Page 72 of Finding Parker

His chin still resting in his hands, he nodded his head.

“Did he further explain his relationship with Victoria?” he asked.

“Yes sir, he did,” I responded.

“Well, the fact he did will allow this to come a little easier for me, I suppose. It goes without saying, I’m sorry for your loss. I feel it as well, and I will for some time. Kenton was a great man and a damned fine friend. A difficult man for most to get to know, but for those he chose to let into his life,” he paused and smiled.

“We’re truly blessed, aren’t we?”

I nodded my head, “Yes sir, we are.”

“Now, down to the brass tacks, Parker. You don’t mind my addressing you as Parker, do you? I should have asked,” his eyes widened slightly.

“Parker is fine, yes sir.”

“Very well,” he tilted his head to the side and rolled his eyes.

“You know, that damned Downes says that all the time. Very well. And he got Kenton to saying it, and now I say it all the damned time,” he smiled and stood from the chair.

He walked toward the window on the right side of his desk and looked out over the city. His cautionary proceeding with the meeting was making me somewhat nervous. I attempted to think of other surprises or hidden facts which Kenton may have forgotten, but couldn’t conjure up any sensible scenarios. As my mind drifted from the room we were sitting in, Hec’s voice brought me back to reality.

“You entered Kenton’s life, and from what he shared with me, you changed him into a better man. One evening here, before he modified his will, he told me what pleasure he received from your visits. He went on to say he tried his best to provide you with advice, and guide you in living life, but that you needed so little. He found tremendous value in getting to know you, Parker,” he turned from facing the window and pushed his hands into his pockets.

“Another evening, several months ago, he told me of a morning you two shared at his home. He was practicing putting, if I remember correctly. He told me he viewed you as a son he never had. He had become quite fond of you. He admired you, Parker,” he pulled his right hand from his pocket and pointed my direction as he spoke.

“As you might have expected, Mr. Ward left a will. A very detailed will. And on that night, he changed it. Parker, life for you is going to change significantly,” he paused and looked toward the display case.

“Everything, and I do mean everything. He left everything to you. There are conditions, Parker. But the estate, the wealth, the cars, all of the belongings, his investments, his company, everything. It’s all yours,” he began to walk toward the case.

I went numb. He continued to speak, but not a word was legible. In a matter of seconds, as Hec placed an ornate wooden box on his desk I began to regain my composure.

“This box contains Kenton’s remains. You’re aware he was cremated?” he asked.

I nodded and attempted to swallow.

“One. You scatter his remains in the ocean behind the estate.”

“Two. You must keep the estate. It’s yours, but only if you keep it. You may eventually choose to reside in another residence, or choose to move to another state, but the estate is only to be occupied by you and your family – and will always be your home,” he paused and rubbed his chin in his hand.

“Three. Downes Tallert. Downes will remain in your employ. It’s written into the will, you have no choice. He didn’t want to separate what Kenton described as his family. Mr. Ward placed a large sum of money into a separate account and the interest from said account will be transferred into Downes’ bank account as payment for his services. So, in short, you and your family – which includes Downes – will be the only residents of the home.”

“And four. He asked that the family visit his grave on Memorial Day each year.”

I sat and stared, still in complete shock. Slowly, I stood and walked to the window and looked out over the city. Off in the distance, toward La Jolla, I could see the same beach and ocean we often viewed from the deck at Kenton’s home.

My home.

Our home.

Out of the corner of my eye, I watched as Hec walked to where I stood. As he placed his hand on my shoulder, he spoke, “Take a few days or a week to digest everything, Parker. Come in and see me. I’ll do all I can to make this as easy for you as I am able. And, I must advise you, Kenton left me a sizeable sum to ensure I took care of your financial and legal needs. Anything you need, anything at all regarding the estate or investments, I’m here, gratis, at your service.”

“Very well,” I said, still staring out over the city.

As I spoke, I realized I too had developed some of Kenton’s speech patterns. Something else he had left me as a reminder of our time together. Still staring over the city, my focus on the ocean, I began to speak.

“There is one thing I’ll need you to do rather promptly. For my peace of mind,” I said.

Hec squeezed my shoulder in his hand, “Name it.”