Free Fraser's Line by Monica Carly

surprised that she wanted to do this, as I was always quite open with her, but there seemed to be something in her nature that needed to do it that way, so I just let her arrange things as she wished. I have no idea what is in there, but I suppose all her financial documents, certificates, and all that kind of thing.’
    ‘Don’t you think you should sort it out now? I could help you, if you like. I realise it’s going to be painful for you. By the way, what happens to her money if she didn’t make a will?’
    ‘I did ask about this, although I never for a moment dreamt that she would go before me. I was always anxious to make sure she was provided for. I started giving her sums of money quite early in our marriage – as soon as I had some to spare – for her to put into a Savings Account, so that she could build up something of a nest egg over the years. I suppose that’s all still there, in her name. It seems that, as her husband, surviving her, the law of intestacy means that it passes to me. But what’s all this sudden interest in your mother’s affairs?’
    ‘Mother told me she would buy me a car. She’d been giving me some sums of money, knowing I didn’t have a job yet, and she could see a car was a good idea, so she promised me one – only a few days before she … before she died.’
    Fraser choked over his mouthful of food. ‘Your Mother! Gave you money! Promised to buy you a car! Why ever would she do that?’
    ‘Hush …’ said Joanna. ‘I mean, you’re shouting.’
    ‘I’m sorry but you’ve made me angry. Just tell me why on earth your mother would have offered to buy you a car!’
    ‘Perhaps she felt she wanted to, for some reason.’
    ‘What rubbish. I don’t know why she should even consider it for a moment –certainly not without discussing it with me. We did everything together. We always knew everything about each other.’
    ‘Oh, Dad!’ Pent up feelings were rushing to the surface. Joanna knew this wasn’t the time or the place but she couldn’t stop herself. ‘You’ve gone around all your life with your eyes closed! How can you be so blind! I know you’re going to tell me next that Mother was the best wife and mother in the world!’
    ‘So she was!’ Fraser could not contain his emotions either. ‘You and Sarah were very lucky – she went to endless trouble to look after you girls – nothing was too much effort. She taught you all you needed to know in life – I don’t ever want to hear you find fault with your mother. You’ve everything to be grateful to her for … everything!’
    ‘Tell me this.’ Joanna’s voice was carefully controlled. ‘Why do you think Sarah has to have her tight schedules? Why must she always have planned ahead for the next hour, the next day, the next week – but has no idea how to live in the present? Those poor kids have little scope for spontaneity or creativity – she’s afraid they might make a mess, and she hasn’t allowed enough time to clear it up! And why does she keep Michael on such a short leash? He’s tried to be a good husband but she never gives him any quality time – and he deserves so much more – he’s a loving, affectionate man and he needs to have someone to really love him and make a fuss of him. But Sarah’s on an express train rushing into the distance, with no time ever to stop and enjoy anything on the way.’
    Fraser couldn’t believe what he was hearing. ‘And you?’ he asked. ‘I suppose you’ll say next that you know where you’re going!’
    ‘I haven’t even got on any train yet,’ she replied, ‘because I can’t decide which one to take. I’m a disappointment, aren’t I? Come on, admit it, for once in your life. I can’t make decisions, I can’t settle on a career – I can’t keep boyfriends more than five minutes. Think about it, and now tell me Mother was the best mother in the world.’
    ‘And you’re claiming your mother is responsible for your shortcomings?’
    ‘Mother