Spanish Bay (18 page)

Alexandra scoffed.

“Alex, listen. Let Mr. Jackson finish,” Chris scolded her.

Mr. Jackson continued, “We also have the loan of one hundred thousand dollars to consider, and the two life policies of thirty thousand each. That leaves a net value of the estate of approximately seven hundred and forty thousand dollars. Six surviving children. That makes each one’s share approximately one hundred and twenty-three thousand dollars.”

Chris moved uncomfortably on his chair. “I think we may have a small problem, Mr. Jackson.”

“What would that be?”

“Junior came to see me this past Christmas, and he mentioned in passing that Frank looked different, so we had a DNA test done. He is not my father’s son. We don’t yet know who his biological father is.”

Mr. Jackson nodded. “Well, Chris, you don’t have to worry. Your daddy didn’t leave a will, and I’ve gathered all the paperwork. Your daddy is listed as Frank’s father on his birth certificate, so from a legal point of view, he is entitled to his share.”

“So how quickly can we sell the farm?” Alexandra butted in.

“Alex,” Chris began slowly, “please understand. We are not going to sell the farm. However, we have two choices to offer you. Either, we buy you out and give you the one hundred and twenty-three thousand dollars, or we consider it a loan and we can pay you interest on it. But you’re outnumbered five to one.”

Alexandra looked to Mr. Jackson for support, and he nodded. “Legally, you are within your rights to get your cash Alexandra, but I strongly—”

“I’ll take it,” she interrupted him and got up. “And I never want to see any of you again. I need that money for my kids. They deserve a better life than I’ve had.” She stormed out the door.

“That was to be expected,” Jessica said after the door slammed shut. “Do we have a way to get that amount of money?”

“Let me talk to Junior,” Chris said and started to formulate a text message. “I don’t know how quickly he’ll be able to respond though.

Ten minutes later, Chris’s phone pinged and a response from Junior came.

I’ll wire you the money. Just let me know where to.

Chris passed the phone around, and when Mr. Jackson read it he said simply, “I’ll get the papers drawn up for Alexandra. This basically means that Junior takes over her share of the estate.”

“No, wait. I think that we would like to sign over our shares to Jessica and Jess, altogether. I’ve spoken to Junior. We all have our own lives, and we don’t need the farm. We don’t want Jack and Jessica to live here with the burden of owing us looming over them.”

“No way, Chris,” Jack argued. “This is your right as much as it is mine.”

“But you work here, you live here. You love this place, I don’t. Here’s an idea. Why don’t you promise me to be the best you can for us, be successful.”

“But what about Frank? Can you really give up his part of the inheritance?”

Chris was uncertain. “You have a point.” He looked at Mr. Jackson. “Can I call you tomorrow? I need to go make a house call first. I’ll call you after that.”

“Works for me. Well, kids, I’ll take my leave, then. It’s been a long day.”

After he’d left, Jessica asked, “What do you mean by a house call? You’ve been enigmatic all day.”

Chris sighed and stretched his back before he began. “I didn’t want Alexandra to know, given her greed. But Junior and I think that old Murphy might be Frank’s dad.”

“What?” Jack was suddenly animated. “But how is that possible?”

Chris gave Jack a mock stern look. “Did you sleep through your biology class, Jack? Junior told me that dad had apparently had a vasectomy performed after Mom had given birth to Jess. So when Mom got pregnant with Frank, he’d been really upset. But Junior left for the navy and never really found out what happened afterward.

“I’m not sure you’ll remember, but there was a lot of fighting in the house back then. I always assumed it had to do with Junior leaving, but maybe it was all about Mom having an affair. We’ll never know for sure, but I need to find out if old Murphy really is Frank’s dad. I’ll go see him tomorrow. Since he’s got no kids, Frank would be the sole heir to the entire farm.”

Jack whistled appreciatively. “I see your point. He’d be a rich man. That ranch is the best kept in all of Lubbock. But what if he refuses to acknowledge Frank?”

“Let me go see him first, talk to the man. We don’t know, but if he refuses, we could always get a lawyer, see if we can demand a paternity test or something? Not that it would change much. He could always write him out of an inheritance, but it’s worth a shot.”

“And if not? What then? What will you do about Frank’s part of our ranch?” Jessica wanted to know.

“Let me sleep on it? I’m exhausted. Maybe we’ll let him keep his part. I don’t know. Why don’t you think about it, too?”

***

Chris slept uneasily that night, but by the time he got up, he had made up his mind. He showered and took the truck over to the Murphy ranch. The old man was at home, drinking coffee.

“Well, well, look who’s here. You’re one of the Miller boys, aren’t you?”

Old Murphy looked fragile. He walked badly, with a crooked back, and his short cropped hair was pure white.

“Come on in. What can I do for you, son? I’m sorry about your momma and daddy. It’s been a few years since I last saw them. Tragedy, the whole accident. Can I get you some coffee?”

“Thank you, just a glass of water, if you don’t mind.”

They sat down at the large kitchen table.

“I’m sorry, son, but I had a heart attack last year, and fell down the stairs. They had to replace my hip, and I don’t walk very well since. And my hearing’s pretty shot, so you’ll have to speak up.”

“Yes, sir. I will,” Chris said, loudly.

“So, tell me, what brings you here?”

“Well, that is a delicate matter, sir,” Chris began, and the old man looked at him for a second, bewildered. Chris produced a recent photo of Frank and put it on the table between them.

The old man took the picture and looked at it. “He’s mine, isn’t he? He’s got my nose, for sure. How is Frank?” Tears appeared in his eyes.

“He’s fine, sir, and yes, he probably is your son. Junior was recently home to see us. He hadn’t seen Frank in six years, and he immediately saw the similarity, so we had a DNA test done, and he is only our half-brother.”

“I see. Well, I don’t think you’ll need to do a test. I’ll sign the papers readily. You see, I was at your house, oh, more than seven years ago, before Frank was born, of course, to see your daddy. I knew he was in trouble, financially, with the banks. The economy was in the tank, cotton prices were low, and we all suffered. Luckily, I had buffers, and I went over there to offer my assistance, seeing that he had five mouths to feed. But your daddy wasn’t home. He was out doing whatever he did back then, and I met your momma instead. We talked, and she confided in me. Told me how difficult her life had become since Jessica was born, how her marriage with Andrew was practically over. One thing led to another. I’m not proud of what I did, but I’m not ashamed, either. It just happened. It’s one of those mysteries life hands you. Your momma was lonely, and with all you youngins, she was stuck in the house all the time, never got to meet anyone. My wife was sick and bedridden. You could say two lonely souls found some comfort from one another for the briefest of time.

“When I learned she was pregnant, I assumed that things had improved between her and your daddy. Then one day, I went over to renew my offer for help, he ran me off the ranch with his rifle. Ever since then, I gathered Frank might’ve been mine, but I was too afraid to confront Francine. I didn’t want to make matters worse. And now she’s dead. They both are. What can I do to help?”

“Well, sir, Frank is fine. He lives with me and my husband in Carmel. He receives treatment for his cerebral palsy, and he’s made a lot of progress.”

The old man nodded. “He’s happy, but I was hoping that having you as a father might secure his future, if you don’t mind me saying so.” Old Murphy coughed, then chuckled. “I see your point. Would you mind if I met him? I mean I’m more of a grandfather than a daddy really, and I couldn’t help you raise him. I don’t have the strength.”

Chris panicked. “No, of course not. That is not what we meant. We wouldn’t expect you to, he’s our brother, after all.”

“Good. I can barely manage the stairs after that damn hip replacement, and I rarely leave the house. I don’t think the Lord intends to keep me on this Earth much longer. I’ll talk to my lawyer. But I would very much like to see him, if only one time. Do you think you could do that for me?”

Chris was relieved. For a second there, he had been afraid he might lose Frank. “Yes, sir, of course we can. Would you like to come and see us in California?”

“No, son, I don’t think I could manage the trip. Aren’t you visiting your siblings here this summer?”

“We weren’t planning that far ahead, but I’m sure we can arrange for it.” Chris told the old man about the café and Neil.

“Well then, I think you should get back there as soon as you can. I’m sure your family misses you.”

“Yes, sir, they do, and I miss them, too. But before I leave, is there anything we can do for you? Do you have enough food? I’m sure Jack and Jess wouldn’t mind looking in on you.”

“Thank you, son, but I’ll be just fine. My foreman and ranch hands are doing a good job, but if your sister and brother want to come over for a social call, my door is always open.”

“I’ll tell them that. Here’s my phone number and our address in Carmel. Please feel free to contact us if you need anything, and I’ll be in touch about coming to see you this summer.” Chris got up and shook the old man’s hand before he let himself out.

That went better than expected, and I dodged a bullet. How could I have missed that he may want to raise his own son?

Chris was very upset with himself for putting Frank’s welfare in jeopardy over money, but he’d been lucky this time. They all had. When he returned to the house, he’d made up his mind. He’d transfer his share of the inheritance to Jack and Jessica, but would allow Junior and Frank to keep theirs.

AFTER RETURNING TO CALIFORNIA, time flew by for Chris and Neil. Frank made great progress, particularly with regards to his speech development, thanks to the efforts of his teachers. Already, he was putting together short sentences, and his motor skills were developing, too, although the tremors shaking his little body were still largely uncontrollable, and Frank often lost patience.

The café was still busy as ever, and Chris and Neil were finally able to plan for the outdoor seating area in the back, away from the hustle and bustle of the street, providing a romantic spot for people to enjoy their food and drink. They were certain it would boost their revenue even more. There had been little news from Sally, even though the first anniversary of her stroke was nearing. She was still recovering at the clinic; that’s all they ever got in return when Chris inquired.

Neil was studying two classes now and keeping up with it, largely because Grandma Sue had stepped in and was helping more with Frank, allowing Neil to focus on his studies while Chris was running the café.

The papers from Mr. Jackson had also come to Carmel and had been signed, witnessed and returned. Jack and Jessica would be able to run and develop the farm any way they pleased. Alexandra had been bought out, and Chris had renounced his part of the will, leaving Jack, Jessica, Frank and Junior each with one quarter of what was left. Alexandra had been elated when she’d received the check in the mail, apparently.

The boys were planning their trip out to Lubbock and decided the best way would be to fly, as it would be too big of a hassle to drive the long distance. Neither Chris nor Neil was particularly looking forward to spending days cramped up in Chris’s truck.

When they arrived in Lubbock, Jessica was waiting for them with the family’s old van, which had been converted to take Frank’s chair. That had been another challenge back in California: transportation. Neil’s car was worthless to anyone but him, and there was no way he could get Frank’s chair into the back and lift the child into the driver’s seat, and while Chris could do that, he wasn’t able to drive Neil’s car. So whenever Neil had to take Frank to school they relied on the city’s cabs. In the end, with a heavy heart, Neil sold his car—it just made no sense to keep it—and so did Chris, and they invested in a small van instead, capable of loading Frank’s chair in the back with a ramp. They’d be able to travel as a family, but Neil had to give up on his driving dreams, for now. It was a concession he’d gladly made for his new family. His parents hadn’t been thrilled, though they couldn’t argue the logic.

After their nice new van, it was a bit of a come-down traveling in the beat-up Suburban Jessica came in to pick them up from the airport.

“You haven’t sold it?” Chris teased.

“Sell it? Why would I do that? This thing is perfect. I take our veggies to the farmer’s market every Saturday. Loads a ton. Welcome home, boys!” She laughed, hugging all three of them. “Boy, you’ve sure grown, Frank.”

“I grow, yes, and I talk, too.”

“And you talk, too. Wow!” Jessica had to wipe a tear from her eye. “My graduation ceremony is tomorrow at three. I figured you may wanna come? After tomorrow, I’m not only an adult, but free, as well…”

“Oh, come on,” Chris said. “You’ve been an adult for months now. Three more years and you’ll be able to buy liquor!”

“Yeah, not happening,” Jessica retorted. She’d never been partial to alcohol, not after witnessing how it had destroyed her parents. “Anyway, let’s go. I’ve got dinner ready at the house and a small surprise.”

“Surprise?” Neil asked.

“You’ll see…”

When they got to the house, they barely recognized the place. The roof had been fixed, and a coat of paint made the place look like new. Even the barn had been painted.

“We have so much to tell you. A lot has happened since you were last here, Chris.”

“So it seems…” Chris said, his mouth gaping open as he pushed Frank up to the house.