The Quinton Case_A Markham Sisters Cozy Mystery Novella by Diana Xarissa

Author:Diana Xarissa [Xarissa, Diana]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-07-19T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

“I’m going to have to discuss this with my clients,” Peter said. “I’d also like to see a copy of the will that you found and proof of your identity.”

Eldridge laughed. “You’re wasting everyone’s time with all of that, but I suppose you have to do something to justify what you’re charging your clients.”

“Surely you don’t expect my clients to simply write their cousin a cheque,” Peter replied.

“I believe he’s being very generous, actually,” Eldridge countered. “As he’s already pointed out, Mildred had other assets in addition to her home. He’s willing to allow his cousins to keep what they received from those assets. If this ends up getting dragged through the courts, they’ll lose that money as well.”

“Obviously, this has all taken us by surprise,” Janet said. “Joan and I need to time to think about our options and to discuss things with Peter.”

Roland nodded. “I don’t want to go to court,” he said. “I don’t see any advantage in dragging this out for months or years or in paying solicitors to negotiate for us.” He glanced over at Eldridge and laughed. “Sorry, old friend, but I’d rather not give you the work.”

“I wouldn’t normally agree, of course, but as we’ve been friends for so long, I’m happy to see you settle things amicably between yourselves,” Eldridge replied.

“As I said, I’d like to do this as quickly as possible. If I don’t have an agreement from you before I leave on the thirty-first, I’ll start court proceedings when I get back to London,” Roland said.

Janet swallowed a dozen angry replies. While she was trying to work out something useful to say, Joan spoke.

“You’d better hurry up and provide us with a copy of the will and proof of identity, then, hadn’t you?” she asked.

“I’ll have those for you tomorrow,” Eldridge said. “I didn’t bother to bring them with me because I truly thought this would be a simple matter. Foolishly, it seems, I thought that you’d trust your cousin.”

“We only met him yesterday,” Janet replied dryly. “As yet, we’ve no proof that he actually is our cousin, anyway. Anyone could turn up here and claim to be a long-lost relative. We have to protect ourselves, obviously.”

Roland and Eldridge exchanged glances. “I’ll ring my office and have someone send copies of the necessary documents with overnight delivery,” Eldridge said.

“In the meantime, let’s all go and have dinner somewhere nice,” Roland suggested. “You tell me where we can get the best food in Doveby Dale.”

“I believe we mentioned that there’s an excellent French restaurant near the centre of the village,” Janet said. “Whether they’re doing anything other than Christmas parties at the moment, I can’t tell you.”

“We aren’t far from Derby,” Eldridge interjected. “One of my assistants is from Derby. He gave me a long list of restaurants he enjoys there.”

“So let’s go into Derby, then,” Roland shrugged. “I’m happy to drive everyone in my car.”

“I’m afraid Janet and I have other plans for this evening,” Joan said.

“Surely you can change them.

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