Chapter 7: The Hidden Will
Leonard Hale arrived at Finnley’s motel the next morning with a serious expression.
“I filed the new will with the probate court yesterday,” he said as he sat down. “It’s valid. Your father made it three weeks before he passed, and everything is properly signed and notarized.”
Finnley felt a wave of relief mixed with anger.
“So the house and the company shares should be mine?”
“Legally, yes,” Leonard replied. “But Reagan and Carter will fight this. They’ve already contacted another lawyer. They’re claiming the will is fake and that your father wasn’t mentally sound when he signed it.”
Finnley clenched his jaw.
“They’re the ones who stole from him. I have the proof in the storage unit.”
Leonard nodded.
“We’ll need to present that evidence in court. But be prepared — they won’t go down without a fight. People like Reagan and Carter don’t give up power easily.”
Finnley looked out the window.
“I don’t care how hard they fight,” he said quietly. “I’m not backing down. Not this time.”
Leonard studied him for a moment.
“You’ve changed, Finnley. Prison changed you.”
Finnley gave a small, bitter smile.
“Three years in prison will do that to a person.”
He paused, then added, “I’m not the same scared boy who got sent away. And I’m not going to let them take what my father left me.”
May you like
Leonard stood up.
“Then let’s get to work. We have a lot to prepare before the first hearing.”
