Irregular Heartbeat by Chris Zett

Author:Chris Zett
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2018-07-16T17:52:23+00:00

Emily stalled another few seconds by stowing the phone in her bag and rearranging the bag on the chair next to hers. She squared her shoulders and looked up at the man sitting on the other side of the large oak desk that was built to impress and intimidate. It failed to do both. “I’m sorry for the interruption. You were telling me about the arrangements.”

“No problem, Dr. Barnes. As I was saying, your mother was meticulous. She kept her instructions and her will up-to-date.” His quiet voice and demeanor were probably meant to be soothing.

It had the opposite effect, and she had to fight the urge to get up and pace the room. She stopped listening to his reading of the detailed papers that represented her mother’s need to control everything, even after her death. She would get a written copy and just look at it later.

Emily tried to make a list of people to call. Only a few names came to mind. She had no relatives left, and her mother had made no real friends Emily knew of. She had many acquaintances and colleagues, members of the same charities, but she had always preferred the company of her books to real people. Just like you.

“Ahem.” Her mother’s attorney had reached the end of his papers and was obviously waiting for an appropriate reaction.

She tried to recall the last thing he had said but came up empty. “I’m sorry, I lost focus for a minute.”

His features softened with what appeared to be well-practiced compassion.

Emily loathed him for it—and herself even more for the sting of tears in her eyes.

“That’s understandable, Dr. Barnes. Take your time with the paperwork; there is nothing you need to do or sign now. Your mother made you part owner a few years ago.” He handed her a stack of files and a set of keys. “These are for the beach house. Your mother still kept a few personal things there. Maybe you want to have a look. When you’ve decided if you want to keep it or sell it, I can help you with the arrangements or recommend someone trustworthy.”

“Thank you. I’ll sell it. I’ll contact you in a couple of days.” Emily stood and offered her hand.

Instead of a businesslike handshake, he held hers for a moment too long and patted her arm with what he probably considered appropriate grandfatherly concern.

Blinking back tears, she stiffened, and he withdrew his hands immediately. She took her bag, scooped up the files and keys, and left the room as fast as she could. She only slowed when she reached her car to throw the papers in the back seat. Her hands shook as she turned the keys in the ignition. Biting the inside of her cheek, she willed them to comply. She had no time for such an emotional reaction; she had things to do. Visiting the assisted-living facility where her mother had spent the last six years was the next item on her to-do list. She had already checked off the funeral home and the attorney.

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