Ch.10: The Will Reading
Monday finally came, and the mood was sour as Raphael dressed up in his disguise and left for the will reading Jack Kurtzman had scheduled for today.
While walking out, Raph paused for a second to look towards Donnie's lab, where the purple-masked turtle was still busy trying to trace any clue to the gang they had encountered last night. So far the genius turtle wasn't having much success, and Leo and Mikey were in the garage working overtime to get that painted symbol scrubbed off the van.
"Whoever those guys are" thought Raph, walking out of the lair and climbing to street level " they're going to pay."
With those thoughts, Raphael raced off to Jack Kurtzman's office, determined to reach the appointment in time. The lawyer had cleverly scheduled to the meeting to take place late Monday afternoon, which made more shadows available for Raphael to dodge and hide.
Despite the assurance of growing darkness, Raphael was glad that he took the time to dress up as well.
A few minutes later, Raphael finally arrived at Kurtzman's office, surprised by the fact he was the first one there, and because of the unusual setup of the room.
A large, wooden stood out in the center of the room surrounded by four chairs, the fourth which was covered by a large, three-sided box making the chair seem nearly invisible against the darkness.
Seconds later, Kurtzman walked in, and grinned when he saw Raphael.
"Good, you're here" he said " Thomas and Rachel should be arriving soon. The Shadow Box seat is yours. We use that when a client prefers to be anonymous."
"Well, at least he's thinking ahead," thought Raphael, and took his place in the shadow box seat.
About ten minutes later, Rachel and Thomas finally arrived, and Jack Kurtzman took seat in his own chair, ready to get on with the reading of the will.
"In the event of my death" read Kurtzman from the will " no matter how it occurs, my following possessions shall be dealt accordingly. I strongly trust Raphael, my friend and probater to this task."
At that statement, Raph slightly blushed in his chair, glad that the shadows hid his face so that no one else could see it.
"To start with, my beloved cat Lucy" Kurtzman continued " that I cherish with all my heart, I give to Raphael to care and to keep. I know that he will always provide the same love to her as I've had. My guardian angel."
Raph tried to fight back the tear that almost slipped from his mask when Kurtzman read that part of the will. It had been the last thing Mrs. M had said before she died, and the memories from that conversation brought sad reminders to his thoughts.
"Thomas" Kurtzman read on " my grandson, I give my house and all its memories. I know he has suffered much since his divorce, and has quite found a proper home. I only hope that he accepts this gift."
"I will Grandma," said Thomas softly.
"What little money I still have" Kurtzman " shall be donated to the blind fund at the hospital so that the doctors who helped me can help others recover their sight."
"What?!" said Rachel, suddenly jumping up from her chair defiant. Raph gripped tight the armrests of his own chair, keeping a careful watch on the daughter, fearing that she might knock Kurtzman for a loop.
"And Rachel I return her bear," finished Kurtzman, putting down the will, and Rachel went wild.
Screaming that what her mother had left behind for her was just not fair, Rachel threw up her hands, kicked over her chair, and then left storming out the door. The little crowd left behind sat silent as tense mood filled the air.
"Well" said Raph, relaxing his fighting pose " that went well."
Ramming outside into the darkening night, Rachel continued to scream out her rage.
"No money! No money! No money!" yelled Rachel " How could she leave me no money! Nothing but a useless, old…,"
"Am I interrupting something Rachel?" came an eerie voice from a nearby alley.
Rachel gasped in fear, suddenly losing most of her angry mood. Turning towards the alley, she cringed as she saw the same shadow figure from the cemetery, holding out his gun.
"From the sound of it" said the figure " looks like Mom failed to deliver the goods, just as you have. Any last words before I end your life?"
"Wait don't!" yelled Rachel, scared " I'll find a way! Give me a chance!"
The gun clicked, and Rachel cringed, fearing that a bullet would soon end her, but a second click occurred and the figure put his gun down.
"One chance" the figure smiled " you're going help me on a little project. Succeed, and I'm sure the master will forgive your debt."
"I'll do it!" said Rachel relieved " What do you want?"
"A monster Rachel" grinned the thug " a monster."