by David Harder
“Good morning, everyone. Thank you for meeting with me,” said Tony as he burst into his office.
Robert stood to shake hands. “Counselor.”
Tony slapped Robert’s shoulder while shaking hands. “Good to see you, Robert. How is school?”
“Law studies are far more complicated than computer science.”
Tony nodded. “And the pay is a lot better, too.”
Turning his attention to Stephanie, Tony shook hands. “Why, Miss Stephanie, you are looking gorgeous this morning.” Tony beamed a huge smile.
Stephanie produced a soft handshake and pursed her lips into a forced smile. “Mr. Toncetti.”
“Tony, please! All of you should call me Tony.”
When Tony looked over to Staci, his smile nearly vaporized. “Wow, Staci. You, ah, you’ve ah . . . my, oh my, you sure have grown up since the last time I saw you.” Tony was struggling with his words.
Tony nervously shook Staci’s hand, but abruptly ended the maneuver, retreating to his large, leather desk chair. He glanced up at all three of the Kreiders. Upon seeing Staci head-on, Tony immediately focused on the papers sitting on his desk. As he shuffled through the folders and papers, he mumbled aloud.
“Now, where did I put those papers?” Finding the correct folder, he exclaimed, “Ah, here it is.” He set the folder on the top of the other work sitting on his desk and rested his hand on the folder.
“Tell me, how are your accommodations?”
“The hotel is comfortable,” said Stephanie.
“Are you kidding me? It’s fantastic. Thanks,” quipped Robert.
“Like, what were you expecting, Steph? The Taj Mahal?” smirked Staci.
Stephanie glared at her two siblings.
Tony rubbed his flat palms together. “Excellent.” He then opened the top folder. “First off, let me say again how terribly sorry I am for your loss.”
Stephanie blurted out, “Oh, cut to the chase, Tony. Dad’s been dead for weeks—no thanks to you for not telling us. I mean, we had no say in the arrangements, and I feel like I’m not important in this situation.”
Behind Stephanie’s back, Robert was making over-exaggerated facial expressions and silently mimicking his sister’s speech. Staci giggled, which Robert found hilarious. Stephanie twisted her neck toward Robert, catching him before he could stop himself because he was showing off to Staci. Robert instantly acted normal with a “who me?” expression. Fuming mad, Stephanie bolted from her chair and aimed for the office door.
Tony jumped from his leather chair, “Stephanie, wait.” But it was too late. By the time Tony rounded the desk, she was gone. Tony reached over the desk and snapped up the telephone, punching one of the buttons.
“Yes, Betty, is Stephanie there in the lobby?”
“Why, yes, sir. She’s in front of the elevator.”
Tony almost screamed, “Stop her immediately. Don’t let her leave!”
Betty was flustered, “How shall I do that, Mr. Toncetti?”
Tony was frustrated. “I don’t know; just stop her. I’ll be right there.” Tony slammed the phone down. Turning to face Robert, Tony pointed a fatherly finger at the young man. “Good grief, Robert. Grow up, man!” Tony dashed out the office. As he race-walked toward the elevators, he became aware of the attention of the other office personnel, so Tony tried to smile and act nonchalant.
Robert leaned over and whispered, “Wow, what a stick in the mud. She always gets her panties in a twist over nothing.”
Staci gravely said, “Dude, you should, like, back off. You ticked off Tony.”
Robert gulped. “You’re probably right. I’ll apologize when they get back.”
“If she comes back, Bobby.”
“Oh, she will,” said Robert, but he wasn’t too confident.
Tony arrived at the front lobby, finding Betty with her arm wrapped around Stephanie’s shoulder. Stephanie was crying. Betty was trying to console her but failing miserably. She actually looked relieved when Tony appeared.
“Thank you, Mr. Toncetti.”
Tony nodded at Betty and then tried to steer Stephanie back toward his office. Stephanie stood her ground, arms crossed.
“Robert is so immature. And he’s exasperating!”
Tony was at a loss. “I harshly reprimanded him.”
Stephanie glared at Tony, doubting his efforts would do any good. She made a wordless groan and rolled her eyes.
“Please come back with me?”
After a lengthy pause, she reluctantly agreed. Relieved, Betty weakly smiled as Tony escorted Stephanie back to his office.
When Tony and Stephanie walked into the office, Robert stood to his feet. “Look, Stephanie, please accept my apology. I was a jerk.”
“Humph!” was her reply.
Tony was still upset with Robert. “You’re supposed to be learning something at college, especially if you want to be a lawyer. I’m extremely disappointed in your behavior. I expected more from you.”
Robert was embarrassed and tried to sound sincere. “You’re right, Counselor. Again, I apologize for being a jerk to both of you. It won’t happen again. I promise.”
Stephanie refused to face Robert and stood behind her chair, staring ahead. She spasmodically jerked when Robert touched her shoulder.
“Come on, Steph. I apologized. Don’t make this worse.”
She shrugged his hand off. “Really? Do you think it’s possible you could change?”
“I promise.”
After waiting a long time, Stephanie conceded and sat in her chair. Tony waited for everyone to get comfortable. He lifted a page from the folder.
“I have your father’s will. He wrote a short letter to be read before I disclose the contents of the will.” Tony cleared his throat.
My dearest Stephanie, Robert, and Staci,
If this letter is being read to you by my attorney, Tony Toncetti, then I am no longer among the living on this earth.
I know you will be shocked and probably upset, especially Stephanie because I chose not to involve you in my arrangements. There wasn’t anything you could do to help me, and the last thing I wanted was having you stand around my bed as I lay there sick and dying.
All of you feel that perhaps your mother and I didn’t love you or love you enough. I can assure you, your mother and I discussed our love and appreciation on many occasions. We are proud of all of you. Yes, your mom and I didn’t see eye-to-eye, but we did agree one hundred percent that our children were the greatest gifts we ever received.
The panic and grief you’re feeling will pass once Tony reads my will because I have made preparations and taken care of your college needs. I’m sorry I won’t be around to see you get married or see my grandchildren. So many hopes and dreams don’t matter when you’re lying on your deathbed. No one plans to die; it just happens, and I thank God there was time to prepare.
To Stephanie: I know we disagreed on your choices, but guess what? I respect your decisions. Your fiancé, Charles, seems like a great man, destined for great things. I will be with you in spirit the day you walk down that aisle to get married and brightly smile from heaven.
To Robert: Yes, I bemoaned your career change after being so close to graduating, and I know Tony influenced your decision, but I’m proud of your goals. Do me a favor—don’t become an obnoxious attorney who charges outrageous fees! No offense, Tony, but I want Robert to bring light into the world—especially in the dark world of the legal system. Robert, use your knowledge to help people and save them from the injustices they cannot fight themselves.
To Staci: You are and always have been my little bunny rabbit. Although you’ve decorated yourself, I still love you. Please think long and hard about your choices—especially when it comes to a partner or husband. You deserve the very best because you’re worth it. Never forget that! Like you, I had hidden artistic talents, only I didn’t know it until it was too late.
I’ve chosen five people to represent me at my funeral servi
ce. Listen to what they have to say because they will speak the truth about who I am. If either of you wishes to speak, please do so because I’ll be there listening.
There is nothing else that matters more, in this life, than relationships. Hold on to the good ones, reject the people who steal or destroy your dreams, and brightly shine the inner light inside each of you. Leave this world a better place wherever you go.
One last instruction: Robert, I have a personal note, and Tony will give it to you today. It is a sealed envelope. It’s something I’d like read at the end of my service. Thanks.
May God bless each of you and be your guide each and every day. He is the answer to everything. All you have to do is ask Him!
I love you very much,
Dad
When Tony set the letter down, he fought back the tears because the message touched his heart. He just hoped that his children would feel the same way about him when he was gone.
Tony looked up. Every one of the Kreider children was softly crying, so Tony waited in silence.
Stephanie pulled a small packet of tissues from her purse. She offered it to Staci and Robert. They each took one and dabbed wet cheeks. Being sensitive to the situation, Tony excused himself from the room.
“I’ll be right back,” he quietly mumbled.
For an eternity, the Kreiders sat quietly, absorbing their father’s words. Slowly, Robert reached across the desk and picked up the letter Tony had just read. Stephanie and Staci scooted their chairs into a tight circle with Robert. In the quietness, they each reread the letter, focusing on the paragraphs addressed to them personally.
In a rare display of affection, Stephanie reached out with her arms extended and embraced her brother and sister. They locked arms and hugged tightly, like a football team in a huddle, sobbing uncontrollably. They touched their heads together, the same way they did as small children whenever they heard their parents arguing and fighting. A flood of long, repressed memories washed over the group, recalling the multiple times they repeated this exercise when they were still living at home.
Tony barely opened the door and spied on the trio. When they had recomposed themselves, he entered the office quietly, sitting behind his desk. Tony waited for the right timing. Reaching into his top drawer, he withdrew a yellowed envelope with handwritten notes.
“Is that the envelope Dad spoke of?” Robert asked.
Tony nodded and handed it to Robert.
Holding it like a treasure, Robert studied the handwritten notes.
“What’s inside, Bobby?” asked Staci.
“I dunno. It says it should be opened for Dad’s service.” Robert looked at Tony. “Do I open it now or wait?” Robert’s finger was poised under the envelope’s sealed flap, ready to rip it open.
Tony shrugged. “What are the instructions?”
Robert read the words. “For my son Robert. To be opened and read at my funeral service. That’s it.”
“Well, you’re studying to be a lawyer. How would you interpret the message?”
Robert let a small crack form in the corner of his mouth. “The first part is easy and direct. It’s addressed to me. The last part is tougher because there are two instructions.”
“Are they separate instructions or co-joined?”
Robert’s eyebrows narrowed as he studied the writing.
“Is there a comma in the last sentence?” Tony asked.
Shaking his head slowly, Robert said, “No. It’s one sentence with two instructions, co-joined by the word and.”
“Which means what, my young lawyer?”
Robert looked disappointed but felt proud that Tony would call him a lawyer. He took the envelope and stashed it in his leather bag. “I’ll wait, as instructed.”
Tony smiled. “Excellent.”
Staci was very disappointed. “Seriously, dude?”
Robert shrugged. “Sorry. I wanted to know myself, but it’ll have to wait.”
Retrieving the will from Jim Kreider’s folder, Tony explained why he wouldn’t be reading from the beginning. “The actual will starts on page two because the first page is perfunctory clauses found in all wills. I am of sound mind, et cetera, blah, blah, blah. Is that okay?” Tony made hand gestures.
The three Kreiders nodded.
“Excellent.” Tony started reading the will from page two:
I, James W. Kreider, have disposed of all assets (home, furnishings, autos, time-shares), amassing my wealth into three separate and equal trust accounts. There are accounts for Stephanie, Robert, and Staci Kreider.
All outstanding debits, credit cards, and loans are settled without burdens set aside for my heirs to deal with. Costs for cremation services have been paid for in advance, which also includes funeral service expenses.
Hospice care for my remaining days is settled and paid for.
All that remains of my wealth is divided into three equal, remaining shares with the following caveats:
The college fees for Stephanie and Robert have been previously paid for and will continue to be paid for the remainder of their current degrees.
Staci has not received any college tuition, and I wish to reimburse her for tuition and her remaining fees toward her current degree.
Therefore, Staci will get a portion over and above the equal parts for Stephanie and Robert for her college tuition.
The shares will be distributed in the following manner:
Each semester year, each child will receive a check from their trust for $23,000 for college expenses.
The amount will be deposited in their personal bank accounts.
Because they are each at different college levels, any remaining balance in their trust will be distributed in annual installments until all trust funds are depleted.
Each installment shall not exceed $25,000 per year.
This will shall not be modified in any manner.
Signed, James W. Kreider.
Tony set the will down and looked up at the Kreider children, who were absorbing this new information. He could see they were processing, calculating, wondering what was next. Tony knew he must be prepared for their reactions because this is usually where world war three would break out. Even among semi-placid families, who swore allegiance and love for each other, they would turn on each other over the reading of a person’s last will and testament.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“STACI HAS REFUSED TO ACCEPT any money from Dad for college before now. Why should she get more than Stephanie and me?” Robert was agitated and angling to pull his older sister into the argument to join his side.
Staci’s response was sharp and fast. “Because, Bobby, I watched you and Stephanie constantly argue with Dad about college and tuition. Like, you know, Dad claimed he was going bankrupt dealing with our education, so I didn’t want to be a burden. I refused, but knowing what I know now, I guess I was, like, wrong about Dad.”
Stephanie turned toward her brother, placing her body between Staci and Robert. “I have no problem with Staci getting paid for her college. You and I have had it pretty easy monetarily. Give her what’s due.”
Staci interjected one more comment. “Besides, Bobby, you’re getting two degrees, and we only got, like, one. So, quit complaining.”
Sulking, Robert shrugged. “Whatever.”
Tony hated this part of his job, more than anything else. Perfectly ordinary families experienced earth-shattering fractures whenever money was involved. He watched level-headed individuals quickly turn into rabid animals, scavenging a carcass bare—until every morsel was stripped from the dry bones. Seeing this happen to Jim’s children was disappointing.
Pulling additional papers from Jim Kreider’s folder, Tony placed them in front of the trio.
“This document indicates you have witnessed your father’s will and acknowledge the terms and conditions. It also states you agree.” He handed a pen to Stephanie. “There is a place for each of you to sign. Please sign all four copies. You will each receive an origin
al. The last copy will be filed in the probate court, unless . . . ” Tony stared at Robert. “ . . . unless someone wishes to contest the will. If that happens, there will be no trusts or checks until the matter is settled in court, and I’ll get my fees from your trusts for defending your father.”
Tony knew he was stretching the truth because Jim had already agreed on Tony’s payment in advance. Still, Tony was trying to avoid probate court and the headache it causes. He hoped his tactics were working, and Robert wasn’t wise enough to know Tony was mildly bluffing.
Robert slowly nodded his head, indicating mild resistance, but was also in agreement.
Before her brother could change his mind, Stephanie placed her signature on the pages and pushed them toward Robert. She held the pen for him to sign and was hoping her gesture was convincing.
“I don’t know what got into me. Sorry.” Robert quickly signed the papers and pushed them toward Staci. “Still, I don’t think it’s totally fair.”
Trying to put Robert at ease, Stephanie reassured her brother. “We’re all dealing with the loss differently, Robert. Thank you for agreeing.”
After Staci had signed the documents, Tony snatched the papers up and tucked them into the folder. He then rubbed his palms together. “Excellent. I will be meeting with the guest speakers for about an hour on Friday to discuss any last-minute details. All of you are welcome to be here, and I would recommend it. This will give you a chance to meet them before Saturday’s funeral service.” Pushing them toward a commitment, Tony added, “I’ll send the limo by the hotel and pick you guys up.”
“Where will the service be?” asked Stephanie.
“Dr. Nolan’s church. It’s called Bread of Life Church.”
“Why not our old church?” inquired Robert.
Tony’s expression became serious. “It wasn’t convenient.” Tony quickly moved to the next item on their agenda. “Now Friday, the driver will pick you up for our last meeting, and he’ll also pick you up on Saturday. Are there any questions?”