AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The insurance won’t pay for the house because it was arson. Apparently, all three of them owe quite a bit of money, and since you’re next of kin and the house was the only asset they had, that debt falls on you.”
“What?” Pepper croaked. “They can’t do that. I didn’t even know my parents were alive. They abandoned me with my aunt.” Her voice rose and then broke.
And my heart shattered for her.
How anyone could have left her was unfathomable. Hearing how much that still hurt her . . . made me want to drag them out of their graves and shake them.
“I’m not sure that’s correct,” I said, though I had no experience like this. When my mother passed away, everything had been set up well in advance as far as her estate went.
Miss Adeline studied the letter. “The property transfers to you since you’re the only remaining relative.”
“I don’t want it!” Pepper pushed back from the table, severing the connection she had with us.
She rushed to the balcony doors and marched through them. Sadie lifted her head, then lazily got up to investigate. Through the windows, Pepper cradled the dog from where she sat in a rocking chair.
I was halfway out of my seat when Miss Adeline put a hand on mine.
“Give her a minute.”
She needed me. I didn’t want her to suffer for one second alone. Reluctantly, I sat.
Pepper’s aunt had blamed her for things that weren’t her fault and she’d ended up homeless as a result. Her parents’ abandonment . . . I couldn’t think about that or my rage would cripple me.
They’d all put her through hell while they were alive and couldn’t have the decency to leave her alone in death, despite they’d damn well made it look easy when Pepper had needed them.
“Daniel texted me the names of those lawyers earlier. We may need them to fight for Pepper.” I pulled out my phone, glad to be doing something, although I wished I could take it all away for her.
Miss Adeline let out a satisfied grunt. “She’s gonna need more than a lawyer.”
“I’ll pay the debt if that’s what it takes.”
I had the money. I just didn’t advertise it.
Her gray brow lifted. “That letter doesn’t say how much it is.”
“I can cover whatever amount it is.” I was ninety-nine percent sure the three of them couldn’t possibly have as much debt as my mother left me in a trust, but if they had, I’d hit up Lincoln and Beau. If I had to, I’d get on my knees and beg my father.
Whatever it took to help Pepper was what I’d do.
“I don’t want those assholes to get a penny,” she said through gritted teeth. “I have half a mind to go down to South Carolina and tell that lawyer where he can shove this letter.”
I pressed my lips together. It was a totally inappropriate time to want to laugh, but the woman was a trip. I had no doubt she’d do exactly what she said, and I’d be right there with her as backup.
“Have I waited long enough?” I itched to go to Pepper. I might be able to fix this, but I needed to put my arms around her.
“I said a minute. It hasn’t even been thirty seconds.”
It felt like forever.
“If this backfires, I’ll heed your advice next time.” The chair scraped when I stood.
“Fat chance.” She flicked her hand toward the balcony. “Go get her. And if you aren’t coming inside anytime soon, turn on the heater out there so you don’t freeze to death.”
“Hang out here in case I need backup,” I said as I made my way across the room.
“I hope you have her smiling before I get out of my seat. It takes me a while to get up, you know.”
She actually moved pretty well for a person her age, but I didn’t argue.
