CHAPTER 19

I stood there and watched as Mr. Thompson drove off, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. I had managed to keep my meeting with Mr. Jack a secret, at least for now.

I took a deep breath and pulled out my phone, dialling the number for a local taxi service.

As I waited for the taxi to arrive, I glanced around the bustling mall entrance, making sure no one was watching me.

After a few minutes, the taxi pulled up, and I got in, giving the driver the address: 345 Elm Street, in the heart of the city. I had never been there before, but Mr. Jack had instructed me to meet him at this location.

As the taxi drove away from the mall, I felt a sense of excitement mixed with nerves. What would Mr. Jack tell me about my mother's estate and will? What secrets would he reveal?

I sat back in the seat, watching the cityscape pass by through the window.

The taxi driver, a friendly-looking man with a kind smile, glanced at me in the rearview mirror. "First time in the city, miss?" he asked.

I nodded, feeling a sense of caution. I didn't want to reveal too much about myself.

"Yes, just visiting," I said.

The driver nodded and focused on the road, leaving me to my thoughts. I watched as the city streets passed by.

As we drove through the city streets, I watched as the scenery changed from bustling shopping districts to quieter residential areas.

The taxi driver, seemingly sensing my curiosity, pointed out various landmarks and points of interest along the way.

After about 20 minutes of driving, the taxi slowed down and pulled up to a nondescript office building.

The driver glanced at me in the rearview mirror and said, "We're here, miss. 345 Elm Street."

I looked out the window, taking in the unassuming building. It didn't look like much, but I supposed that was the point. Mr Jack told me.

I turned my attention back to the driver and asked, "How much do I owe you?"

The driver smiled and replied, "That'll be $25 please, miss."

I reached into my purse and pulled out a $50 bill, handing it to the driver. "Keep the change," I said with a smile.

The driver's eyes lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, miss! You're too kind."

I asked him, "Do you come to this area often?"

The driver nodded. "Yeah, I do. It's a pretty quiet neighbourhood, but I get a few fares here and there. Mostly businesspeople and lawyers, you know?"

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Lawyers, huh? I'm here to see a lawyer myself."

The driver's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh yeah? That's nice good luck!"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. But something about the driver's kind smile put me at ease.

"I'm meeting with my mom's lawyer," I said. "She passed away recently, and I need to sort out her affairs."

The driver's expression turned sympathetic. "Sorry to hear that, miss. Losing a loved one is never easy. But I'm sure the lawyer will help you get everything sorted out."

I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards this stranger. "Thanks for the kind words. And thanks for the ride."

The driver smiled again. "No problem, miss. Take care of yourself, okay?"

I smiled back and got out of the taxi, watching as it drove away. I took a deep breath.

As I stood outside the office building, I took in its unassuming appearance. The building was a nondescript grey colour, with a simple glass and steel façade.

It looked like any other office building in the city, with no distinguishing features or markings to set it apart. I supposed that was the point, given Mr. Jack's emphasis on secrecy.

I pushed open the door and entered the lobby, which was similarly understated. The walls were painted a neutral beige colour, and the floor was made of polished grey marble.

A small reception desk sat at the far end of the lobby, with a security guard sitting behind it. He looked up as I entered, and nodded curtly.

I walked over to the elevator, which was located to the left of the reception desk.

I pressed the button for the 10th floor, where Mr. Jack's office was supposed to be located. The elevator doors slid open with a soft whoosh, and I stepped inside.

The elevator was small, with mirrored walls and a polished steel floor. I pressed the button for the 10th floor again, and the doors slid shut. The elevator began to move, smooth and silent.

As I rode the elevator, I couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. What would Mr. Jack tell me about my mother's estate? What secrets would he reveal? I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves.

The elevator doors slid open on the 10th floor, and I stepped out into a quiet, carpeted hallway.

The walls were painted a neutral white colour, and the air was thick with the scent of fresh paper and ink. I looked around, trying to get my bearings.

As I walked down the hallway, I noticed a young, beautiful woman sitting at a reception desk to my right. She looked up and smiled as I approached. Her long, curly brown hair cascaded down her back, and her bright blue eyes sparkled with warmth.

"Hello, can I help you?" she asked, her voice friendly and professional.

"Yes, I'm here to see Mr. Jack," I replied, trying to sound confident.

"Do you have an appointment with him?" she asked, her eyes scanning the schedule on her computer screen.

"Yes, I do," I said, trying to hide my nervousness.

The receptionist nodded and stood up, her smile still plastered on her face. "Okay, let me show you to his office."

She walked ahead of me, leading me down the hallway to a door with a small plaque that read

"Mr. Jack, Attorney at Law". She knocked softly on the door, and a deep, resonant voice called out from inside.

"Come in."

The receptionist opened the door and gestured for me to enter. I took a deep breath and stepped inside, trying to prepare myself for what was to come.

Mr. Jack's office was spacious and elegantly decorated, with a large mahogany desk in the centre of the room.

Mr. Jack himself sat behind the desk, a middle-aged man with a kind face and piercing brown eyes. He stood up as I entered, and smiled warmly.

"Ah, welcome," he said, extending his hand. "Please, have a seat."

I shook his hand and sat down in one of the leather chairs in front of his desk, trying to calm my nerves.