The Inheritance Clause - 1
In 2010, when Dawson Stewart took his job as a paralegal at Cotton, Putnam, and Shaw in Austin, Texas, his short, blond hair, his brown facial scruff he kept trimmed, and his strong jaw made him look older than his 22 years. And his blue eyes mesmerized people when they spoke to him.
A few months after joining the firm, he was assigned a client, Clayton Arthur Jameson IV who had recently turned seventy. He earned his initial wealth the old fashioned way. He inherited it. Over time, he turned his modest inheritance into a multi billion-dollar enterprise.
Clayton built a company, JTech, that manufactured and assembled computer components. He served as CEO and chairman of the board. JTech had a chief legal officer, with an extensive legal department, so they handled all of the legal affairs related to the company.
The Cotton, Putnam, and Shaw legal firm managed Clayton's personal legal matters. Among his assets were significant real estate holdings. Dawson went to Clayton's lake house every Tuesday, met with him, and managed his real estate affairs.
Once a month, a lawyer from the firm, Carmen Castillo, joined them at the lake house to review Clayton's decisions and Dawson's legal paperwork to ensure everything was being handled properly. Carmen would also meet privately with Clayton afterward to handle his other personal affairs including his will, his taxes, and the like.
Over the course of the next three years, Dawson spent a lot of time with Clayton. They became very good friends. Dawson and Clayton would often spend time together at the lake house after going over the real estate holdings. Many times, Dawson would stay and have dinner with Clayton. Their conversations would go well into the evening. They talked about their lives and shared some personal stories while playing pool after dinner. They were evenly matched and the two of them enjoyed the challenge of trying to beat the other. They never kept track, but they both assumed they were close to even in games won.
Dawson shared that he was gay and that his parents rejected him and kicked him out when he came out to them. Dawson's cousin, Cassie, took him in and he had been living with her ever since. He finished high school and found a job that paid enough for him to study to become a paralegal. When he was certified, it wasn't long before he got the job at Cotton, Putnam, and Shaw. Clayton often said to Dawson that he worked too hard and all he needed was to find a nice young man and settle down.
Clayton shared that his deceased wife, Sarah, was very beautiful and had a gentle soul. They had one son. Of course, they named him Clayton Arthur Jameson V. They called him Artie to avoid confusion. When he was five, Sarah became pregnant. All was going well until she had complications in the ninth month. She and the baby didn't make it. Clayton took a long time to go through the grieving process. He was able to move on, although he had no interest in dating, much less, marrying, another woman. Artie did not fare as well. He never got over the death of his mother. He somehow blamed his father. As adults, Clayton and Artie still kept in communication, but it was perfunctory. It was not the healthy father-son relationship one would hope for.
Clayton did, however, have a good relationship with his grandson and talked to Dawson all the time about him. Artie named him Adam because he did not want to continue the family name, given how he felt about his father. Although they didn't know each other, Adam and Dawson were born 5 weeks apart. So they were the same age. Clayton had a good relationship with Adam and was very fond of him. Every time he had news about Adam, Clayton would proudly tell Dawson all the details.
In September of 2012, something unusual happened. On that month's visit with Carmen Castillo, she arrived with four others from the firm. She came with Gail Ingall, who was another paralegal, Lillian Warren, who was a lawyer, and Kevin Hernandes, who was a legal secretary. Also with them was the founder and principal Daryl Cotton. Dawson pulled Carmen aside and asked what was going on. She told him that they were there to take care of something related to the client's private affairs. If the client wanted Dawson to know he would tell him.
On that day, Dawson, Clayton, and Carmen, reviewed his real estate affairs like normal. Afterward, Dawson left the room as all of the other professionals went into the library and shut the door. He left the lake house wondering what was going on but didn't dwell on it too much. If Clayton wanted him to know, he'd tell him.
After that, Dawson continued to show up each week. He and Clayton reviewed his real estate holdings like nothing had happened. Clayton never offered to share what that meeting was about. And Dawson never asked.
About six months after the September meeting, Dawson was at the firm's office. He was collecting paperwork before he headed over to Clayton's lake house later that day. Carmen asked to see him right away. Dawson went into Carmen's office and she told him to close the door and sit down. Dawson wasn't sure what to think. Then Carmen told him that Clayton had passed away quietly in his sleep the night before. Dawson was numb for a few minutes. Carmen's secretary got him some water. After he took a sip, he began to cry softly. Carmen teared up, too. After they collected themselves, Carmen told Dawson to go home for the rest of the day, which he did.
The day of the wake, Dawson pulled into the funeral home to pay his respects. As he was walking from his car, he began to cry. He didn't want to go into the funeral home crying, so he ducked around the back of the building and went onto the back porch. He leaned against the porch railing and had a good cry, thinking about the good times he'd had with Clayton. Eventually, he dried his eyes and calmed himself down. Suddenly, a door leading into the funeral home opened. A young guy who looked like a funeral attendant came out of the funeral home and onto the porch. He saw Dawson and approached him.
"Are you ok?" the attendant asked.
Dawson looked up with his red, puffy eyes and saw a very handsome guy. He had wavy brown hair and deep brown eyes. His eyelashes were very long, which made him look sympathetic. His face was round and he had lines on his cheeks from smiling all the time. And he had the most adorable dimple on his strong chin. He was an inch or two taller than Dawson, with broad shoulders and a fit build. Dawson felt like he had seem him somewhere before, but he couldn't quite place it.
"Um...I was ok..." Dawson said and then paused. "But then I started to cry when I got here. I was trying to collect myself before I went in," Dawson shared with the stranger.
"Did you know Clayton Jameson well?" he asked.
"Yeah...I work for his law firm. I would see him every week to go over his affairs with him. But over time, we became good friends. We had a friendly pool game rivalry going..." Dawson said looking down at the porch as he remembered Clayton fondly. "I'm really going to miss him," Dawson explained.
He paused and then began to cry. Hard. The attendant moved in and wrapped his arms around him. Dawson felt comforted by the stranger as he tried to collect himself. After crying for a minute or two, he finally pulled away and then blew his nose into the tissue he was holding.
"I feel so embarrassed. I must look like such an idiot," Dawson surmised.
"Don't be silly. It's a wake. You're supposed to cry and share stories about the deceased. Don't worry about it," he said.
The attendant looked thoughtfully at Dawson. For a moment, Dawson felt a connection. But he pushed it out of his head. It was a wake. You can't pick up a guy at a wake, Dawson thought to himself.
"Thanks, I should go in now," Dawson said as he wiped his nose and sniffled.
"Yeah, me too," said the attendant.
Dawson watched him as he opened the door and went back in. He sniffled again and dried his eyes with a clean tissue. He swiped it across his nose one final time. He took in a deep breath and exhaled. He made his way to the front of the building to get in line. Clayton was a well-known figure in the community, there were quite a few people.
Eventually, the line moved to where Dawson was in the hallway outside the visiting room. He could see into the room but only Clayton's casket was visible. As he got closer to the door, he could see Clayton's son, Artie, who was first in the receiving line. Another step closer and he could see a woman standing next to him, who Dawson assumed was his wife. Then as Dawson got closer, he could see the third person in the receiving line was the guy he talked to on the back porch. The guy he thought was a funeral attendant. That must be Adam, Dawson figured. Adam was holding the hand of a beautiful young woman. As Dawson watched the handsome young man, he realized why he thought Adam looked so familiar. He had seen younger pictures of him at Clayton's lake house.
When Dawson got to the receiving line, he paid his respects to Artie and his wife. When he got to Adam, Adam smiled at him. They shook hands. Adam held onto Dawson's hand and covered it with his other hand.
"Hello, again," Adam said sympathetically.
"Adam, I'm so embarrassed. If I'd known who you were, I..." Dawson began to say.
"I'm the one who should be embarrassed. I should have told you who I was," Adam interrupted.
"I'm Dawson. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was so proud of you. He talked about you all the time," Dawson said.
"Thank you, I appreciate that. I figured you were Dawson Stewart. I'm sorry for your loss. He spoke very fondly of you," Adam said with a smile.
"Really? He did?" Dawson said in surprise.
"Yeah, he liked you. He told me about the games of pool you would play against each other," Adam said.
"Thank you for telling me," Dawson said.
"Oh, where are my manners? Dawson, this is my fiancé, Vickie," Adam said as he finally let go of Dawson's hand.
"Vickie, I'm so sorry. Wait...fiancé? Clayton didn't tell me you were engaged," Dawson said.
"He didn't know. I proposed to Vickie the night before he died. I was going to call him and tell him the next morning," Adam said soberly.
"Oh, I'm so sorry," said Dawson, "Congratulations on your engagement. I'm sorry it's under these circumstances."
"Thank you," Vickie and Adam both said.
At that moment, they all realized they were holding up the receiving line. Dawson said goodbye and moved away. He found Carmen and they chatted for a bit before he left.
At the funeral service the next morning, Dawson and Adam made eye contact at one point. They both nodded toward each other. Other than that moment, their paths didn't cross again until a couple weeks later.
Dawson came into work on a Monday. He was preparing some case work for a client when Carmen called him to join her in a conference room. When he arrived, she was sitting at the conference table with Daryl Cotton, the founder and principal of the firm. Dawson came into the room cautiously.
"You've done nothing wrong, Dawson. Have a seat," Carmen spoke.
Dawson sat down slowly.
"Normally this would have been mailed to you, but given the circumstances, Mr. Cotton and I thought it best we hand deliver it," said Carmen as she slid an envelope across to Dawson.
"What is it?" Dawson asked, too nervous to open it.
"In his will, Clayton Jameson requested a traditional reading of his will, with all beneficiaries present. You are a beneficiary. It's a request for you to appear at the reading," said Daryl.
"What?!?!" Dawson said in shock.
Dawson opened the envelope and scanned the letter.
"But I don't want anything... Mr. Cotton, you have to believe that I was 100% ethical in all of my dealings with our client. I never once..." Dawson protested as he looked back and forth from Daryl to Carmen.
"Dawson...Dawson..." Carmen interrupted him, "No one is accusing you of anything."
Dawson leaned back in his chair and scanned the letter quickly.
"Other than the formal reading, this is a standard request letter. Then why this meeting? Why didn't you just deliver this to me? There must be something more, no?" Dawson mused out loud.
Daryl and Carmen looked at each other. Then Daryl looked at Dawson.
"We cannot reveal anything in the will. It's sealed. It's confidential until the reading. However, both Carmen and I felt you should know that there is something...unusual...in the will," Daryl said, being cautious how he phrased things.
"We think it will cause some...upset feelings. And we just want you to be prepared," Carmen said, also trying to choose her words carefully.
"Ok, then I'll reject it. I won't take it. I'll give it to the family or donate it to charity. I don't want anything from him. I promise you," Dawson protested.
"I don't think it's going to be that easy, Dawson," Carmen said with concern.
Daryl held up his hands.
"Wait...stop..." Daryl said as he looked at Carmen, "we said what we need to say, let's not cross any lines here and get ourselves into hot water."
"When is the reading of the will?" Dawson asked as he picked up the request letter to look at the date and time, which he had skipped over when he first looked at the letter.
"Today. In two hours. At his lake house," said Carmen.
"What? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Dawson asked.
"Because I thought you might be upset. Now you've only got two hours to worry over it instead of days of concern," Carmen explained.
Dawson was angry.
"Are we done here?" he asked, gritting his teeth.
"Yes, but Dawson..." Carmen started to say.
Seeing nothing else to be gained by talking further, Dawson got up, grabbed the letter, and left the conference room. He went back to his desk and reread the letter. He started to tear up at the thought that Clayton had left him something in his will. He eventually collected himself and left to attend the reading of the will.
Dawson arrived at the lake house. There were a lot more cars than he expected. The line of cars stretched around the cul de sac driveway and down the private road that accessed the property. As each driver reached the front door, a valet service opened the doors, escorted the passengers out, and drove the car to an open space on the property for parking. So, there wasn't a long wait to get inside. There were also police there, which Dawson assumed was to help with traffic control.
When Dawson went inside the front door, he made a mental note to remember the details of the lake house. It would be his last time he would be there. He paused in the entry way, over to the side, so he didn't block the flow of people coming in. He looked up at the spaciously wide staircase that went up in front of him. The stairs led to a landing about half-way up. At the landing, there was a huge, round window that overlooked the lake. From there, the stairs split and continued up both sides. One went to the west wing of the house, the other went to the east wing. The staircase reminded him of the staircase in Gone With The Wind, where Rhett Butler carried Scarlet O'Hara up the stairs.
The 20,000 square foot lake house was designed to maximize the views of the lake, so it was a long rectangular shape spanning across the property, aligned with the lake. Most rooms were on the lakeside of the house, with big windows and sliding glass doors, so there were spacious views of the lake from within the house.
He eventually followed the rest of the attendees to the right, to go to the ballroom. The lake house had a huge room that Clayton called the ballroom, where he once hosted lavish parties. Dawson saw Carmen and Daryl, along with a number of other members of the firm. He saw Kevin, Lillian, and Gail, who came on that odd day in September. They were in the corner talking quietly. He started to wonder if this was all related somehow to whatever Clayton left him in his will. Suddenly, he was jolted from his thoughts.
"Dawson, I was hoping you might be here," Adam said from behind him.
Adam had his hand around Vickie's waist.
"Adam. Vickie. I'm glad to see you, even if it's under these somber circumstances," Dawson said.
Dawson reached out and shook Adam's hand.
"You've probably got work to do, so we won't keep you. Just wanted to say hi," Adam said.
Dawson paused for a moment.
"Well, you're going to find out in 10 minutes anyway," Dawson said.
He opened up his beneficiary letter.
"Apparently, Clayton gave me something in his will," Dawson said quietly.
Adam looked at the letter and got a curious look on his face.
"Are you sure? Your letter looks like mine. Where does it say you're named in his will?" Adam asked as he took his letter out of his pocket.
Adam, Vickie, and Dawson all leaned over the two letters.
"Here...'as a beneficiary'...that means you're named in his will as receiving something, too," Dawson explained as he pointed at Adam's letter.
"Really? I wasn't expecting anything," Adam said softly.
"Me neither," said Dawson.
"Ha! My dad is gonna shit." Adam said suddenly as he started to laugh.
Dawson was surprised.
"Adam, this is serious," said Dawson.
"You don't understand. My dad has been itching to get his hands on granddad's fortune since I was a little kid. Even if granddad only gives me his toaster oven, it's gonna fry my dad's ass that he didn't get all of it," Adam said with glee.
Dawson didn't see this as comical at all. But he saw no reason to get into an argument with Adam. He congratulated them on their engagement again and took his leave.
Carmen was standing by herself near the front of the room going through paperwork. Dawson approached her as she was finishing. She took her reading glasses off as they greeted each other. They both apologized about how they acted regarding the beneficiary letter. Carmen regretted not telling him sooner and Dawson was sorry for getting angry and storming out of the meeting. After they smoothed things over, Daryl came over to them and told Carmen all of the beneficiaries were there and she could start.
The room was arranged with about 150 chairs facing the table at the front, which the firm had set up. Carmen took her seat at the table. Paperwork was neatly organized on top of the table and there was a microphone so everyone could hear Carmen. To one side of her was a stenographer. To the other side was an empty chair.
There was a row of chairs on the side of the room, near the main door. Kevin, Gail, and Lillian took those seats. A couple other people sat with them. Daryl then turned to the crowd and loudly asked everyone to take a seat. There was a swell of sound as people started moving to sit down. Daryl sat in the empty chair next to Carmen.
Not wanting to intrude on the family and friends, Dawson took a seat in a wingback chair that was on the side of the room, opposite where Gail, Lillian, and Kevin were sitting. It was close to the front and faced the arranged chairs from the front and side, so he could see everyone's faces.
Before Carmen started, Dawson looked around the room. Most of the chairs were filled, with about 125 people there. Adam and Vickie took seats near him, holding hands. Artie and his wife were in the row right in front of them. Artie was sitting up straight, ready to listen. There were some other people Dawson recognized from Clayton's business dealings. As for the rest of the crowd, Dawson didn't know who they were or how they knew Clayton.
"Thank you everyone for coming today. My name is Carmen Castillo. I am the executor of Mr. Jameson's last will and testament. I'd like to start on a personal note. While my relationship with Mr. Jameson was professional, I couldn't help but become fond of him. I'd like to express my sincere condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues gathered here today," Carmen started.
The sound of the stenographer's typing could be heard in the room when Carmen paused. She cleared her throat, put on her glasses, and raised a piece of paper.
"Mr. Jameson had specific requirements for how his last wishes were to be executed. This included a formal reading of his will, which will be executed here today. I ask for your patience and I ask for quiet as I read the will aloud. After I have completed the formal reading, printed copies will be available at the front table. This may be an emotional time for some of you. If you must leave the hall to maintain decorum, please do so quietly. Any emotional outbursts will not be tolerated," Carmen said.
She took a drink of water as people shifted in their seats.
"For the record, this will and testament was prepared and signed in the presence of certified witnesses. The will itself and the accompanying documentation was filed with the court in accordance with local, state, and federal law. There are three sections to the will - company assets, personal assets, and real estate assets. I will read each section in that order. There are also clauses pertaining to the various assets. Any clause set forth as a requirement to the distribution of an asset must be met according to Mr. Jameson's wishes. If the conditions of the clause is not met, provisions have been specified as to how the asset will be disbursed. I will read each clause after I go through each set of assets," Carmen said and then paused, looking over her glasses to scan the room.
She had everyone's attention. Carmen took in a deep breath and then exhaled as if she were bracing herself.
"Two of these clauses are confidential. These clauses will only be read in the presence of the concerned parties and certified witnesses," Carmen said.
With that passage, there was movement in the room. People looked at each other with curious looks. Artie grumbled and whispered something to his wife. Adam smiled to himself. He turned toward his fiancé and they exchanged looks while they shuffled in their seats. Dawson wasn't sure what to think. Carmen continued.
"Let's commence with the reading of the will," Carmen said.
She lifted another piece of paper as she scanned the room, looking over her glasses.
"On this date, September 18, 2012, I, Clayton Arthur Jameson IV, born January 15, 1939, in the city of Austin, Texas, hereby set forth my last will and testament. Witnessed by duly notarized individuals and documented in attachments, I state that I have come to these decisions of my own volition and without duress. I designate the associates of Cotton, Putnam, and Shaw to carry out my wishes set forth here," Carmen read the opening portion.
She set that paper down and picked up a packet of papers. Dawson realized that September 18 was the date of the strange meeting. He sat up straighter in his chair.
"Section one - company assets. Pertaining to my replacement as Chairman of the Board of JTech, I recognize that decision is the responsibility of the board. However, I ask that the board take my recommendation into account. Since 2010, I have been grooming the current Vice Chair, Alex Hernandez, to transition as chairman in the event of my death. I have the utmost confidence in Alex. His insights have been pivotal in my ability to serve the board and I have no doubt he will continue to serve as well as I have. I have set forth his credentials in clause A of this document and I have identified requirements which I expect Mr. Hernandez to commit to prior to a vote of the board if he expects to maintain my recommendation to serve as board chairman," Carmen said.
She paused and took a sip of water. The company executives, all sitting next to each other, patted Alex on the back. Alex looked humbled by the generous words from Clayton. Carmen continued.
"Pertaining to my replacement as CEO of JTech, again I recognize that decision is the responsibility of the board. I ask again that my recommendation be considered. Since 2004, Louise McGuire has served as JTech's CFO with a stellar track record. I have set forth her credentials in clause B of this document and identified requirements which I expect Mrs. McGuire to commit to if she wishes to maintain my recommendation. I have the highest regard for Louise's integrity and have confidence that she can continue the transformation of JTech which we both set in place to meet the company's challenges of the future," Carmen read.
The group surrounding Louise congratulated her and she nodded acknowledgment as they all commented to her.
"I also want to express my gratitude to the board members, both past and present. You have all served the shareholders of JTech well, always balancing our employees' interests, our customers' interests, and our shareholders' interests with every decision we have made. I thank you for your service. I designate from my personal holdings, $100,000, to be distributed to each current board member, to each former board member still living, and to the next of kin of each deceased former board member," Carmen read.
There were murmurs in the room as she finished reading this section of the will. A couple people gasped in surprise. Dawson assumed the amount was going to change a couple lives. Carmen cleared her throat and took a sip of water. Dawson saw her glance in his direction before she started speaking again.
"Section two - personal assets," Carmen started.
Dawson saw Artie sit up in his seat and lean forward.
"I lived my life attempting to be transparent regarding where I stood and what I wanted. I will do that one last time with my final wishes," Carmen paused. Then she started reading again, "To Dawson Andrew Stewart, I leave my pool table and all of the accompanying equipment. I cherished the time I spent with Dawson, both in a professional capacity and in the personal time we shared together. I hope he is able to find a worthy pool-playing opponent who he can challenge in the many ways he challenged me. I also hope Dawson finds a thoughtful young man and settles down with him," Carmen read and then paused as she looked over her glasses, and without turning her head, set her eyes on Dawson.
Dawson teared up as he processed what Carmen was saying and then chuckled when he heard the last part about finding someone to settle down with. Some of the people in the room looked over at him. Others began to realize where Dawson was sitting and began to look at him. Artie turned his head and had daggers in his eyes for Dawson. Adam opened his mouth while he was smiling as he nodded in satisfaction toward Dawson. Vickie simply smiled as she looked over. Dawson sniffled and looked uncomfortable in his seat. He was so adamant that he didn't want anything from Clayton before. But now, he started to feel like he wanted the pool table, even though the apartment he shared with his cousin could not accommodate it. He looked at Carmen through his misty eyes in an attempt to will her with his mind to move on so the room would stop looking at him. Carmen continued.
"The remainder of my personal assets are enumerated in clause C. At the time this will was written, my total personal assets were valued at approximately $800 million dollars," Carmen read.
Some soft gasps and low murmurs came up from the crowd. Artie licked his lips. Carmen continued.
"Assuming he meets all of the requirements enumerated in clause C, I leave all my personal assets enumerated as such to my grandson, Adam Corbin Jameson," Carmen read and then had to pause as a swell of murmurs rose up from the room.
Adam's smile immediately left him. The blood rushed from his face. He didn't think he would be receiving anything in his grandfather's will when he got there that morning, much less the bulk of his personal assets. Vickie's jaw dropped as she turned to look at Adam. Artie stood up and turned around. He looked at Adam with his mouth open in shock. Adam made eye contact with his father. Then Adam looked at Dawson. Dawson's feelings about the pool table were pushed to the side. He truly felt for Adam and he showed sympathy on his face as Adam looked at him. When the crowd settled down and Artie sat back down in his chair, Carmen continued.
"I'm so proud of the thoughtful young man Adam has become. I know he will continue to enrich the lives of those around him the way he has enriched mine. One last piece of advice I wish to impart to him is, be true to yourself," Carmen said and then paused.
Adam began to tear up and Vickie began rubbing his arm to comfort him.
"To my son Artie," Carmen read.
She quickly glanced up over her glasses at Artie before she continued. Artie still had a shocked look on his face, as he tried to recover from what he'd just heard.
"I leave only my love and regret. I loved my son as much as a father can. But I regret that we never had the kind of relationship we should have had. I know he blames me for the death of his mother. There was nothing I could ever do to change that. I hope someday he will be able to grieve and move on from Sarah's death," Carmen finished.
"This is bullshit!" Artie jumped up and shouted.
"Please sit down and remain quiet, Mr. Jameson," Daryl leaned over and said into the microphone, "disruption of this proceeding will not be tolerated. If you continue, you will be removed and arrested for disturbing the peace," said Daryl.
At that point, Dawson noticed the uniformed policemen standing in the doorway. Artie saw them too. Artie turned around and looked at Adam, who was still in shock, staring at the floor in disbelief. Artie then looked at Dawson with a death stare before he sat down. He folded his arms like a spoiled five-year-old, causing his suit to crumple up. It made him look like a fool.
"Let's continue," Carmen started again, "Section three - real estate assets. My total real estate assets are enumerated in clause C. At the time this will was written, my total real estate assets were valued at approximately $800 million dollars," Carmen read.
Some soft gasps and low murmurs came up from the crowd again as some discovered for the first time just how rich Clayton Jameson really was. Dawson wasn't surprised. He knew exactly what the holdings were and how much they were worth. It was his job to know.
"Assuming he meets all of the requirements enumerated in clause C, I leave all my real estate assets enumerated as such to Dawson Andrew Stewart," Carmen read.
"What?!?!" Dawson exclaimed loudly as he sat forward and felt adrenaline flood his body.
Artie jumped up and turned to look at Dawson. Adam turned his shocked face toward Dawson as did the rest of the room. Dawson made eye contact with Adam as his mouth went dry. Adam started to smile. Then he started to laugh. He clapped his hands together once and sat back in his seat as he realized what his grandfather had done. He had screwed over Artie and split his wealth between the two people who truly loved him, Adam and Dawson. Artie turned to watch Adam's reaction. Dawson looked at Carmen. Carmen had a sympathetic look on her face as she looked back at him.
"We're contesting," Artie said to his wife, loud enough for everyone to hear. "It's as simple as that. This is bullshit. We just need to contest it. We'll win easily," Artie said more to convince himself than to convince anyone else.
"Mr. Jameson! Sit down and remain quiet. Or you'll be removed from the room," Daryl Cotton stood and leaned into the microphone as he said firmly.
Adam and Dawson made eye contact as the room settled down. Dawson was still in shock. So was Adam. They both turned to look at the front of the room. Artie sat back down. Carmen continued reading.
Carmen then continued, "If anyone wishes to contest this will, obviously I can't stop them from the grave. But I will go on the record saying that it will reveal you to be a small-minded, petulant, idiot," Carmen read and then paused as most of the crowd looked toward Artie, while he fumed in his seat.
"These are my wishes, as attested to by me and witnessed by the following," Carmen said.
She began reading the names and addresses of the witnesses. Adam made eye contact again with Dawson. He raised his eyebrows and exhaled as the seriousness of the moment hit him. He gestured to Dawson that he wanted to talk to him when the proceedings were over. Dawson nodded acknowledgment.
Carmen began reading clause A. Dawson didn't pay attention because the first two clauses didn't apply to him. He thought about what Clayton had done, excluding his son Artie. He understood why he did it, but he couldn't imagine doing that to a son if he ever had one. He reminisced about the pool games he and Clayton played and decided he was going to accept the pool table. He didn't know where he would put it, but now that he'd had a few moments to think about it, he wanted to keep it.
As Carmen read clause B, Dawson decided he couldn't possibly accept the real estate holdings. He wasn't sure what he needed to do to decline it, but he was firm in his mind that he just couldn't do it. Both from an ethical and moral standpoint it was not possible in Dawson's mind for him to accept it.
"Clause C..." Carmen read.
Dawson and Adam both sat up straighter and listened.
"is confidential. The following individuals must be present while Clause C is read in private - Beneficiary: Adam Jameson Beneficiary: Dawson Stewart Witnesses: Gail Ingall, Lillian Warren, Kevin Hernandes, Judge Andrea Thompson, and Judge Elio Garcia Legal counsel: Daryl Cotton and Carmen Castillo Advocates: Alice Niven and Norman Krantz" Carmen read.
Adam and Dawson looked at each other. Artie made noises as he huffed about being excluded. Adam turned and looked at the floor as he contemplated what was in clause C. Dawson looked at the room. A lot of eyes kept glancing at him. He looked at Carmen and thought about the meeting earlier that day. He realized she was truly trying to help him by holding back the letter to appear at the reading of the will.
"This concludes the official reading of the last will and testament of Clayton Arthur Jameson IV. The reading of confidential clause C will take place in the library and will start in 20 minutes. Thank you for your attention here today," Carmen concluded.
Carmen sat back in her chair, took off her reading glasses, and tossed them onto the table. She sighed and then looked over at Dawson. She saw Artie in her line of sight standing in front of his seat, turned and talking with Adam.
"Dad...dad...please, not right now. I had no idea granddad was planning any of this. Neither of us is in any frame of mind to discuss this right now. So, please, back off," said Adam.
Artie started to say something. Adam looked at his mother.
"Art. Stop. Just leave it be," Adam's mother said.
Artie looked like a disappointed child, but he obeyed his wife. Adam nodded to his mom. Adam's parents turned to walk away.
Vickie went up to get a written copy of the will. Adam stepped toward Dawson.
"Crazy, huh?" Adam said.
"Yeah, that's one word for it," said Dawson, "Listen. Adam. I'm going to reject the real estate holdings. We should talk about what you think I should do with them," Dawson began to explain.
"Dawson, you should keep it. It's what granddad wanted. He must have had a reason," Adam said.
Vickie came back, looking at a copy of the will.
"Hey, look. This is weird..." Vickie said as she looked at the will.
They both turned toward Vickie.
"At the beginning, she said there were two confidential clauses. But when she got to the end, there was only clause C that she said was confidential.
"Let me see," said Adam.
He and Dawson got close together, their arms touching, as they looked over the document.
"Hmm, maybe she made a mistake," Adam said.
"No, Carmen doesn't make mistakes. There must be another confidential clause that gets cited during the reading of clause C," Dawson said with certainty.
"I guess we find out in fifteen minutes," said Vickie as she kept scanning the will.
"Well, Dawson and I will. Are you going to be okay while I go in for the confidential reading?" Adam asked Vickie.
"Of course, don't worry about me," she said, "I'll wait in here for you."
Adam and Vickie embraced. Dawson looked over at Artie and his wife talking to Carmen. He was very upset.
"I don't have time to speak to you about this right now. If you have questions, please contact my office and we can set up time to discuss it," Dawson heard Carmen say.
It was clear to Dawson that Carmen was trying to brush him off. Carmen finished collecting the paperwork on the table and turned to head to the library. People began milling out of the room. Dawson went up to the table and got a copy of the will. He scanned it. He stared at his name in the section where Clayton gave him the real estate holdings. He tried to remember the hundreds of times he and Clayton talked to see if there was any indication why Clayton would do this. It was too many memories at once. Dawson closed his eyes and sighed loudly.
"Are you ok?" Adam asked as he came up to Dawson.
It reminded Dawson of when he and Adam met. He opened his eyes.
"Um...I was ok..." Dawson said, repeating his response when Adam asked him that question at the funeral home.
Adam immediately recognized it harkened back to when they first met. They both smiled and chuckled. He put his hand on the side of Dawson's shoulder.
"You'll be fine," Adam said as he patted Dawson's bicep, "c'mon, let's go to the library and have a drink before we find out what else grandad has in store for us."
Dawson looked at Adam hopefully.
"Yeah, I could use a drink right about now," Dawson said as he chuckled.
The two turned toward the door. Adam put his arm around Dawson's shoulders as they made their way to the library. A man, who Dawson recognized as one of the JTech executives, came up to them.
"My condolences Mr. Jameson... Mr. Stewart... I'm so sorry for your loss. Hopefully, you'll be able to take some comfort in the fact that Clayton had faith in you to carry on in his stead," he said.
"Thank you," Adam said, with his arm still around Dawson's shoulders.
"You make a handsome couple. I wish you nothing but happiness," the executive said in concluding remarks.
"Heh heh...we're not a couple. We only recently met," said Adam as he chuckled and pulled Dawson just a bit closer.
"Oh...I'm so sorry...I meant no offense...it's just that you looked so natural together...forgive me," said the executive as he fidgeted uncomfortably.
"It's ok, we're not offended," Adam said as he looked at Dawson for confirmation.
Dawson smiled at Adam and then turned toward the executive.
"Think nothing of it. Thank you for your kind words," said Dawson as he reached out and shook the executive's hand, signaling that the conversation was over.
"Yes, thank you," Adam said as he let go of Dawson and reached out to pat the shoulder of the executive.
The two of them left the executive standing there as they walked away. When they were out of earshot, Dawson leaned over.
"That was weird," Dawson said softly
"Oh, I don't know...he was right about us being handsome," Adam said playfully as he sidled his shoulder into Dawson's.
They both laughed and kept walking. Dawson felt that there was a vibe again with Adam. He tried to shake it off.
As they approached the library, Norman Krantz, was standing outside the doorway. Krantz, as everyone called him, was a fit man in his fifties. He was about 5' 7" tall and had been bald since his early thirties. Krantz ran the household and had been Clayton's butler for twenty-five years. Clayton hired him shortly before Adam was born, so Adam had known him his entire life. He was holding a tray with two glasses of bourbon.
"I thought you two might need a drink," he said.
Adam and Dawson started to laugh.
"Exactly what we were thinking, Krantz, thank you," Adam said.
They took the drinks and both gingerly took a sip.
"Let's go in," Adam said.
They entered the library. Most of the people who needed to be there were in the room. Carmen was sitting in a chair next to the fireplace that faced most of the room. She had some papers piled up on the small table next to her. She was sipping a water bottle as she waited. Everyone else was standing, talking in groups of two or three. Just then, Daryl came into the room.
"Please have a seat. I'll confirm we have everyone and then we'll begin," Daryl said loudly to the room of people.
Daryl looked at Adam and Dawson. He gestured toward an empty settee along one of the walls, which faced the rest of the room. They took seats on the settee. Dawson looked around. He started to get nervous. He could feel his heart rate accelerating and his breathing rate began to increase.
"Relax, it's just words," Adam whispered as he leaned over toward Dawson so only he could hear him.
Dawson turned to look at Adam. He wondered how Adam knew he was nervous.
"She speaks. We listen and drink. That's all we have to do," Adam said calmly.
Dawson smiled at Adam.
"You make it sound so simple," said Dawson as he began to relax.
"That's because it is," Adam said.
Adam lifted his drink as if he were toasting, winked at Dawson, and took a sip. Dawson smiled and lifted his glass and took a sip. He felt that connection with Adam again. He turned and stared at the fireplace while he cupped his drink in his lap. He tried to shake his attraction to Adam.
"Ok, everyone is here. Let's get started," Daryl said as he shut the door.
Dawson and Adam both looked around the room. Daryl and one of the judges were standing over to the side of Carmen. The stenographer from before was sitting in a chair wedged in the corner. All of the other people named in clause C were seated in various places around the library.
Dawson looked over at Niven, Clayton's long-time housekeeper. He wasn't sure how old she was, but she looked like she was close to 60ish. She was a bit plump and always held her hands together in front of her when she stood. She had a long face and she pursed her lips to indicate every emotion, so it was hard to read her. She was sitting near Krantz. Dawson realized they were not named in the primary will, but they were included in the confidential reading of clause C. It seemed very curious to Dawson. He couldn't imagine why they would need to be here. Then Carmen began.
"Thank you for your attention as I read clause C. As requested by Mr. Jameson, I must read the clause aloud. The reading of certain sections can be waived if there are no objections. I will ask for a waiver of reading those sections when the time comes," Carmen said.
She paused and looked over her glasses as she scanned the room. Most of the participants nodded in ascent. She looked down at the paper she was holding and began to read.
"Clause C: To inherit the assets designated in my will requiring adherence to clause C, beneficiaries Adam Corbin Jameson and Dawson Andrew Stewart must live in my lake house, located at 2027 Jameson Court, Austin, Texas for the duration of six months, beginning immediately after the reading of the will, under the terms and conditions set forth below," Carmen said and then paused.
Dawson and Adam both raised their eyebrows in surprise at the same time. They looked at each other. Carmen kept reading.
"Terms and conditions: - no guests or visitors - no direct contact with the outside world - no leaving the property," Carmen said and then was interrupted.
"I'm sorry, what?!?!" Dawson leaned forward and interjected.
Adam leaned forward as Dawson interrupted.
"Can you read that again?" Adam asked.
"No guests or visitors...no direct contact with the outside world...no leaving the property..." Carmen repeated.
Adam waved his drink a bit as he interrupted Carmen again.
"Wait...we have to live here... cut off from everything... for six months?" Adam asked.
"Gentlemen, I'm sure this is a shock to both of you. But there is more. I recommend you hear all of it and then ask your questions," Daryl suggested.
Dawson started to chuckle as he lifted his drink to his mouth. With his lips hidden behind the glass, he mumbled to Adam.
"Just listen and drink. It's that simple," Dawson mumbled with a chuckle.
Dawson then sipped his drink as a slight laugh burst out of Adam. He smiled and took a sip. Half-chuckling, he lifted his glass.
"I'm sorry. We'll be quiet. Continue," Adam said.
The two looked at each other with concerned faces as Carmen reread the same section again. Then she continued.
"Provisions have been made with the beneficiary's employers so they will maintain their positions, compensation, and standing when they return to work at the end of the six months," Carmen said.
Adam and Dawson both watched Carmen as she continued to read.
"Mrs. Alice Niven will remain in her capacity as housekeeper. Mr. Norman Krantz will remain in his capacity as butler. They will attend to Mr. Stewart's and Mr. Jameson's needs. They have been given instructions as ordered in Clause D, which has been sealed and is confidential eyes only for Mrs. Niven and Mr. Krantz," Carmen read.
Both boys had curious looks on their faces and looked at each other in confusion.
Adam sighed and looked at Krantz. Krantz stared, looking at Carmen, and didn't flinch. Dawson looked at Niven, who was looking at Carmen with a blank face.
"Mrs. Niven and Mr. Krantz have additional terms and conditions outlined in their sealed documents, which must be adhered to by the beneficiaries. If, at any time during the six months the beneficiaries do not meet the terms and conditions, the declination rules outlined as follows will go into effect," Carmen said and then was interrupted.
"I'm sorry, declination rules? What does that mean?" Adam asked.
"That's what happens if you decline the inheritance," said Dawson to Adam.
"Oh," Adam said, looking at Dawson.
"Or if we don't stay the whole six months and follow all the rules," Dawson said, still talking to Adam.
"Ah, got it. Thanks," Adam said as the two talked to each other like no one else was in the room.
They both realized they had interrupted and they turned to look at Carmen. She was looking at them over her glasses with her mouth open in surprise. Adam lifted his glass as if to signal they were done talking. Both boys took a sip.
"Declination rules: - All personal and real estate assets inherited as part of this will's distribution are immediately forfeited and the holdings are to be liquidated at auction. Proceeds are to be donated to the various charities listed below. - Anyone in the employ of any asset is immediately terminated, without severance," Carmen read.
Adam gasped. Dawson put his hand over his mouth.
" - Eviction proceedings will immediately be invoked for any tenant living in any asset, according to local laws for that jurisdiction," Carmen continued.
Dawson hung his head. Adam stared blankly ahead.
" - The beneficiaries will forfeit the provisions made with their employers and will be terminated from their current positions." Carmen read.
She paused and looked over her glasses at the two boys. They sat on the settee processing what they were hearing. Then Carmen continued.
"Witnesses Gail Ingall, Lillian Warren, and Kevin Hernandes, and legal counsel Daryl Cotton and Carmen Castillo were present when this will was written and signed. Judges Andrea Thompson and Judge Elio Garcia were present when this will was filed with the court. In the event that compliance of these matters comes into question, the seven participants listed here will form a ruling panel to decide if compliance has been met or not. They will also oversee the dissolution of any assets should the declination rules take effect," Carmen said.
"The personal assets are enumerated as follows..." Carmen read and then paused. "Is there any objection to waiving the reading of the personal assets?" Carmen asked.
Everyone looked at the two boys sitting on the settee. Adam looked at Dawson. Dawson looked at Adam. Dawson turned toward Carmen and waved his hand to proceed.
"The real estate assets are enumerated as follows..." Carmen read and then paused. "Is there any objection to waiving the reading of the real estate assets?" Carmen asked.
Again, all eyes fell on the boys. Dawson looked at the floor as he contemplated what was happening. Adam brushed his hand toward Carmen.
"The list of charities, in the event of declination, are as follows..." Carmen said. "Is there any objection to waiving the reading of the list of charities?" Carmen asked.
Dawson waved his hand to continue without looking up.
"This concludes the reading of Clause C. I will take any questions," Carmen said.
She removed her glasses and sat back into her chair. There was some slight movement by a couple people, but mostly there was silence. Dawson and Adam were sitting on the settee in mild shock. The room was quiet for several minutes. Then Dawson spoke.
"So, Adam and I have to live here for six months, we can't have contact with anyone else, and we have to follow secret instructions from Krantz and Niven or thousands of people get fucked. Is that right?" Dawson said softly without lifting his eyes or moving his head.
There was silence as Carmen glanced at Daryl. One of the women coughed. Carmen looked back at Dawson and Adam.
"Yeah, basically, that's right," Carmen said as she looked back at the two boys.
Adam began to chuckle to himself as he shook his head.
"I just got engaged. What am I supposed to tell Vickie?" Adam said.
Dawson leaned over and put his hand on Adam's knee. Adam put his elbow on the arm of the settee and leaned his head into his hand. There was quiet in the room, finally Dawson took charge.
"Carmen, Adam and I would like a few minutes alone so we can discuss what we're going to do," Dawson said with some authority to Carmen.
Dawson began gently rubbing Adam's knee to comfort him.
"Of course...of course..." Carmen said as she stood up.
She pointed at two packets on the table.
"These are your copies of the will, including clause C," she said, "There is also a document that you both need to sign signifying that you understand the terms and conditions. That will trigger the beginning of the six months. I'll leave that here as well," Carmen said.
When Carmen finished, Dawson stood.
"We'll only need a few minutes. I'll call you back in when we're ready," Dawson said.
Carmen came over and put her open hand out in front of Dawson.
"I need to take your cellphones," Carmen said.
"Why?" asked Adam as he stopped leaning on his hand and looked up at Carmen.
"No direct contact with outsiders...remember?" Dawson said to him.
"But we haven't officially agreed to do this yet?" Adam pleaded.
"If we decide we're not doing this, Carmen will give our phones back," Dawson explained.
Dawson handed his phone to Carmen. Adam hesitated.
"They'll get a message to Vickie. She'll be okay," Dawson said to Adam. Then he turned to Carmen, "right?"
She watched the two boys talk back and forth with a curious look on her face.
"Right," she said softly.
Adam handed his phone to Dawson, who handed it to Carmen. The others were in the process of leaving the room. As Krantz passed by, he placed a crystal decanter of bourbon on the table next to where Dawson had been sitting. Dawson nodded in acknowledgement. Dawson walked with Krantz to the door and closed it when the last of them had left. He turned toward Adam.
"Adam..." Dawson said.
He didn't respond. He was staring blankly across the room.
"Adam!" Dawson said loudly.
"What?" Adam said maintaining his stare.
"Are you ok?" Dawson said, mimicking their initial greeting again, hoping Adam would get the meaning.
"Um...I was ok..." Adam replied with a chuckle as he turned toward Dawson.
Dawson chuckled back.
"C'mon...It's not the end of the world. We stay here for six months, we jump through whatever hoops Krantz and Niven throw at us, then we leave. Then, I give you my inheritance. Everybody wins," Dawson said.
"What about Vickie?" Adam said as he lifted his head to look at Dawson.
Dawson paused. He looked at Adam as he thought about it.
"This is actually a blessing. If Vickie really loves you, she'll understand. If she can't wait six months, then she wasn't the right one for you," Dawson said.
Adam tilted his head as he considered what Dawson was saying.
"That sounds like something my grandad would have said," Adam said as he grinned.
"Well, I did spend a lot of time with him. Some of his wisdom must have rubbed off," said Dawson.
Dawson picked up the decanter. He came over to Adam and gestured with it. Adam stood up and held out his glass. Dawson poured more bourbon into Adam's glass, then his own. He put the decanter down and saw there was ice. He grabbed a cube for Adam and plopped it into his drink. Then he grabbed one for himself. They both took a sip.
"I just want to talk to her...to tell her myself..." Adam lamented.
"I know. I'm sorry," Dawson said as he looked sadly at Adam.
"It's not your fault...it's my granddad. What the fuck was he thinking?" Adam said as he started to move around.
"Adam...don't be so quick to get angry at him. We both know he was a very intelligent man. He had his full faculties right up to the end. There's got to be a good reason for why he did this," Dawson said and then he took a sip.
Before he finished swallowing, he got a thought and started to speak.
"Maybe we'll find out from Krantz and Niven," Dawson said.
"We don't even know if they know why granddad did this. In any case, they'll follow granddad's wishes to the letter," Adam said as he took a sip.
"No, I meant, we'll eventually find out what Clayton's instructions were, won't we?" Dawson said excitedly.
He walked over to the table. He picked up a copy of clause C. He began scanning the document.
"Dut...dut...duh......here --- 'additional terms and conditions outlined in their sealed documents, which must be adhered to by the beneficiaries' --- they'll have to tell us what we need to adhere to. Then we'll know," said Dawson with some satisfaction that he had figured that out.
"Maybe," said Adam as he thought about it.
"Either way, I am certainly not going to decline the inheritance and screw over all those people your grandfather helped and supported. And I know you're not going to," said Dawson.
Adam nodded and then took another sip. Suddenly, he turned to look at Dawson with a hopeful expression.
"You're a lawyer. Can't you go through the documents and find some kind of loophole?" Adam said as he walked toward the table where copies of the will and the clauses were sitting.
"Adam, I'm a paralegal, not a lawyer. In either case, I know Carmen. She wouldn't miss a loophole. And we both know your grandfather. He would make sure this was buttoned up tighter than a rat's ass," Dawson said.
Adam chuckled as he stopped and turned.
"He used to say that all the time," Adam said softly as he reminisced about his grandfather.
"I know," Dawson said as he thought about him, too.
"I'm really going to miss him," Adam said as he started to cry.
"Oh, Adam," Dawson said as he moved toward him.
They embraced. Adam began to weep as Dawson comforted him by holding him and rubbing his back. When he had finally collected himself, he pulled away.
"You know, we have to stop crying in front of each other," said Dawson.
"Heh, heh, yeah," said Adam lightly.
"All right...Unless you've got a better idea, I guess we're going to be roomies for the next six months," Dawson said.
"I guess there could be worse things..." Adam said with a thoughtful face.
Dawson felt that connection again as he and Adam clinked glasses and took sips. Dawson walked to the door and grabbed the doorknob.
"You ready?" Dawson asked.
"Yeah, let's do this," Adam said.