Free Winds of Change by Anna Jacobs

one was there but she was glad of that, and since she knew what all the creaks sounded like, she didn’t let them worry her, but slept soundly, pretty certain that with Lou by her side, she’d manage to hold her own.
    Surely she would?

Four
    When the doorbell went at nine o’clock next morning, Miranda thought it was Sebastian and her heart began to thud with apprehension as she went to open it. She found Lou on the doorstep and saw his wheelchair sitting on the path at the foot of the veranda steps. Knowing how hard it’d been for him to get up the stairs, she asked immediately, ‘Is something wrong?’
    â€˜Nothing wrong, but I wanted to talk to you before we go to see the flat. I’m on my way back from a physio session – that guy’s a sadist but he keeps me moving. Am I allowed to come inside?’
    â€˜Oh, sorry. Do come in.’ She let him lead the way at his own pace. ‘Kitchen or sitting room?’
    â€˜Kitchen.’ He sat at the table with a sigh of relief. ‘Steps are getting harder to manage.’ He looked round and wrinkled his nose in displeasure. ‘Couldn’t your father afford to modernize this place?’
    â€˜He liked it this way.’
    â€˜I bet he didn’t have to do the cooking.’
    â€˜No. He never cooked a meal in his life, except for making toast or sandwiches in emergencies. Coffee?’
    â€˜No time.’ He looked at his watch. ‘I’ve got an appointment set up for you with my lawyer in the city in half an hour – if that’s all right with you? I thought you might like to have her for your lawyer too, you see. She’s as shrewd as they come. I’d match her against your brother any time.’
    â€˜Is it worth all the hassle?’
    â€˜Wrong question.’
    She looked at him in puzzlement. ‘What’s the right question?’
    â€˜The right question is: do you want to give Sebastian some grief over what he’s done to you or do you want to play doormat and let him continue to walk all over you?’
    She winced at that image. ‘But will it do any good seeing a lawyer? He’s a lawyer himself and is bound to have drawn up a watertight will.’
    Lou grinned. ‘Who knows? At the very least it’ll upset him. I’d count that a success.’
    She couldn’t help smiling. ‘Yes. It’s a nice thought. But aren’t lawyers expensive? I don’t have a lot of money to spare.’
    â€˜I’m paying.’ He held up one hand to forestall her protest. ‘It’s chicken feed to me, Miranda, and I’m really going to enjoy pushing your brother’s buttons.’
    â€˜But you’ve never met him. You might . . . get on with him quite well. Most people do.’
    â€˜No, I shan’t. I’ve met you and I like you very much, therefore I’m on your side, not his.’ He waited and watched her blush at the compliment.
    She spread her hands helplessly. ‘All right. I’ll give it a go. I’ll contest the will. But I’m sure I won’t be very good if it comes to court. He can out-argue me any time.’
    â€˜You don’t have to argue with him. That’s the whole point. Your lawyer and I will speak for you most of the time. Though I do think you should try to join in the mêlée now and then, just to show willing.’
    â€˜I can only promise to do my best.’
    He didn’t comment on the fact that her voice shook as she said that. ‘Right, grab your handbag and whatever else you need and we’ll be off for the first round.’
    She started towards her bedroom, then turned to ask, ‘Would you mind if I called at my bank on the way back?’
    â€˜Of course not. If you need some cash . . .’
    â€˜No, it’s not that.’ She explained about the jewellery.
    â€˜Good girl. You’re showing a bit of sense there. And we’ll get the other pieces back for you,