Morning all. Despite the prompt we actually have sun today. Its the first time in over a week. But as I set up the prompts in December I didn’t actually plan it. In fact I don’t really plan them in December. I just take out the calendar for the upcoming year and pick the prompts randomly from a box of index cards. But this was today’s prompt, so let’s see what becomes of it, sun or not. Timers ready? Great, then off we go.
I like the various twists in this. There are so many ways it could go. Plus the property is left vague. It could be a locket or a family estate. It might be interesting to delve into. Certainly something to tuck away for later.
Tuesday, June 27th: The day was gray and dreary.
The day was gray and dreary. Rain kept threatening but never falling and as a result the thick heavy clouds felt like they were pressing down, an extra weight, a waiting calamity. All day I felt as though I was waiting for something to happen. It was that sort of day. There was a scent, a feel to the air. Events were about to happen.
It was almost a relief when the phone range. I knew the news wouldn’t be good, but it, whatever it was, finally got into motion. I lifted the phone to my ear.
“Hello?” I said cautiously.
“Ms. Merriwether?” the voice on the other end asked.
“Yes,” I replied. My palms were damp and my heart started it’s climb to my throat.
“I am Mr. Sanders with the law firm of Sanders and Sons. Our firm has helped your great uncle’s will. It is my sad duty to inform you that Mr. Anders Gregson has passed. He has named you in his will. I am sorry it took us so long to reach you, but we had a hard time locating you.”
“I see,” I said. I was surprised there was a reason to contact me after all this time. I did my best to fall off everyone’s radar and after I was certain they lost my address I changed my name and moved again. I wanted nothing to do with the Gregsons. Not anymore.
“I was told to tell you in a letter left with the will, that he is the last of your family,” Sanders continued. “He seemed to think this would make you more inclined to speak with me.”
“It would actually,” I said before I thought about it. I wondered how it would sound to the lawyer but didn’t apologize or take it back.
“Is there a way I could get you to come to my office to go over the paper work. I understand your privacy is of great importance so I think it might be best to give you mine?” It was a question and I wondered if it too was Uncle Ander’s explanation.
“Yes, I think that would work best,” I said. I rummaged around until I found a notepad and a working pen. I took down the address and his phone number.
“I will need to make arrangements,” I told him.
“That’s fine,” he said. “Call when you know when you will be arriving.”
The call ended with a few basic pleasantries and after ending the call I set the phone down. There were things to do, airlines to call, flights to schedule, hotels to arrange. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. A loud crack of thunder above caused me to jump. Lightning flashed and suddenly the rain that was threatening finally fell.
Ten til Midnight 