.” Jenny was sitting back enjoying herself. And Angus was glad of the width of the partner’s desk between himself and chaos.
    â€œIf you don’t need him anymore, I’m taking Mr. McLeod wi’ me,” Jimmy said.
    Angus nodded gratefully. “We can go over the details another time.”
    Jimmy’s grip on Don’s arm and the strength he was using to propel him out the door left Don with no choice. There was no energy left in him; three weeks of steady drinking had seen to that.
    â€œI shall be reporting this to the police,” Sergeant Major Smart called after them. “This proves motive, you know.” But everyone ignored him.
    Angus McLean wanted the gathering over and done with. “I have informed all the beneficiaries of the contents of the will, as is my duty as executor. My office will be in contact to sort out the details.”
    â€œI will fight this.” The sergeant major’s voice was still loud but had lost a little of the arrogance.
    â€œThe will is properly drawn up and will be properly executed.” Angus had never liked the man, and not for the first time wondered how a person as obviously decent as Mrs. Smart had married such a popinjay. “To fight the will would be expensive. The law will take into account your inheritance of a property of substantial value, worth more than fifty percent of the total value of your late wife’s estate.”
    â€œI will do everything in my power to see that that McLeod man inherits nothing.” He next turned on Jenny McPhee. “As for you, I will make certain you do not inherit a single piece of her jewelry.”
    â€œI canny stop you, Mr. Smart”—Jenny’s nonuse of his title was deliberate—“but know this; she was a far better woman than you ever deserved, and she is sorely missed.”
    When the sergeant major had been wheeled out of the room, Jenny waited a minute to avoid meeting him again, then she too rose to leave.
    â€œThank you, Mr. McLean. What happened to Joyce is beyond belief and pains me greatly, and this”—she gestured to the papers on the desk—“does not make me any happier.”
    McAllister saw the back of her hand, brown and wrinkled, and he knew she was much older than she seemed. Don’s age, he thought. He also noted her saying “Joyce,” and consideredthat she might know the secrets of Mrs. Smart. Not that Jenny McPhee was likely to share her knowledge with anyone other than her son Jimmy.
    â€œI’ll miss the woman.” Jenny lifted a handbag that resembled a badly cured reptile, pulled down a hat that resembled a tea cozy, and added, “But I wish she hadn’t landed me with