Compass Rose by John Casey Read Free Book Online Page A

the back of his chair and said, “I’m wearing lots of hats in all this. Too many hats. I have been Miss Perry’s lawyer. My firm drew up her will. I’ve since become the chairman of the board of directors of the Perryville School, which is the chief beneficiary of that will. I was also to be the executor, and I’ve had her power of attorney. In case Miss Perry takes a turn for the worse, I don’t want to get caught flat-footed in what might appear to be a conflict of interest.”
    Sally said, “Jack …”
    “So I’ve rearranged everything. Elsie is to be executrix.”
    “Jack,” Sally said on a higher note. “I think you’re being … I thought you were just going to talk it over. Elsie’s been through a lot.”
    “We’re all very concerned, but this has to be faced. I’m not insensitive to the emotional situation. As it happens, I’m trying to avoid problems that would compound everyone’s distress at a later date. If you’ll let me get a little further, you’ll see that this plan is to the benefit of all concerned.” He pulled two sheets of paper from his inside coat pocket, smoothed out the fold, and laid them on Elsie’s place mat. “I’ve covered the major points here. You don’t have to take them all in right now. I’ve arranged for a capable lawyer to help you. He
was
an associate in my firm, but he’s on his own now.” He put a hand on Elsie’s shoulder. “So really all you’ll be doing is taking care of Miss Perry in very much the same way that you’d be doing anyway.I’d like to help more, but in light of this conflict of interest, I have to be Caesar’s wife, not just beyond reproach but above suspicion.”
    Elsie ran her hand through her hair briskly enough to dislodge Jack’s hand. He moved to her other side and put his finger on the top of the page. Elsie said, “I can’t read this with your hand in the way. If you’ll just sit down and give me a minute …”
    “It’s a bit technical; I thought I could clarify some of the legal language.”
    “I’ll read this tonight then, and if I have trouble, I’ll call your capable lawyer.”
    Jack sighed and sat down. “It would be more expedient—”
    “Oh, Jack,” Sally said. “Just let her skim through it. This is no time for you and Elsie to start one of your …” Sally lifted her hands and flicked her fingers apart.
    Jack got up again and went to the pantry. He said over his shoulder, “There’s brandy or port, if you like.”
    Sally said, “You know brandy keeps you awake.”
    “This isn’t so hard,” Elsie said. “All this about the books Miss Perry gave to Charlie and Tom Pierce. ‘Donative intent.’ Of course she intended to give them.”
    Jack reappeared in the doorway. “Well, there you are,” Jack said. “The problem is that the rare editions are still in her bookcase. She only actually handed over reader’s editions. To avoid tax consequences to the donees, it would be better if the books were out of the house.”
    “That happens when the boys have their eighteenth birthdays. Charlie will be eighteen next summer.”
    Jack said, “Of course, we all hope—” Sally held up her hand. Jack stood still for a moment, squinting and wrinkling his forehead, visibly considering. “All right,” he said. “I can understand your concern for Elsie’s feelings. I happen to think Elsie’s made of sterner stuff. I think that she, like me, will find comfort in dealing with the formal necessities of the situation.” He turned to Elsie. “But perhaps you’re right, perhaps it will be easier talking to a lawyer with whom you have only a professional relationship. All we have to settle is that you accept that you’ll be the executrix and have power of attorney.In our last clear conversation, that is what Miss Perry told us she wants. That is the factor I should have put first, rather than my own need to stand clear. Miss Perry considers you the person most capable of understanding her intentions and