Page 52 of Beastly Armory
The paperwork pile is slowly dissipating after weeks of working on it. Still feeling low from my reveries, I sit at my desk, staring at the various piles without even really seeing them. The crackling fire soothes some of my dejection, as does the sound of Markus in the corner, shuffling through old books. Texts of the Freidenberg history, I’m told.
Moving toward me while cleaning his glasses, he points to a smaller pile of papers on my desk with the earpiece of his horn rims. “You may want to look at those.”
Blinking, my vision clears as I look to where he’s aiming. “What are they?”
“Your mother and father’s will.”
My jaw tightens just thinking about that. Betweenthe swing with Livia, fond memories of childhood, and this…I don’t feel like revisiting that pain again today. The pile stares back at me like it wants to stab me with paper cuts of the past.
“There’s something important in there.” Marcus slides his glasses on and nods with encouragement toward the folder.
Taking a big inhale, I pull out the first document: The Last Will and Testament of Gerald Leon and Mari Lynn Freidenberg. Even the ink on the page hurts to look at, but there it is in black and white.
“I thought the will from the estate reading was final. Why do I need to go over it again?” Eight years ago, listening to the lawyer read off the words was excruciating enough. Even though I knew I had been gifted a large property, all I wanted was my parents. I’d had given anything to have them back. I don’t give a fuck about wealth or this estate. The only reason I care now is because I feel closer to them by taking part in the legacy. And I want to provide a life for Arianna and the people here of East Side, my people. Carrying on the legacy of Freidenbergs is also in those cards so they have someone to look out for them when I’m gone.
Markus runs his hands through his white frazzled hair. As he does, his flannel shirt lifts, revealing his gut hanging above his belt. “Uh, well, we, uh, had the lawyers look at this one. It was found by the workers in the attic, hidden in a trunk. It’s more recent than what was read after the funeral.”
My brow furrows. “Is that legal?”
“Well…there’s only one change. One paragraph difference. And the lawyer says, yes. This one is the correct one.”
No. I’ve already lived through the trauma of my parents’ deaths, and this piece of paper is just a reminder of that day. Thinking of them, kind, loving, and warm, talking with their lawyer about what to leave me and Arianna in case they died? It makes that dull ache in my heart a full-blown piercing stab. Getting rejected by Livia was a pain on its own, but this is just overkill.
“I can’t deal with this today, Markus. I thought I could, but…I’ll try later.”
Markus nods slowly. “Okay, Max. I wouldn’t let it sit too long, though.”
“I have dinner to eat. The Von Dovishes are joining us and…honestly, I’m curious to see what kind of a match Arianna and Cal would make.”
A dramatic cough cuts through the dull air as Markus throws his head back with surprise. “I don’t think-I don’t think they would make a good pair, Max. Arianna’s, um, very spirited. I’m not sure their tempers would mesh. And I’m don’t think your parents would have wanted that, either.”
Oh. Hmm. I hadn’t considered what Papa would want for Arianna… “Yeah, you’re right, I suppose. I did think of Ace, but he’s probably going to kill her now instead of marrying her.” Pushing the rolling chair back from the desk, I stand. “Make sure the rest of security sticks with her. Between Strauss, Ace, and that fucking kid at the motorcycle shop,Wyatt, I just don’t have a good feeling about her safety.”
“Absolutely. Jakob is already on high alert.”
We head into the living room as our butler, Fritz, escorts Cal from the foyer. When he does, Fritz stumbles and almost falls over the step up to the dining room. He’s elderly, so it seems I end up caring for him more than him for the house, but I don’t mind it. Hopefully, he can spend his last days fixing up the indoor garden he loves so much. Catching his arm, Cal reaches for him to help steady his back. “Excuse me, sir. So sorry.”
“It’s alright, Fritz. Tell Mrs. Kroft we’re ready.” Grasping Cal’s hand, we pull each other in for a half hug. “Hey, glad you made it.”
“Yeah, Max, but I said we should eat at our place. Figured yours was still worse for wear, but everything is tip top!” With a weird grin on his face, his pupils are blown out into black circles. Maybe he’s been sampling too much of his product. Motioning to the table, we sit in the high-backed velvety cushioned chairs as Arianna and Livia enter, Arianna’s face now fresh, without a trace of puffy redness.
Cal stands and goes over to Arianna, and they hug, greeting each other for the first time in twenty years. “It’s lovely to see you again, Arianna.”
“Thank you. You as well.” She’s doing her polite smile, and Cal barely looks at her, his eyes scanning the tall candelabras standing around the edges of the gold room. Maybe he’s gay. I never thought to ask. My sister’s an incredibly beautiful woman, and most men can’t keeptheir eyes off her. Not Cal. Taking a seat across from Arianna, he sits next to his twin sister while I command the head of the table.
“Well, thanks for coming.” Mrs. Kroft enters and announces the first dish, a cucumber and tomato salad.
“I appreciate the invitation, Max, I do. But…” Livia places her hand on Cal’s arm to stop him. Giving her a subtle glance, he meets my gaze with his hazel eyes that match hers. “But I don’t appreciate the trade you’ve started back in the city. Nor my sister’s involvement. I think it’s only going to cause strife and bring more attention from Strauss.”
“I disagree,” I say, and Livia nods.
“I’m sure you do. But look at what happened with Ace. We’ve had a somewhat amicable peace between us for several years, but now that’s gone. One of his lackies attacked one of ours earlier this week. Things are going to get hot, and I don’t like it. I’m begging you…” He pauses and looks at Livia, then me. “Bothof you, to stop.”
“Strauss could kill us all at any time he chooses. I won’t stop. I’m sorry, Cal, and I hope this doesn’t mean we have a problem.”
Cal sighs heavily and shakes his head. “Not at all. I just wanted to say what I had to say, and that’s it. I’ve said the same to my sister for years, but she won’t listen, either. You never have, Max. I understand that. I know you. We’re brothers. There won’t be any bad blood between us. I just wish it were different.” He takes a sip of water, and I let relief wash over me. At least I have the Von Dovishes on my side. “Now, I’ve said everything,and I’m done. You know where I stand. That’s not going to change.” Taking a small bite, he says quickly, “This salad is amazing.”
“It is,” says Livia without even tasting it, clearly wanting to change the subject as much as her brother.