By Marie
Copyright 1999
Jimmy found himself knocking on Richard Chamber's door early the next morning. When the man opened the door, he seemed surprised to see Jimmy standing there.
"Mr. Chambers," Jimmy said. "Do you have a minute?"
"Come on in Mr. Hickok," he said. "I must admit, based on the stories I've heard about you, I'm a bit surprised to see you here."
"Well, you shouldn't believe everything you hear," Jimmy replied coldly.
"Never judge a book by it's cover, so to speak," the lawyer feebly attempted to break the ice. When that didn't work, his manner became very business-like, and he said, "What can I do for you Mr. Hickok?"
"I want some more information about this," Jimmy held up the letter.
"I'm afraid I can't discuss anymore than your father told you in the letter unless you sign a statement saying you are going to find the girl and try to help her."
"I want to do that," Jimmy said. "I don't have much money, but if she needs my help in any way, I'd at least like to try."
"That's all your father is asking," Mr. Chambers smiled. "Here's the statement. Read it over, and once you sign, I'll give you all the information I have."
Jimmy read the statement, which basically just said that he would search for his sister and take responsibility for helping her if she needed it once she was found. He signed it, and Mr. Chambers pulled a small notebook from his bag.
"I'm sorry I had to have you sign that statement, but what I am about to tell you is temptation for those kinds of people who would promise to help the girl, and then run off with her inheritance."
"Inheritance?" Jimmy asked.
"Yes, you see, although your father did not contact the woman or child according to his promise to your mother, he set aside the amount of money that he would have sent to her every month, with the intent to send it to her anonymously on her eighteenth birthday. Since his death, that money has been held in a safe deposit box in Chicago, and once you find your sister, she will receive the sum total of," Mr. Chambers consulted his notebook, "of five thousand dollars."
Jimmy's mouth dropped open. "Five thousand dollars?"
"That was the amount your father managed to save. Part of it was what he would have sent her, and part is half of what he made from a business deal. The other half was given to your other sister Celinda for her wedding present."
"Tell me what you know about my sister," Jimmy requested. "She would be about seventeen now, right?"
The lawyer nodded. "That is really all the information I have about the girl. This is her mother's last known address in Chicago, and the last known address of some of her friends. I don't know if she is still living there or not."
"Is that all you have?" Jimmy asked.
"The only other thing I can tell you is her name," the lawyer looked at his notebook again. "Her name was Mary Louise Macloud."
To be continued...
