Adam Carter dialled a number on his mobile, and said, “Hi, Harry! Just to let you know Lucas’ father died last night. He’s okay though; relieved it’s over. I’ll head back later today or first thing tomorrow, depending on how things pan out. Lucas has got one or two arrangements to make and he’ll either come back with me, or get the train later. Obviously, we’ll need time off for the funeral, whenever that is.”

“Excellent,” Harry Pearce replied. “You’re sure he’s ready to come back? You know what he was like following his mother’s death.”

“Yes, I am. He says he did everything he could, so he has no regrets. Obviously he’s still a bit shaken at how quickly it happened, but otherwise he seems okay. Anyway, he’s waving at me, so I’ll confirm when you can expect me once I know.” Adam finished the call and looked over at Lucas.

“I’ve spoken to the solicitor,” Lucas said, “and he’s given me the name of the undertaker’s, so I’ll ring them in a moment and then contact the hospital to give them the details. He’s also asked me if I can come in, which seems a bit strange, but still. Can you give me a lift?”

“Do you know where they are?”

“Oh, yes. I can easily direct you. I can get the train, but it will take longer.”

“That’s no problem. I’ve told Harry I may not be back until tomorrow, so I’ve got all day. And if need be, I can always stay longer.”

“I still anticipate being back in London tomorrow at the latest. Once I’ve sorted the basics, that’s all I need to do. Having disowned me, I’m hardly likely to be an executor or have any responsibility.”

***

Mr Huggins, the family solicitor, was not looking forward to the meeting. He wasn’t sure how it would go, except that it was going to be a shock.

His secretary knocked on the door and introduced Mr Lucas North.

“Come in,” Huggins said. “Do take a seat.” He watched as the other man sat, not concerned, more confused. “Thank you very much for coming over. I have to tell you that your father didn’t have a will at the time of his death, which means you are his heir and presumably should be his executor.”

“Oh!” The colour drained out of the young man’s face.

“Can I get you a glass of water? And do you have anyone waiting outside?”

“Oh, er, no thank you. Um, any chance of a cup of coffee? And yes, my partner.”
“Certainly, I’ll ask my secretary to bring some in. And would you like her to join us?”

“Him.”

“My apologies. Him to join us?”

“Yes, please.”

Huggins picked up his phone. “Flora, could you bring coffee for three please and ask the gentleman who’s waiting for Mr North to come in with you.”

A few minutes later, Flora brought in a tray of coffees and a plate of biscuits, followed by Adam, who had held the door open for her.

“Good afternoon, Mr…” Huggins began.

“Carter.”

“Thank you, Mr Carter. I have just explained to Mr North that his father has died intestate, which leaves him as heir and de facto executor. Understandably, this has been rather a shock.”

“Just when I thought I’d finally finished with the old buzzard, he does this to me,” Lucas said. “I don’t understand though. He denied my existence.”

“Yes,” Huggins agreed. “After your mother died, I advised him strongly that if he wanted his wishes to be observed, not that I agreed with them, but it was my professional responsibility to act for my client, then he needed to change his will.”

“I fully understand that,” Lucas said. “It’s what I would expect you to do, and what I had expected.”

“Thank you. He tore up his old will in front of me, but said he had plenty of time to make a new one, and that he wished to reflect on what he wanted to say. Unfortunately, as it turns out, he didn’t have much time after all.”

Lucas nodded.

“In addition, there is the problem of your mother’s will. As you would expect, most of her money she left to her husband, your father. However, she had been putting a certain amount of money every month into a savings account. This money she has left to you.”

Lucas looked completely shocked, but simply said, “Oh!”

“Your father refused to touch it. I offered to arrange for the funds to be transferred to you, without him having to have any contact, but he similarly refused. However, because of the conditions of the will, he was unable to access it, and I can confirm the funds are still there.”

Huggins passed over a building society statement, which Lucas looked at and raised his eyebrows.

“Now,” Huggins continued, “I need to ask you what you would like to do. Obviously, if you were to appoint us, we would be happy to act on your behalf, but you may prefer to act yourself.”

“I suppose I should think about,” Lucas said slowly. Then he shook his head, “No, I have no wish to get involved. You’d better provide me with a list of your charges, but I think it very unlikely they will be excessive. You will keep in contact with me, though?”

“Of course, we shall acting on your behalf, as the client, so we will keep in regular contact. I can arrange to have a contract drawn up and sent to you. As it will come by post and we require you to return one copy with your signature, this will give you a few days to consider further and if you wish, to change your mind.”

“Thank you, that’s appreciated. However, the funeral does need to be arranged, and I have no wish to be responsible for that. Are you able…”

Huggins nodded in understanding. “We can certainly undertake responsibility for ensuring arrangements are made.”

He paused and Lucas hurriedly said, “I understand this will be an additional cost, but that’s not a problem.”

“That would be minimal. However, I was wondering whether you are still in contact with any of your relations.”

“Just my cousin, Andy. And I certainly wouldn’t want to land him with the job, he’s done so much for me already.”

“I was thinking more on the lines of asking him who he would suggest might wish to arrange the funeral.”

“I’m sure he’d do that. I can give you his details.”

“Excellent. Well, if there’s nothing else for the moment…” Lucas shook his head in response. “Then, we will put matters in motion and I look forward to receiving the signed contact in about a week’s time. In the meantime, if you do have any questions, please do not hesitate to phone or email.”

“Thank you very much.”

They shook hands and Lucas and Adam left the offices.
***

Back at the Travelodge, Adam asked, “Are you all right?”

“Yes. I mean, I could have done without all this, but at least I don’t need to do much myself. I presume you agree with me that getting Huggins to take it on is the best idea.”

“Oh, quite. Even though it will cost you.”

“I can afford it.” Lucas showed Adam the building society statement. “My mother’s savings mounted up over the years.”

“Nice. I presume you do intend attending the funeral. Providing, of course, you’re told the date, although I’m sure Andy will let you know.”

“Oh, yes. I’m sure Andy will, as will the solicitor, since they will be authorising the payment.” Lucas grinned. “I think it will be interesting.”