“It’s a long story, Mr. Heywood, but my husband is a psychic medium and has been in contact with Effy Lou. He let me know she’d listed the need for Spencer to have a trustee available to assist him.” Ronan kept a close eye on the attorney’s reaction wanting to see how the learned man took the news.
“I’ve heard of Tennyson as well. My wife had been to visit him when we were having trouble conceiving a child.”
“Was he able to help?” Ronan asked.
Heywood grabbed the picture frame and turned it around to Ronan. It was a photograph of a baby laughing at the camera. “He sure did. Not only do we have our sweet Sophia, but our second child is on the way.”
Ronan grinned at the attorney. He was thrilled Ten had been able to help the couple. “She’s beautiful and congrats on the second baby.”
“I agree,” Spencer said, “but if you don’t mind, can we talk about Aunt Effy Lou?”
“Of course,” Heywood reached for a manilla folder on his desk. “Effy Lou left her entire estate to you, however, there are conditions stipulated on how and when you can collect your inheritance which is where the trustee comes into play.”
“Conditions?” Spencer asked, sounding as shocked as he looked. “What, you don’t just cut me a check or something?”
“I’m afraid it’s not that simple.” Heywood opened the folder and pulled out two packages of stapled documents. One he handed to Spencer, the other to Ronan. “As you’ll read, Effy Lou stipulated that you’ll get an initial allowance, to keep yourself afloat, but after that, there are conditions that need to be met before further disbursements can be made.” He flipped back through the folder and pulled out a sealed envelope which he handed to Spencer. Ronan assumed it was a check for the allowance.
Ronan paged through the packet, while Spencer sat looking gobsmacked. “I’m sure Spencer will sit with the document later, but can you give us the gist of these conditions? To start, how many are there?”
“I completely understand how difficult legalese can be to someone who’s never read legal documents before.” Heywood cleared his throat and flipped through several pages of the will. “There are three conditions that need to be met.”
Spencer’s eyes widened, but he remained silent.
“You’ll need to give of your money and your time and lastly, you’ll have to do something selfless.” Heywood turned to Ronan. “Mr. O’Mara, it will be your job as the trustee to make sure each of these three things are done. You’ll have to submit written verification that each of the conditions have been met. I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that these are legally binding documents and there will be penalties if you claim Spencer has completed these items, when he has not. I’m also sure I don’t need to tell Spencer that he has to prove to you what he’s done.”
Spencer sank lower in his seat. One more scoot forward and he was going to end up on the floor.
“Is there a time limit here?” Ronan asked, worried that with Spencer’s lousy attitude, time would run out before he got the loot.
“No, but if Spencer wants to collect his inheritance then it behooves him to get a move on.” Heywood offered Spencer a kind smile. “Do either of you have any questions?”
Spencer, still looking shell-shocked shook his head.
“I think we’re good for now,” Ronan said, getting to his feet.
Heywood handed him and Spencer a business card. “Please don’t hesitate to call if there’s anything I can do to assist you. If you need the names of reputable charities or places that could use volunteers, I’d be happy to provide a list, but I’m sure Effy Lou would want you to make your own decisions on who you’llhelp and why. After all, this is meant to be a lesson in personal growth.”
Frowning, Spencer nodded. He looked completely lost, as if he had no idea where to start.
“I think Tennyson and I can help out with that. Thanks for your time.” Ronan gave Spencer’s elbow a tug to get him moving.
“Yeah, thanks,” Spencer said, sounding like he didn’t mean it.
“I’ll be in touch,” Ronan said softly.
“Good luck!” Heywood called after them.
Ronan knew they were going to need it. He had a feeling it wasn’t going to be an easy task to get Spencer to understand why Effy Lou was making him jump through hoops to get his inheritance, but he had a feeling he knew exactly who could get through to Spencer.
14
Tennyson
Ten relished the silence left in Ronan’s wake. His husbandhadn’t been at all thrilled at the idea that he was going to be Spencer’s trustee and that he’d also have to attend the meeting with his attorney. To be honest, if he were in Ronan’s shoes, he would have pushed back against the plan too.
There was nothing Ten liked more than helping spirits who still had work to do in the physical world, which could certainly be said for Effy Lou. For years he’d stressed to Ronan that spirits had their own agendas, but in all the years he’d been speaking to ghosts, he’d never run across anyone like Spencer’s aunt. She was strong, opinionated, and determined to change her nephew into someone worthy of praise. Ten wasn’t so certain things were going to work out to Effy Lou’s liking. God help them all when that day came.
“You who, Effy Lou?” Ten called out. “Are you here or are you with my snack of a husband at your attorney’s office?”
