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MRS STEEL CORROBORATED WHAT THE NOTARY PUBLIC HAD inforrant of probate had been issued, validating the will Both Mr White, the notary Mrs Sloan had appointed executor, and Mrs Steel had advised Geneva and her fa a caveat, since the contentious proceedings would be long, expensive and eventually unfruitful They were both pretty sure, in their expert opinion, that, after hearing the evidence, the Court would once more decide that the as valid
So that was it They were now, and, as it seehtful owners, in accordance with the law, of the island possessions
Nevertheless, the shadow of a doubt cast over them by the family's suspicions and Mrs Sloan's editor's testiht, for quite a while
What had not crossed herMrs Steel
Her office was half diss in boxes when they arrived Too concerned about their own matter-at-hand, they still hadn't politely inquired about herWell, it would be more accurate to say that I've just retired I only have to take these things ho career will be over"
Jesse and Kathy remained seated Her defeated tone sounded like the prelude to a bigger announcement
"Haven't you ever wondered why Mary Anne appointed some notary she didn't know from Adam executor instead of me, who had been her lawyer and administrator for years?"
The question was obviously addressed to Jesse Kathy hadn't known Mrs Sloan long enough to be aware of her acquaintance with either of theht to it
"I know," she went on, "that Annabel has uncovered thefunds"
"Uncovered?" Jesse repeated "Do you mean to say that it's true?"
Mrs Steel stared at Jesse, her pupils slightly dilating
"You really have no idea, have you? The young, upright stepson Now, don't be offended, please I've known all about you alirls tend to confide in one another," she said that with a union wink at Kathy "Mary Anne and I were friends long before you came into her life Frank Sloan's son, who never actuallya second mother, a protector, a patron You sure knein her heart"
Kathy turned her eyes to Jesse, expecting so sarcastic and i tone But he didn't open his mouth