Los Lobos turned out to be exactly the type of restaurant that would appeal to his sister, expensive and popular. California cuisine masquerading as Mexicano Nuevo. Pricey wines and specialty brews with trendy IPA beers dominating the drinks menu. They ordered, then Adam reached out to place a hand over his sister’s. She looked up from her phone.
“I need to ask you something, Chelle. I need a favor.” Adam hated starting this new chapter in their relationship on this note. He’d always been self-sufficient and what he needed to ask tore at his tattered pride.
Pushing her phone aside, Chelle focused all of her attention on the man across from her.
“I am so embarrassed to have to ask you this, but I need to borrow some money. I only have a couple of hundred in my account. My rent is due, plus I’m closing the office. I can’t afford the rent there anymore either. I need to get a truck and a storage space….”
Michelle stared at her brother, obviously confused. “Did you go through your inheritance already?”
“What?” It was Adam’s turn to frown, confused. “What do you mean my inheritance?”
“The $97 million that Grammie left you?”
Her brother’s stunned expression told her everything she needed to know. “That bastard! He didn’t tell you, did he?”
“Who?”
“Dad! Grammie died eight months ago, Adam. It was unexpected. She left you everything. Money, houses, cars, stock. All of it. Dad was really pissed.” She shook her head. “He told Dills Sr. he would make an effort to find you after the will was read, but I’ll bet he didn’t.”
Adam buried his face in his hands. Tears of grief welled up in his eyes and threatened to overflow. He’d been very close to his Grandmother. The two of them shared the same wicked sense of humor and the same contempt for his father. After the assault, the only family member from the Coulter clan, other than Michelle, who came to visit him was his Grammie. She’d gone with them when Eagle picked him up from the hospital to take him home. Even then, he knew he was going to run, that he was going to leave Eagle. It was his pattern. Whether drugs, alcohol, or relocation. Adam ran from pain. His grandmother sensed it, but she knew she was powerless to stop him. So, when she hugged him that last time, she had tears in her eyes. He thought they were tears of pity, but now he understood. On that day they said goodbye, she knew, one way or another, that she would never see him again. And she hadn’t.
Adam sighed. “To be fair, Chelle. Eight months ago, I was either in a shooting gallery pumping heroin into my veins or it was about the time I OD’d. I just got lucky that day. I must’ve stumbled out onto the street and someone called the paramedics. I really don’t remember, but they told me it was touch and go for about two weeks. I died in the emergency room, but they brought me back.” He didn’t tell her about being in a coma after his heart stopped and they revived him. He didn’t tell her about the physician who wouldn’t give up on the junkie laying on the gurney, shocking him three times before he came back to life. Every day he wondered why he had survived.
“Oh God, Adam. Why didn’t anyone call us?”
“I don’t know, Chelle. As soon as I could, I went into rehab and I’ve been clean and sober a little over eight months. I really hit bottom, Sis. I did a lot of stupid stuff. I just couldn’t cope with what happened, with Eagle, with anything, really.”
“You were in a lot of pain.”
“You’re right. I wanted to die, Chelle.” He wrapped his hand around hers, holding it. The sadness in his eyes nearly broke her. “And some days…,” he whispered, “I still do.” Then he smiled. “But, I’m getting better, Chelle. Really I am.” He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. “So, Dills Sr. is executor? Thought the old bird retired.”
“No, that old guy will die at this desk.”
They laughed, remembering the rotund senior partner. They always suspected Grammie and Dills Sr. had a little romance going on.
“There’s something else you need to know.”
“Shoot.”
“I’m divorcing Eagle.” He slipped his hand from her loose grasp.
Michelle’s eyes widened in disbelief, “So, it was real after all.”
Adam nodded and filled her in on the details.
“Wow! Okay! George Lintner is your guy for the divorce, plus he’s family.”
“Family?”
“He’s gay.”
Adam cocked his head, still not grasping her meaning.
Michelle sighed, rolling her eyes at her brother’s annoying thickness, “Adam, I’m a lesbian and I’ve been in a relationship for the past four years.”
The truth slowly sank in, then Adam smiled. “Who’s the lucky woman? Does Dad know?”
“Angela Destin and no, Dad doesn’t know I’m sleeping with one of our richest clients.”
“Isn’t she married?”
“Yes,” Michelle picked at the tablecloth underneath her fingers. “but not for much longer. She filed for divorce about six months ago, after her parents died. We still have to keep things low key. Don’t want some really conservative judge giving custody to Alejandro because homosexuality makes her an unfit mother.”
“When did she have the baby?”
“Three years ago, and news flash, Alejandro Martinez is not the father. Her parents demanded she give them a grandchild and despite trying like crazy, nothing happened, so we took matters into our own hands.”
Adam grinned and leaned closer, wanting to be in on the secret. “Is the real father anyone I know?”
“Yes, and I will never, ever tell you, big brother. It is a secret I will take to my grave.”
“Okay, for now, but eventually I’ll wiggle it out of you.” Their laughter died down as Adam grew more serious. “So,” he motioned toward her phone, “call people. Get me in to see Dills Sr. and your friend ASAP, today if possible”
“Oh, it’s possible.” She grabbed her phone and pulled up her contacts list. “Because, I, sir, am Michelle Coulter.”
Fifteen minutes and two phone calls later, they had confirmed appointments. Their two entrees brought the conversation to an abrupt halt. The food was excellent and Michelle looked pleased that he had a good appetite. True to her word, when they finished, Michelle paid.
Chapter 9
Mr. Ronald Dills, Sr. was a well-respected lawyer specializing in unbreakable last wills and testaments. He was king of estate planning and had held this honor for decades. Adam and Michelle were ushered into an office which reflected the man. Successful and expensive, but tastefully understated with touches of old Albuquerque. At 80 years of age, Dills Sr. had more going for him than men half his age. Mrs. Kline, his secretary for more than 40 years, ran that office with an iron, but efficient, fist. She delivered in a thick file to Dills Sr., placing it on the desk in front of the old man.
“Adam, so good to see you. I’m sorry it's under such sad circumstances. Your grandmother was an extraordinary woman.” The sadness in his voice seemed genuine. Then he turned his attention to Michelle.
“I just want to let you know, Ms. Coulter. I am bringing charges against your father and filing a complaint with the state bar as a result of the fraud he attempted to commit.”
Michelle’s eyes widened, “What has he done now?”
“Richard Coulter bribed one of our newer clerks. He wanted him to falsify documents to allow him to take control of young Adam’s inheritance. Fortunately, the ever vigilant Mrs. Kline caught the paperwork before it could be filed allowing your father a valid claim. She brought it to my attention and we stopped your father in his tracks. Needless to say, that clerk was fired. I am livid about this unethical behavior by someone employed by my office.”
“I’m sorry, Mr. Dills. Please file that grievance with the state board. Between you and me, I’m thinking of leaving the firm and starting my own law office. I have a number of clients who will follow me if I leave. So, please, give him hell.”
The seemingly mild mannered gentleman smiled. Michelle knew not to be taken in by
his demeanor. Dills Sr. was savage when it came to a will he’d created being contested. Richard Coulter tried only once before to defeat this little lion. He’d come away badly scarred. Opening the file folder in front of him, he turned to his computer, adjusted his bifocals and started to type.
“I’m putting in motion a series of instructions to escrow and sending an email to your Grandmother’s stockbroker. I’m asking that they release funds and stocks as soon as young Adam gives us his brokerage and bank account numbers.”
Adam nodded. He made a mental note to reopen his brokerage account since he’d completely dissolved his assets to pay for his drug habit. A phone call would alert his bank about the large deposit to come.
“As for the real properties. The house in the city is currently valued at $2.2 million, but I think that is a bit low. You may want to get that reappraised. The Taos cabin’s last tax appraisal was at $1.7 million, but with the way that ski area is so popular right now, I think you could get more for it if you wanted to sell it. Her cars are only worth about $20,000. Your grandmother never went in for flashy or expensive automobiles. Personally, I think she missed her horse.”
Adam grinned, nodding his agreement.
“Other incidentals,” Dills Sr. continued, “such as electricity, water, maintenance of the properties, taxes will be given a final accounting and that money will be deducted from escrow. Do you have any questions?”
Dills Sr. handed Adam several sheets of paper to sign. Michelle deftly lifted them from her brother’s fingers and scanned them before allowing him to put his signature to paper.
“Alright then. From this point forward you will be responsible for upkeep and taxes on the properties and funds. I suggest you get an accountant as well. I’m sure your sister can recommend someone.”
Michelle tapped her brother’s arm and smiled. “Vishna Pyang. He’s family as well.”
The older man stood, holding out his hand. “When you get those account numbers just speak with Mrs. Kline. I hope you will consider using us when you want to do a will for yourself. If you use my law firm, just email Mrs. Kline with your wishes and she will start the paperwork. You can come in and sign when it’s complete. My advice is that you’ll make it a priority, Adam. The last thing you want is your father getting his hands on that money, even in the long run.”
“He won’t, sir. I’m married and even if I die intestate, everything will go to my husband, Eagle Woodard, anyway.”
Dills Sr. raised an eyebrow. “Young Woodard? Martin Woodard’s oldest boy? I had heard rumors.” He smiled, “Well, good for you, you’ve finally made your relationship legal. Did your Grandmother know you were…?”
Adam grinned. “Gay? Bisexual?” He shrugged, “I don’t know. I never said the words to her, but she was pretty wily. She probably knew before I did.”
“Well, nonetheless, I believe she would’ve been pleased with your choice. I know I shouldn’t say this, but she didn’t like any of your wives, Adam, and Eagle Woodard is a fine young man.”
Adam forced a small, tight smile. Not letting the older man know their next stop was to a divorce lawyer.
“Life is very uncertain, young Coulter. I repeat, please make this a priority. I wouldn’t put it past your father to contest the validity of your marriage to Eagle. If you love him, just make certain he is taken care of.” Dills Sr. chuckled. “Forgive me, but the thought of you being married to the son of your father’s archrival tickles me. It would piss your father off to no end if Eagle Woodard got everything. Still life is unpredictable, so I advise you to make a will and a trust soon.”
“I promise, sir.”
****
Next stop was George Lintner. The younger man led them into his office on their arrival. Adam stared at one of the handsomest men he’d ever laid eyes on. He was tall, dark auburn haired with eyes that could only be described as azure blue. Square jawed, with a deep cleft in his chin enhanced an already very masculine, clean shaven face. His gleaming white smile stood out against lightly tanned skin that appeared to be natural, not sprayed on. A charcoal grey pinstripe with just a touch of wine rose accent in his breast pocket finished off the other man’s extremely polished look. Adam felt grotesque compared to this well-muscled god, but that wasn’t how George looked at him. He seemed to gaze at Adam with a sexual hunger that was a bit unsettling. He felt as if he should know this man, but any memories of him slipped away.
“Adam.” He took Coulter’s hand and grinned. For a moment, neither man spoke, hands clasped together. Adam felt George’s thumb rub warm circles on the back of his hand. “You don’t remember me, do you? I know it’s been a while since you, me, and Maddie….” He left the meaningful words hanging in the air.
Suddenly, the light turned on in Adam’s eyes as he remembered. “Oh, my god, I had sex with you!”
George’s laugh was deep and throaty. Adam couldn’t help feeling a little twitch in his cock at the sound.
“Best two weeks of my life.” He finally released Adam’s hand and pointed to a couple of chairs in front of his desk. “Sit, please. It’s been, what, ten or eleven years ago? I was so in love with you. I thought you were the best looking man at the party and when Maddie suggested a threesome…, my first by the way, I couldn’t say yes fast enough. You were the first and only man who ever fucked me. I still remember how much I loved it, but I never wanted it again, unless….” He left the obvious invitation open.
Michelle laughed, turning to her brother. “And here I thought your interest in the same sex started sixteen months ago with Eagle.”
Adam blushed and glanced away, clearly uncomfortable with Michelle knowing about his previous sex life.
“Maddie liked to mix it up and I went along with it.” He hesitated. It was time to be honest. “Then I found out I liked it…, a lot. And yes, that is the reason Maddie divorced me. She caught me fucking a guy in our bed, after, of course, I caught her fucking her future husband in our bed.”
Michelle flushed, uncertain she really wanted to hear the details of her brother’s past sexcapades. “You do know George gets paid by the hour, big brother. We can talk about your secret fetishes later…, or not.”
“Okay, down to business. Divorce.” He grabbed a piece of paper. “Who is the lucky girl this time?”
“Eagle Woodard.”
George looked up as a broad grin slowly formed, “You are kidding me.”
“Nope. He’s my husband. I have the certificate to prove it.”
The lawyer’s eyes dropped back to the paper in front of him. “When this is final, I’ll have to run into him someplace.”
Michelle shook her head, “He’s your type?”
“Tall, broodingly handsome and a body to die for? What makes you think he could possibly be my type, Michelle?”
“Uh, Roger, Dan, Rick, Steve…, should I go on?”
The lawyer looked over at her, “Please don’t. It makes me sound like a slut.”
“Darling, you are a slut.” They both laughed, but Adam stayed quiet.
He didn’t like the idea that this man would go after Eagle. George, also, brought up memories of unspoken truths. He hadn’t just had sex with George. There was a lot more they did together during those two weeks. Role playing and BDSM featured heavily in their very brief affair. He remembered how neither he nor George wanted it to end. Maddie saw the threat George created to their relationship as it became exceedingly clear that Adam might be falling for his exciting play toy. She had demanded he dump the younger man and at the time he’d been so in love with Maddie there was no choice in where his true feelings lay. She wanted George gone and he had complied. It was one of the few times he regretted breaking a lover’s heart.
Adam looked at George. One lover out of many. The things he’d done in his past. Deceptions he had perpetuated when he led Eagle to believe he was his first male partner. He’d been tempted to tell Eagle the truth the night they married, but he hadn’t and now it was too late. The truth would only hurt
the man he loved even more. He wanted Eagle back. This charade could easily backfire and he knew it. This was his last ditch effort to get to talk to Eagle in a civilized manner and try to reconcile. He wanted to be with the only man he ever truly loved.
“Date of marriage, Adam?”
The sound of his name brought him back into the moment. “March 14th.”
“Year?”
Adam replied.
“So, that’s a bit over a year, sixteen months to be exact. Annulment isn’t permitted beyond twelve months and I assume, you had consensual sexual intercourse, correct?”
“Yes.”
Pink tinged George’s cheeks, “I would ask how it was, but that would be terribly unprofessional of me.” He glanced up at Adam, eyes bright. “But if you ever feel like dinner and want to talk about it. Let me know.”
They worked out the details as George explained the dissolution and division of common property. Unfortunately, Adam had been through this four other times. He knew everything he needed to know about the process.
“The judge will probably require you to split any profits you made on your inheritance over the past 8 months. Wild estimate…, probably $5 million to Eagle.”
Adam nodded. “I also want to sue for alimony.”
George stopped, his brow wrinkling at the news. “You won’t get it.”
“I know, but Eagle doesn’t know about the inheritance yet. I’ve been through four divorces, George, Eagle will be number five. I know if I put in the request, he’ll have to talk to me.”
The look in Lintner’s eyes told Adam the other man suddenly understood his plan.
“You don’t want this divorce, do you, Adam?”
“No, but he won’t let me explain. I’m the one who walked out. I’m the one who disappeared when the going got tough. He’s angry. I get it. He’s angry and heartbroken. I want to explain why I did what I did. The last time I tried, it ended in a shouting match. I don’t have any more options. Money talks. Hopefully, we can do it calmly and rationally.”
George didn’t bother to hide his skepticism. “Well, good luck with that. So, what if he really does want the divorce after he hears you out?”
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