Chapter 7 - Preparing the Last Dinner
Evelyn refused to have Caleb arrested immediately.
The police wanted to question him, but Martin persuaded them to wait until the financial evidence could be secured.
Caleb believed his mother had accepted the story about her fall.
The following morning, he found her sitting at breakfast with a small bandage beneath her eye.
“You should be more careful on the stairs,” he said.
Evelyn stirred her coffee.
“Yes. I should.”
He relaxed.
That afternoon, she instructed the staff to prepare a formal dinner.
Roast beef, glazed vegetables, fresh bread, and Caleb’s favorite red wine were placed on the long table.
Caleb assumed the dinner was a celebration.
He had arranged for Dr. Leonard Pike, one of the physicians willing to support his guardianship petition, to examine Evelyn the next day.
Once the evaluation was complete, Caleb expected to file the paperwork within a week.
Instead, three lawyers arrived at seven o’clock.
Martin Hayes entered first, followed by Margaret Sloan and another trust attorney, Robert Bell.
Caleb greeted them with an arrogant smile.
“I’m glad you’re here. Mother has finally agreed that I should take a more active role.”
Martin said nothing.
At the head of the table, the lawyers arranged the new trust documents, the forensic accounting report, the medical evaluations confirming Evelyn’s competence, and the police evidence forms.
Evelyn entered last.
She wore the burgundy dress Jonathan had always loved.
Caleb looked at the pale mark beneath her eye.
“You could have covered that,” he whispered.
“I chose not to.”
They sat.
Caleb reached across the table and took a piece of meat with his fingers.
“Well done,” he said to Evelyn. “Now get the checkbook for me.”
Three chairs turned toward him.
Martin placed one hand on the evidence file.
“We didn’t come here for dinner.”
Caleb’s smile disappeared.
May you like
Evelyn lifted her crystal glass.
The final performance had begun.
