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Back The Short Forever Save as PDF
Chapters (62)
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  61. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
  62. AUTHOR’S NOTE

“I think she should see a list of James’s assets and liabilities,” Stone pointed out.

“Oh, of course.” He shuffled through the papers on his desk. “I had him prepare a financial statement in conjunction with signing the will.” He handed some papers to Stone. “And a copy of the will for Sarah.”

Stone looked quickly through the documents. “He didn’t have any debt to speak of.”

“None more than thirty days old.”

“And you are the executor?”

“At James’s request.”

“Sir Bernard suggested to me that his holdings might easily be sold to one of the wine and spirits conglomerates.”

“As a matter of fact, James had a rather rich offer from one of them less than three months ago, but he wasn’t inclined to accept it.”

“I very much doubt that Sarah will have any interest in running these businesses. Perhaps after the funeral, you might contact that company and see if they’re still interested.”

“I will certainly do that,” Wainwright replied.

“By the way, what was the offer?”

“Four hundred ninety million pounds sterling.”

Stone did the math. Around three-quarters of a billion dollars. “Did James build this business from scratch?”

“Oh, heavens, no. He was the fourth generation of Cutlers in the business, but he greatly enlarged the business during his tenure.”

“One other thing, Mr. Wainwright: Are there any disaffected siblings or maiden aunts who might challenge this will?”

“None. James was an only child, as was his father before him.”

“Any large charities to whom promises had been previously made?”

“None.”

“Then you see no reason why this will should not be promptly probated?”

“None at all. Tell me, is Sarah currently represented by a solicitor?”

“No, she’s not.” Stone stood up and shook Wainwright’s hand. “Thank you for being so frank with me. I’ll convey what you’ve told me to Sarah, who I’m sure will have some instructions for you, in due course.”

Wainwright looked pleased at the prospect.

Stone left the solicitor’s office and started looking for a cab in Sloane Street. Sarah Buckminster was going to be a very happy starving artist, he reckoned. He glanced at his watch. And now he had to get back to his own business.

17

STONE WAS ON HIS SECOND CUP OF tea in the Connaught’s lounge when Ted Cricket and Bobby Jones appeared, exactly on time. When he had seated them and their tea had been served, he sat back and waited for their report.