Free The Legacy by Evelyn Anthony

use James if he could, but he would never trust him. He swallowed his drink and said, ‘So she wants a meeting, does she?’
    James hid his surprise. ‘That’s what she asked me to ask you. If you could meet and talk it through.’ He picked up Alan’s empty glass. ‘Can I get you another one?’
    â€˜No,’ Alan snapped, ‘and if you want to smoke, wait till I’ve gone. It’s a filthy bloody habit!’ James put the cigarettes away.
    â€˜What do you think—would it do any good if you did sit round a table? Might save a lot of trouble and a lot of money. Only the lawyers are going to get fat out of this, you know.’
    â€˜She has got to you, hasn’t she?’ Alan sneered. ‘Since when have you minded about trouble? You’ll revel in it, James, don’t try and con me. And none of the shit will stick to you because you’ll have the money from Langley Farm and you can sit in New York and watch the fun. I tell you what,’ he leaned forward, ‘I’ll meet her; tell her that. But when I choose and where I choose. I’m off now; the party starts at eight. Call me before you go back.’
    He got up and shouldered his way through the evening crowd of drinkers. James took out his cigarettes and lit one, then he bought himself a glass of wine. He didn’t resent his brother’s rudeness; being snubbed didn’t diminish him because he was in control for once. He had something that could have helped Alan, but he had decided not to give it to him; even before they met. He would wait, and choose his moment to pull the strings and make the puppets dance.
    â€˜I’m sorry, Mrs Farrington, but Mr Stone is out of the office all day. I’ll put you through to Mr Wallberg.’
    He came on the line before Christina could protest. ‘Mrs Farrington? How can I help?’
    Christina hesitated. She had the letter in front of her. Humfrey Stone was out all day, and there wasn’t time to delay until he came back. ‘I’ve had a letter from my stepson, Alan, asking me to meet him,’ she said. ‘Tomorrow, at his office in London. I wanted to let you know before I went.’
    Rolf was thinking quickly. This move was unexpected. ‘He’s asked you for a meeting? I’m surprised. What is the tone of the letter?’
    â€˜I’ll read it to you,’ she answered. ‘Dear Christina, James says you’re willing to talk. Be at my office at five o’clock tomorrow. Alan.’
    Rolf said, ‘It’s an ultimatum, not an invitation. Why did you initiate this, Mrs Farrington, without consulting us?’
    â€˜I don’t have to explain myself to you, Mr Wallberg. This is just a courtesy to let you know I’m going.’
    He interrupted quickly; her tone warned him she was about to ring off. ‘Wait, wait, please, Mrs Farrington. I’m sorry if I sounded offhand but this is very serious. Please listen to me. Look, are you coming up to London tomorrow?’
    â€˜Yes,’ Christina said firmly, ‘I am. I’ve told you, I’m seeing my stepson.’
    â€˜All right,’ Rolf agreed. ‘Of course, it’s your decision, but at least let us meet and discuss what you should say. Let me talk to you first, before you see him. I can drive down this afternoon if that’s more convenient than meeting me in London. Please?’
    â€˜I don’t see what all the panic is about,’ Christina protested. Rolf began to relax; at least he’d persuaded her to talk to him.
    â€˜After all, the worst that can happen is he behaves like a pig and I walk out. But I have to try and avoid a lawsuit if I can.’ Rolf saw the opportunity open and he did not hesitate.
    â€˜That is my own view exactly, and in this I differ from Humfrey. At all costs you should try and settle this business without going through a long legal fight.’
    Christina hesitated. ‘I’m