Honeymoon

Chapter 23

“NORA, I KNOW this probably isn’t exactly a great time,” began Mark Tillingham. “But there’s something I need to discuss with you. The sooner the better.”

The time was minutes before the funeral service that Tuesday morning; the place was the crowded parking lot of St. Mary’s Church on Albany Post Road in Scarborough. Nora stared at Connor’s attorney through black Chanel sunglasses. They matched her black Armani suit and basic black Manolos. The two of them stood under a large holly tree just beyond the gravel driveway.

“It’s about Connor’s sister. She’s distraught, of course. She and Connor were so close. Elizabeth has some concerns about your intentions.”

“My intentions?”

“Regarding the estate.”

“What did Elizabeth say to you? No, let me guess, Mark. Elizabeth is afraid I might contest Connor’s will.”

“Let’s call it ‘a concern,’” he said. “The state doesn’t recognize fiancées as having a legal claim, but that hasn’t stopped some people from—”

Nora shook her head. “I won’t contest, Mark. God! I have no interest in the estate. It was Connor I loved. Let me be very clear on this: I have no interest in Connor’s estate. You can tell that to Lizzie.”

Mark’s face was a study in embarrassment. “Of course,” he said. “Again, I’m sorry I had to bring this up.”

“So, that’s why she’s been avoiding me?”

“No, I think it’s more that she’s upset. She and Connor were inseparable growing up. Their parents died when they were both very young.”

“Out of curiosity, what did Connor leave her?”

Mark stared down at his tasseled black loafers. “I’m not supposed to reveal information like that, Nora.”

“You also are not supposed to be upsetting the woman Connor loved right before his funeral service.”

His guilt clearly outweighed his professionalism. “Elizabeth basically gets two-thirds of the estate, including the house,” he said in a lowered voice. “As I said, they were close.”

“And the rest?”

“Two cousins in San Diego get lump sums. The rest goes to various charities.”

“That’s good,” Nora said, softening a bit.

“Yes, it is,” replied Mark. “Connor was good that way. Hell, he was good in a lot of ways.”

Nora nodded. “Connor was great, Mark. We should be getting inside, shouldn’t we?”