Chapter 5 — The Letter Was Nineteen Years Old

HanrahanBefore I read this, I want it on the record that I advised against the structure and he ignored me.

VivianJust read it.

HanrahanIt's dated the fourth of June, 2007.

VivianNineteen years.

Hanrahan"To be opened after my death and after probate. Not before."

CharlesGo on.

Hanrahan"In 1994 a woman named Elena Marchetti left my employment while carrying my child. I did not stop her. I did not look for her. That is the worst thing I have done and I have had thirteen years to think about it."

VivianThis proves nothing about that girl.

Hanrahan"I did look for her, once, in 2004. I found her. She would not see me. She sent back a photograph of the child and one line, which said: she has your jaw and none of your habits."

CharlesChrist.

Hanrahan"I have therefore made the following provision. Twenty-two percent of the residual estate is to be held for the child of Elena Marchetti, born March 1995, upon proof of parentage by testing, without any requirement that she come forward, ask, or prove need."

VivianTwenty-two percent.

Hanrahan"If no such person is identified within twenty years of my death, the provision lapses to the foundation."

VivianThen it lapses. Nobody has come forward.

CharlesI have the result on my phone.

VivianYou cannot possibly —

HanrahanMrs Ashford. There's a second page.

VivianWhat second page.

Hanrahan"If my wife has known of this child and concealed it, her own interest in the residual estate is reduced to the statutory minimum."

VivianHe would not.

HanrahanHe did. And I have to ask you, formally, and your answer goes in the file. Did you know?

VivianNo.

CharlesMother.

VivianI said no.

CharlesThere's a wire transfer from your personal account in October. Twelve thousand dollars. To a staffing agency.

VivianThat was a donation.

CharlesTo a staffing agency.