Damaged Read online

  Mary turned to the appendices and found PNC Bank and Cornerstone statements from the time the will was executed, four years ago. Edward had $1,092 in checking, $9,927 in savings in the bank and $201,928 in stocks and bonds at Cornerstone Financial. There was another appendix that showed a market value of the house at $71,000. Mary ballparked the estate value at $330,000, including the life insurance policy, so Patrick had enough money for a college fund, which was excellent news.

  Mary wondered if the investment portfolio had grown, so she set the will aside to take with her, and went to the second drawer, labeled Financial. The first few folders were old computer statements from Schwab, Waterstone, and E*TRADE. Behind them was the Cornerstone Financial folder, and Mary pulled it out and looked inside. The most recent statement showed that Dave Kather was the broker, and she skimmed to the balance, which was $225,928. So the inheritance had increased, and Mary assumed that if it stayed properly invested, it would do even better, but the decisions about finances would be Geltz’s, as executor. God knew how much college tuition would be by the time Patrick was ready to enroll.

  She checked the time on her phone, and it was not too late to call Geltz in a situation like this. She navigated online on her phone, checking him out before they spoke. Geltz’s website popped onto the screen, with only one small picture of him. Geltz looked almost as old as Edward, a short, gray-haired lawyer with thick glasses and a professional smile, posed at his desk with his fingers linked in front of him.

  Mary scrolled to the phone function, pressed in his cell-phone number, and the call was answered on the third ring. “Hello, is this James Geltz?”

  “Why, yes,” Geltz answered in a thin voice. “It’s rather late. Who is this?”

  “I’m sorry to be calling you at this hour. My name’s Mary DiNunzio and I’m a special education lawyer who was hired by Edward O’Brien, a client of yours. I’m sorry to tell you that Edward has passed away.”

  “Oh my. How? Was he ill?”

  “No, he passed away in his sleep last night. I’m at his house and I found his will, which you prepared.”

  “Ah, yes, I recall preparing Edward’s will. That was about four years ago, now. I don’t recall much else about it, I’m sorry to say.”

  “His grandson, Patrick, is his sole beneficiary.”

  “Oh, yes, I seem to recall that. How old is the grandson?”

  “Ten.”

  “Oh my. Young. How is he?”

  “He’s very upset, he adored his grandfather.” Mary hesitated. “I gather you didn’t know Edward and Patrick that well.”

  “No, not well at all. Edward came in for his will, and we had one meeting to plan his estate with a stockbroker, as I recall. I forget his name.”

  “Dave Kather, Cornerstone Financial?”

  “Yes, that sounds right. I drafted Edward’s will and finalized it by email. Edward came in to sign it because it had to be witnessed and notarized, but I haven’t seen him since then.”

  “I noticed that the will doesn’t name a guardian for Patrick. I was wondering if there’s a more recent version.”

  James tsk-tsked. “No, that’s it, to the best of my knowledge. I must tell you, I advised him to name a guardian. He said he would but he never did. That’s not uncommon in my practice. No man is eager to face his own mortality. We estate lawyers have to nag our clients, and I did, via email. I’m sure you will find my emails if you look.”

  Mary sensed he was covering his butt, but she let it go. “I’m going to become Patrick’s temporary guardian. He doesn’t have any other family, and I have him set up for a private school admission, at Fairmount Prep. It specializes in children with dyslexia, which Patrick has. I’m hoping to obtain tuition reimbursement for him, but I will need to have tuition money to get him admitted. Can you authorize that, as executor?”

  “Yes. How much will you need?”

  “Thirty grand, but it will get reimbursed by law. From the looks of it, the estate has the money. I reviewed his portfolio statements from Cornerstone Financial, and it looks as if Edward’s estate is worth about $350,000.”

  “That’s sounds correct, as far as I recall. The estate was sizable. I’ll file the will, get it probated, and authorize a disbursement for the tuition. When do you think you will need it by?”

  “Within two weeks.”

  “Oh my. Well. In that case, I may have to file for an emergency disbursement, though I don’t think that should be a problem. Probation generally takes longer than two weeks.” James paused. “May I ask, would you tell me about yourself and why you are stepping forward for Patrick? You do realize that Patrick doesn’t receive his inheritance immediately, since he is under the age of majority. As executor, I manage the fund and authorize necessary and appropriate disbursements for his health, education, and welfare.”

  Mary realized that he was doubting her motives, which made sense considering that he didn’t know her. “James, I am not becoming Patrick’s guardian for his money and I understand that he doesn’t inherit instantly. I’m becoming his temporary guardian because I’ve come to really like him, I know the care he needs, and I have the means to take care of him and help him get permanently adopted. I’m a partner at Rosato & DiNunzio in Center City. Do you know the firm?”

  “I’ve heard of Ms. Rosato, but not you. Sorry to offend.”

  “None taken.” Mary got that a lot.

  “So what you’re telling me is that you have means of your own. As far as suitability, you’ll have to go to court to petition for temporary guardianship. Are you prepared to do so?”

  “Yes, I’m getting ready to do that. I’m hoping to be in court on an emergency basis.”

  “Well, good for you. Once you’re named temporary guardian, I’ll set the process in motion and apply to the court. I’m glad to hear that Patrick will be in good hands.”

  “Thank you. What do we do about the particulars, like the funeral and such? I know they went to St. Catherine’s. Their priest was a Father Pep.”

  “I know the church. Edward’s remains should be sent to Topperton Memorial Funeral Home near his house, and I’ll call the church and arrange a funeral Mass, if you like, once the remains are released.”

  “That would be wonderful.”

  “I’ll take care of the house and the effects. You don’t have to worry about any of that.”

  “Thanks.” Mary thought a minute. “Will you leave the money at Cornerstone? I’m thinking ahead to college funds.”

  “I’ll leave it there if they’ve grown it. I understand college is so expensive these days.”

  “Is there anyone else I should be getting in touch with to notify them of Edward’s death? It seems like there’s no one else, except Dave Kather at Cornerstone.”

  “I don’t know anyone else but Dave. I met him when we had our meeting to set up Edward’s estate. Please tell him I’ll be in touch about the disbursement for tuition, after you’re approved as guardian and I file with the court.”

  “I will, thanks.”

  “Well then, I’ll be going back to bed. I’ll call you about the funeral arrangements.”

  “Bye now,” Mary said, hanging up. She took a moment to look up Dave Kather online before she called him, plugging his name into her phone. His website popped onto the screen, and it was more current. Dave looked younger, tall and thin, with dark hair and wire-rimmed glasses. He had an affable smile, and he posed in a gray suit and tie with his arms folded. Mary pressed in the cell phone number, which was on the business card in the file.

  Dave answered on the first ring. “Dave Kather.”

  “Hello.” Mary braced herself to give him the bad news. “Dave, I’m Mary DiNunzio, a special education lawyer representing Patrick O’Brien, Edward O’Brien’s grandson. I believe you know Edward.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. How can I help you?” A dog yapped in the background.

  “I’m calling you with some very bad news. I’m sorry to have to tell you that Edward passed away las
t night.”

  “Oh no,” Dave said, dismayed. “How terrible. What happened?”

  “He passed away in his sleep. Patrick was home alone and found him. By the time I got here, he had passed. I’m so sorry.”

  “Oh no,” Dave said again. “Poor Patrick. That must have been tough on the kid. How sad. I just saw Edward.”

  “When was that?”

  “Last week for lunch. Monday. He was fine. Tired, but he always said he was tired. I told him to exercise more. I’m a walker. It’s because of the dog, always wants to go out.”

  “He did tell me that you and he had become friendly, and I know this must be a blow.”

  “Yes, we were friends, business acquaintances probably more like it. Edward was a lone wolf. What’s going to happen to Patrick? How is he?”

  Mary explained that she was becoming his guardian, as she had before. “I really think I can do right by him.”

  “It’s wonderful that you’re going to take Patrick. He really loved Edward and this is going to be hard on him.” Dave paused. “It was just the two of them. They were close.”

  “I’m hoping that Patrick will do better once he gets into a private school. They’ll get him reading on grade level and build his self-esteem, too. I think that will help him make friends.”

  “That’s a great idea. The city schools are in deep trouble.”

  “Yes, and I already spoke with James Geltz, who drafted Edward’s will, and he’s going to be asking you for a disbursement to cover tuition. It will get reimbursed when the school district settles with me, which I think they will.”

  “The district reimburses for tuition? How does that work?”

  Mary explained the law. “But we’ll need the money in the short run.”

  “How much?”

  “Thirty grand.”

  “Does Edward have it in the bank? I’m not privy to his bank accounts and I hate to liquidate anything in this market.”

  “No, there’s only ten thousand dollars in the bank.”

  “Too bad, the market is down now. Tell you what makes financial sense.” Dave morphed into salesman mode. “I suggest we wait a week, so we’re not selling in a down market. You follow?”

  “Yes.” Mary did, though she was no investment expert. “That sounds fine with me if it’s fine with James, the executor. I don’t care where the money comes from, I only care that I get enough to pay for tuition, and as I say, the estate will be reimbursed.”

  “Not a problem, I was able to grow his portfolio significantly.” Dave’s dog barked again in the background. “You know, Edward was an accountant and he kept an eye on his investments. He was always asking questions, but I like an informed client. It’s a challenge, but I’d rather have an informed client than someone who doesn’t pay attention.”

  “I agree.” Mary actually felt the same way.

  “Edward managed his own money for a long time, and he did very well. It took years for me to get his account, but I convinced him that we were able to stay on top of the market. When he saw his return increase, he agreed.” Dave chuckled. “I do everything I can to justify the fee we charge, which is actually standard, 1 percent. Edward bargained it down to .25 percent, since he didn’t have much activity.”

  “Somehow that sounds like him.” Mary smiled.

  “I might’ve put him in more bonds at his age, but Edward was risk-tolerant. He picked some stocks on his own, and some we picked together.”

  Mary checked her watch. She wanted to get the sheets out of the washer and into the dryer.

  “Edward was saving for Patrick. He loved that kid, and Patrick is quiet, but well-behaved. He would sit there drawing while Edward and I were talking. Take it from me, rebalancing portfolios is not the kind of talk that most kids will put up with. My kids would have interrupted a million times. But not Patrick. We never heard a peep.”

  “I’m sure,” Mary said, though it made her sad.

  “Thank you for stepping up for him. That’s a class thing to do. When is the funeral? My wife and I would like to go.” The dog started barking again.

  “James is making arrangements, and I’ll stay in touch with you.”

  “Do that. Thank you. I better go, gotta take the dog out. Good night.”

  “Good night.” Mary hung up, mentally ticking the item off her list. She picked up the Cornerstone Financial statements, the will, and the Patrick folders, then left Edward’s office. She wanted to finish the laundry and do some research about guardianship before DHS got here. She checked her phone but Anthony still hadn’t called or texted back. She prayed he called her soon.

  Or she was going to become a mother without him.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

  Mary had finished her tasks, grabbed some sleep, and was in the kitchen, making eggs. She was going to serve breakfast because Patrick should have something in his stomach, presumably something he could hold down. She didn’t feel much better herself, dreading DHS’s coming.

  She cracked an egg into a Pyrex bowl and found a wastebasket under the counter for the shell. Anthony hadn’t called her yesterday, which was odd. He’d be flying all day and probably wouldn’t get home until eight o’clock or so. She’d have to talk to him about taking Patrick, another item on her Things to Dread list.

  Sunlight filtered into the kitchen through a small window, and Mary cracked another egg into the bowl, hearing Patrick stirring in the living room, which was good. She didn’t know what time DHS would get here, but she needed to talk to him before then to see how he felt about living with her. She went into the refrigerator, found milk, mixed it in, and poured the eggs into the pan.

  “What are you making?” Patrick appeared in the doorway, his eyes puffy. In his hands were Edward’s wallet and watch, which Mary had left on the coffee table.

  “Hi, honey.” Mary went over and gave him a hug, rubbing his back. “I’m making scrambled eggs. Do you want some?”

  “Yes.” Patrick looked up at her. “Is my Pops in heaven?”

  Mary felt caught off guard. She’d been hoping they could ease into it, but evidently Patrick wasn’t an ease-into-it kind of kid. Or maybe no kid was, she didn’t know. She stroked his cheek. “Yes, honey, I’m sorry. He is.”

  “Do you think he found my mom? She’s in heaven.”

  “I’m sure he did.” Mary felt her throat constrict. “Here, why don’t you sit down? Let me get you some water.”

  “I can get it, I know how.”

  “I know, but let me—”

  “I can.” Patrick set the wallet and watch on the counter, then grabbed his chair and pulled it over, climbed up and retrieved the glass from the cabinet. “How is he going to find her? There are so many people. How do you know he’ll find her?”

  Mary tried to think of an answer. “There are a lot of nice people up there, and if he can’t find her, he’ll ask around. And they’ll help him because they’re nice.”

  “I think he’ll just know. I’m pretty sure that’s how it works.” Patrick held the glass under the water, then took a sip.

  “That, too.” Mary turned the heat up so the eggs would cook faster. “Patrick, please go sit down. There’s something we need to talk about.”

  “He’ll like being with her. He’ll like that a lot.” Patrick picked up the wallet and watch, holding them against his chest with his glass of water. He went back to the table, set them down, and sat down.

  “I’m sure he will.” Mary stirred the eggs. “I want to explain to you what’s going to happen.”

  “I already know. I’m going to a new school. Pops already told me. He said it’s a good school and the kids are nicer.”

  “How do you feel about that?” Mary looked over her shoulder, and Patrick had a worried frown, two deep lines prematurely creasing his forehead.

  “I don’t want to go to a new school.”

  “Why? Do you like your old school that much?”

  “No, but I know where it is and I know the kids. I know it.”


  “I understand.” Mary saw that the eggs were finished, so she turned off the gas and brought the pan over to the table. “But this is a great school and the kids are much nicer.”

  “I don’t want to go.”

  Mary let it go for the time being. She put some eggs on Patrick’s plate, then her own. “Yes, but I mean where you’re going to live.”

  “I live here. This is my house.” Patrick picked up his glass and took a sip of water.

  Mary left the pan on the table and sat down. She wanted to be face-to-face for this conversation. “But honey, now you have to live somewhere else.”

  “Why?”

  “Because the law says that kids can’t live in houses by themselves. The people who make the law don’t think kids can take care of themselves.”

  “I can take care of myself.” Patrick dug into his eggs.

  “Careful, they’re hot.”

  “I know.” Patrick scooped up a forkful of eggs and ate them up so quickly that she worried about his stomach issues.

  “Patrick, try not to eat so fast.”

  “I like to eat fast. My Pops likes to eat fast too. We like to see how fast we can eat.” Patrick ate another forkful.

  “But that’s not so great for your tummy.”

  “I’m not going to puke. Are you worried I’m going to puke?”

  “Yes,” Mary answered, busted.

  “Ms. Krantz says, ‘if you’re gonna puke, run to the trash can.’ But I only puke when I’m afraid.”

  Mary felt for him. “Okay, then I won’t worry.”

  “I can make sandwiches and soup.” Patrick kept eating. “I know about the microwave and I know how to work the remote. I know how to work the shower so it’s not too hot and I know how to give my Pops his medicine when he gets the shakes. I’m not stupid, I can do everything.”