It had been two hours since his mother had went with the police to identiy Harley's body, and Justin was growing concerned. 'Shouldn't she be back by now?' he wondered.
Another hour passed before Jennifer walked into the house. Justin rushed over to her. "Are you alright, Mom? What took so long?"
Jennifer nodded. "I'm fine, sweetie. They had to inform me of how he died and everything. Where's Molly?"
After Justin and Jennifer had sat down on the couch, Justin answered. "Where she always is. In her room, reading." Jennier smiled and nodded. Anytime you went looking for Molly, you were more than likely to find her in her room, reading a book. She had dreams of being a publisher. So she said that she had to do reserch, learning how to weed out the good books from the bad.
After a pause, Justin asked, "What all did the police say?"
Jennifer paused fo a moment, not sure if she should say anything. But her and Justin ad always been open to each other. In fact, she was the first person he admitted being gay to. "Well," she replied, "they are ruling his death an accident. They said that he had alcohol in his blood. And, they found an empty whiskey bottle on the riverbank. They are assuming that Harley got drunk and fell into the water, and wasn't able to get back out. They're saying that he drowned."
Justin nodded, keeping his face blank. But, inside, he was breathing in relief. He was glad that the police hadn't figured anything out. He had done what he had to do. He had had to protect his family. That was all there was to it.
He gave his mother a hug and said, "I'm sorry, Mom."
Jennifer shook her head, biting her bottom lip. After a minute, she spoke. "Don't be. I know that this sounds horrible, but I'm glad that he's dead. I could never get up the courage to leave him. And, for that, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I didn't do a better job of protecting you and Molly." Jennifer had tears running down her cheeks.
Justin wiped her tears away. "Don't be. Molly and I have never blamed you. You did your best to protect us, and you didn't know how Harley was before you married him. We love you, Mom."
Molly had walked into he living room and had heard what Justin had said to their mother. "Justy's right, Mom. We love you." Jennifer smiled, tightly hugging both of her children.
Jennifer had kept Justin and Molly home from school for the day. Even though she was glad that Harley was dead, it was her responsibilty to take care of the funeral arrangments. And, she had figured that she could use the help.
It was noon when there was a knock at the door. "Yes, may I help you?" she asked the man in front o her. He was wearing a black suit, was a little chubby, and had graying hair. For some reason, she had he uneasy feeling that she wasn't going to like what he had to say.
"Yes. May I come in?" She nooded, stepping back to allow him to enter. After they had sat down at the kitchen table, he continued. "Misses Gren, I have some unfortunate news for you."
Jennier looked to where Molly and Justin were standing, by the stove. "Why don't you two go outside for a few minutes." It wasn't a question. Justin nodded, figuring that he would get the story of what the guy wanted from his mother, later.
After Justin and Molly had went outside, Jenifer looked at the man. "And, you would be?"
"Oh, yes, sorry. I'm Alan Malten, Mister Gren's attorney." Jennifer was surprised. Harley had never mentioned having an attorney.
Alan continued, "He sat up a will. In that will, he named his sister Marla his benificiary of everything, including the house. I have talked to Misses Finch and her husband. They would like to receive possession of this house and everything else that is her late brother's."
"But... but I'm his wife!" Jennifer exclaimed.
Alan nodded. "I understand that, Misses Gren. But he never changed his will. Misses Finch and her husband would appreciate it if you and your children vacate the premises immediatly. If you refuse, they said that they will notify the police."
Jennifer grew angry. "Well, you can give them a message for me. You tell them that they can deal with the damn funeral!"
Alan nodded and stood up. Jennifer didn't bother to see him out. After the front door shut, she laid her folded hands on the table, her head on top of them. Closing her eyes, she felt her anger receed. Worry took it's place. What would her, Justin, and Molly do now? They were about to be homeless!