Chapter 684
“Think about it,” she continued. “How much do we make in a year, working ourselves to the bone? How much did your mom earn as a maid, bowing and scraping to other people? Don’t feel guilty. This is what Tammie owes us. If we don’t take anything, that’s what would truly break Mom’s heart p>
Priscilla was sharp. She knew Benedict had come to offer them compensation. If Tammie was offering, why shouldn’t they accept? Her mother-in-law’s life couldn’t have been for nothing.
Tim pressed his lips together, silent.
Priscilla patted his shoulder and straightened his collar. “It’s settled. Now, you go out there and talk to him politely. See what they’re offering p>
“After all,” she added under her breath, “your mother lost her life. We can’t accept anything less than a million p>
With that, she pushed Tim back into the living room.
He stood before Benedict, who was still seated on the sofa. “Why isn’t Tammie here?” he demanded. If they were going to discuss compensation, Tammie should have been the one to do it. Sending a friend felt like an insult.
Benedict rose to his feet. “Tammie passed away. He took his own life. His seventh-day memorial is in two days p>
*What p>
Tim froze, the words not registering. *Passed away?* How was that possible?
“You’re lying,” he accused, glaring at Benedict. “Don’t think you can get out of your responsibility this way p>
“I’m not lying.” Benedict had anticipated this reaction. He pulled out Tammie’s death certificate. “See for yourself p>
iel
Only when he saw the official document did the reality sink in for Tim. Dead Tammie was actually dead. A strange feeling washed over him. Tammie was the man he hated most in the world, the man responsible for his mother’s death But seeing the proof of his demise brought him no joy.
Benedict then produced a check.
“And this. The amount on this check represents one-third of Tammie’s entire estate. He instructed me to give it to you to atone for his mistake p>
Tim glanced at the check. The string of numbers was longer than any he had ever seen it was far more than the million Priscilla had mentioned. If he accepted it, they would never have to work again. ‘
But he didn’t take it. “Since he’s dead, the debt between us is paid. You can go now.” All he had ever wanted was justice for his mother.
Benedict glanced toward the bedroom. “Shouldn’t you discuss this with your wife p>
“No. This is my decision p>
Benedict placed the check on the coffee table. “This was Tammie’s dying wish. You have to accept it p>
Tim snatched the check from the table, tore it into pieces, and threw them on the floor. “I told you,” he said, his voice laced with anger, “I’m not taking it p>
Benedict sighed and turned to leave.
“Wait! Mr. Quinn, you can’t go!” Priscilla’s voice suddenly cut through the air.