Rebecca's Second Will
Chapter 13 - Rebecca's Second Will
The court hearing over Sophie and Ben's custody began three weeks later.
Daniel wanted full custody.
Jonathan supported him.
That surprised everyone.
Daniel was the children's father.
Once Jonathan learned the truth, he refused to become another person making choices for Rebecca's family out of fear.
But William's attorneys produced Rebecca's will.
It named Jonathan as guardian.
Not Daniel.
The courtroom erupted in whispers.
Daniel looked betrayed.
Jonathan stared at the document.
"I've never seen this."
The signature appeared genuine.
The date was six months before Rebecca died.
After Daniel left.
Daniel stood.
"So she didn't want me back."
Jonathan immediately shook his head.
"Something is wrong."
A forensic document expert examined the will.
Rebecca's signature was real.
But the final page had been substituted.
The original guardian designation was missing.
Someone had replaced it.
Then Jonathan remembered the leather folder from the funeral.
The emergency guardianship order.
Rebecca had signed it in front of a notary.
That notary was still alive.
Her name was Helen Brooks.
Helen testified.
Rebecca had named Jonathan temporary guardian for one reason.
"She said the children's father was in danger and didn't know it."
Daniel covered his mouth.
Helen continued.
"Rebecca told me that when the danger was over, she wanted her husband to raise their children."
Daniel lowered his head.
Sophie reached across the courtroom bench and took his hand.
Then Helen added one more thing.
"Rebecca also gave me another document."
William's attorneys immediately objected.
The judge allowed her to continue.
Helen opened her bag.
"I was instructed to keep this unless Rebecca died unexpectedly."
She placed an envelope on the table.
May you like
On the front were four words.
For Daniel and my children.
