“The amount you’ll receive today is fifty thousand dollars. One hundred thousand more will be disbursed upon completion of the manuscript. You can’t touch the rest until,” he paused and glanced at his notes, “you’ll turn thirty in four years, right?”

“Yes, sir.” I swiped at my lap with the napkin.

“There is a condition of inheritance, Ronni, and Violet was adamant about it. Her will stipulates you must complete the book based on her life within one year of her passing. You are to share absolutely no information she furnished you with anyone during the process. If there’s an issue, you can tell me—only me. You cannot seek help to write it.”

He glanced up and saw my frown.

“But, Mr. Sobel, I’ve never tried to write a book. Violet believed I could, but...”

He nodded and continued without expressing an opinion. “When your manuscript is finished, it’s to be submitted to my niece for consideration. There is no guarantee it will be published. Violet told you about this, right?”

“Yes,” I nodded, trying not to embarrass myself further. My brain was already shrieking How can you write an entire book? You don’t know the first thing about it! “But, Mr. Sobel, what if I don’t get it done in time?” I asked.

“She insisted the one-year timetable was vital for a number of reasons. If you don’t submit the completed manuscript within that period, your inheritance is limited to the amount we issue today.” He paused and smiled at me. “She really wanted you to realize your dream of becoming a writer, and she knew a thing or two about unfinished projects.”

“Yes, she told me about that,” I said. “I understand.”

“Violet selected charities to benefit in the event the book isn’t submitted for publication.” He shrugged his shoulders. “She left most of the remainder of her estate to Fairfield Springs. Her bequest is earmarked for a new entertainment room for the residents. It should be quite a nice one.”

“She mentioned that idea to me,” I answered. “Does Fairfield Springs know about this yet?”

“No, I wanted to talk with you first. Do you plan to continue working there?”

“I’d thought so, at least for a while.”

“There’s no need for you to stop. The money Violet left you is completely confidential. No one there need know.”

“What about Herb?” I asked.

He drummed his fingers. “Yes, Herb. Violet provided for him. I spoke with him yesterday.” Mr. Sobel cleared his throat. “He is disappointed in the amount she left him, but can’t contest the will. He does not know about her provisions for you, Ronni, and there’s no reason for him to find out. He’s under the impression the nursing home is receiving what he considers ‘his’ money. Again, the will cannot be contested.”

“You know he’s filed suit against Fairfield for negligence?” I met his eyes.