What Richard Really Wanted
Chapter 05 - What Richard Really Wanted
The next morning, Richard returned with an attorney.
Thomas was awake.
Barely.
Richard placed documents on the hospital table.
“You transferred the Vermont property without telling us.”
Thomas looked at him.
“It was mine.”
“It was part of the family holdings.”
“No.”
“It was purchased with family money.”
Thomas shook his head.
“I bought it personally.”
Richard's lawyer spoke carefully.
“Mr. Caldwell, given your current medical condition, there may be questions regarding capacity.”
Thomas smiled faintly.
“You mean because I didn't leave everything to my children?”
Richard's face hardened.
Eleanor felt sick.
She had never wanted Thomas's money.
She had spent most of her life financially independent.
“I'll give the house back,” she said.
Thomas turned sharply.
“No.”
“Thomas—”
“No.”
His voice was stronger now.
“It was not a bribe.”
Eleanor fell silent.
Thomas looked at Richard.
“You've had more than enough from me.”
Richard went pale.
Diane, standing near the window, looked confused.
“What does that mean?”
Thomas closed his eyes.
Richard spoke quickly.
“Dad is tired.”
“No,” Thomas said.
He opened his eyes again.
“Your brother has been taking money from the company for years.”
The room went silent.
Diane stared at Richard.
Eleanor stared at Thomas.
Richard's attorney stopped writing.
Thomas continued.
“I covered the losses because I believed he would stop.”
Richard whispered, “Dad.”
“I protected you.”
Thomas's breathing grew heavier.
“And every time I protected you, you learned nothing.”
Eleanor suddenly understood.
The lake house was not the true reason Richard feared the envelope.
May you like
He feared anything that might lead the family to start asking questions.
And Thomas had just opened the first door.
