Drawing Close: The Fourth Novel in the Rosemont Series by Barbara Hinske Page B

handle that?”
    “It’s acknowledged, of course, so we might need
the testimony of the notary. A notary has the duty to make sure that a person
knows what they are signing and has the mental capacity to understand its
ramifications.”
    “Can we find this notary?”
    “Shouldn’t be a problem. They’re licensed by each
state.” Wilkens turned to the computer behind him. “Let me do a quick Google
search.” He reached for the affidavit and typed in the name of the notary and
pressed enter.
    “Your good luck continues,” Wilkens said. “The
notary works for the largest law firm in Richmond. We’ll be able to find her,
and my guess is that she followed all the rules when she notarized his
signature.”
    For the first time since he’d entered his
attorney’s office, Haynes allowed himself to relax.
    “Congratulations. Something stronger, now?”
Wilkens asked, pulling out a bottle of Glenfiddich and two cut crystal glasses
from the credenza behind his desk.
    “Why not?” Haynes replied. “So what’s next?”
    “You give me the go-ahead, and we’ll start
drafting the paperwork to reopen Hector Martin’s estate.” Wilkens handed a
glass to Haynes. “The neat and tidy life of your Mayor Martin is about to come
crashing down around her ears.”
    “I’ll drink to that,” Haynes said, clinking his
glass to Wilkens’ and draining it in one gulp.

Chapter 20
    Maggie glanced out the mullioned
window over her kitchen sink as she finished loading the dishwasher and pressed
the start button. The back lawn of Rosemont was in deep shadow at twilight. For
the first time in over a week, the evening promised to be clear and dry. She
turned as John approached, two leashes in hand.
    “Remember how much we enjoyed our evening walks
after dinner in Cornwall?” he asked. “And how we swore we’d keep it up when we
got home?”
    Maggie nodded. “It’s been too wet,” she replied
defensively.
    “It’s not too wet tonight. I’ll saddle up Roman
and Eve. Go get your shoes on.”
    Maggie sighed, and John shook his head, sweeping
her into his arms and planting a kiss on the top of her head. “No excuses.”
    “You’re right. Once we get out the door, I’ll be
glad we went. It’s just that I brought a mountain of work home with me,” she
said, a note of pleading in her voice.
    “All the more reason,” he replied with mock sternness
as he released her and whistled for the dogs.
    ***
    The four of them set off down the
long, sloping driveway through the tunnel of trees that imposed an early dusk.
By the time they emerged at the bottom and stepped onto the sidewalk, the
spreadsheets and financial statements in Maggie’s briefcase didn’t seem so
pressing anymore.
    “Which way?” John asked, as Roman sat to an
immediate heel while Eve pulled at her leash.
    “Let’s make a lap around town square. It’d be fun
to window shop. Like we did on our honeymoon.”
    John stepped out with Roman at his side. Eve cut
in front of them. “We’re going to have to train Eve to walk on the leash,” he
said.
    “I’ve never been good at dog training,” Maggie
replied. She looked over at him. “I guess you knew that before you married me.”
    John nodded. “Here,” he said, handing her Roman’s
leash. “Let’s trade dogs. I’ll work with Eve, and Roman can show you how a dog
should behave. Unless you want to do this yourself?”
    “No. Good idea,” Maggie rushed to reply, grateful
that she could rely on John to train Eve.
    “Speaking of shopping in Cornwall, shouldn’t the
painting we bought arrive soon?”
    “I think so. I’ve been tracking it online, and
it’s supposed to arrive in New York next week. I’m planning to have it hung
before Gordon Mortimer returns to go through the furniture in the attic.”
    “Hoping he’ll approve of our purchase? We like it,
and that’s all that matters.”
    “I know. But he’s very knowledgeable about fine
art, and it would be fun to see what he thinks.”
    John eyed