Summoner: The Book of Dimension

61 The Will and the Strange Request

“What did his text say?” Peter asked, sounding desperate.

She looked at the five of them who were waiting for her. Her eyes moved nervously and she bit her lip.

“What’s wrong? You can tell us,” Benedict said. “We want to know because he never told us anything.”

She hesitated and smiled faintly. “I actually refused to tell anyone. You’re the first people I told about this and I refuse to tell you the content of his message as well. This is crucial evidence for Josh’s case. Although you guys are close to Peter, I can’t trust anyone. I planned to tell Emma because she’s his lawyer, but I decided it would be better if I give the evidence straight to the police who’s handling this case.”

“We’re closer to Josh than you think, Violet,” Zack said.

Peter stopped Zack with a pat on his lap. Zack looked at him but he only received a shake of his head. “Let Violet be. I think her plan sounds great,” he said, and warmly smiled at Violet. “I understand why you did that.”

Violet nodded.

Peter was glad to know that, actually. It was really best for Violet to hand it straight to the police. He didn’t know what the content of his message would be, but anyone close to Josh when he lived at Groundwave Town could be the closest suspect.

“When are you gonna submit it to the police?” Ray asked.

“I thought I should give it right after his burial ceremony, but I thought I should do it soon, so I’ll hand it over tomorrow. I know I could be in danger anytime soon because I know something, so I’ve kept my phone in a safe place,” she said.

He was impressed at how smart she was. No wonder Josh pursued her as his girlfriend.

“That’s great to know,” Benedict said and placed his hand on top of hers and squeezed it briefly to show sympathy.

David agreed with a smile and nod. “Josh will be proud of you,” he complimented.

Peter looked around and sighed. “Is Emma still waiting for someone?” he asked.

They shrugged at him knowing nothing so he stood up and decided to ask Emma. He walked to Emma and she was currently on a call. He thought it was Josh’s parents so he didn’t interrupt and waited for her to finish.

“...I just need to announce and I’m done,” she said and turned around to see Peter. Her eyes widened but she composed herself. Peter noticed the sudden tension and he was now trying to suspect her again. Something was fishy around here. “I’ll call you later,” she said and ended the call.

“Who’s that?” Peter asked her in an interrogating manner.

She smiled. “I don’t think I should discuss my businesses with you, Mr. Peter,” she said. “But since you’re eyeing me with suspicion, I’m going to tell you that it is my team whom I called. I am needed in my office because I still have business matters to take care of.”

“That doesn’t look like a law business. Then why are you so surprised?” he asked.

She chuckled. “Who are you to decide whether my matters should be law business? And also, mind your own business. I don’t need I need to explain to you any further. I was surprised because you’re suddenly here. What are you, a ghost?”

Peter couldn’t believe what he heard. He couldn’t tell whether she was being sarcastic or he was serious. He settled the matter aside for now and he swore that he would know what she’d up to or if she was, after all, the evil behind Josh’s death.

He just sighed and faked a sweet smile. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” he said. “I’m here to ask if we’re waiting for anyone else?”

She didn’t know how to react but she smiled back. “Yes, Mr. Peter. Before Josh signed and dated the will with me, he actually requested to gather as much of his people as possible when he died. When I said his people, I’m talking about his family and his close friends. Since I couldn’t get a hold of his parents, we’re gonna wait for some of his close friends instead.”

Peter sighed. “I wonder how long should people wait.”

“Please wait until four in the afternoon. I can’t hold it for long anyway since some of the people came from far places, so I need to announce it soon,” she said.

He nodded and turned around to walk away.

Right before four in the afternoon, two more people arrived. They were both women and they were revealed to be friends with Josh.

Finally, Emma called everyone to gather so she could announce the recipients of the will. They took their seats in front of Josh’s casket and gathered there.

Peter watched as Emma opened the envelope revealing a single page of the color beige. She smiled at everyone as she put it on the table. “Everyone, you are gathered here as witnesses of the announcement of Mr. Josh Lee’s last will and testament. I apologize for the delay and I know I should’ve handled it more professionally. Thank you everyone for your understanding.”

She continued. “Josh Lee had left some of his people each a possession that he owned when he was still alive. If any of you guys have concerns before I announce the recipients, you can speak right now,” she said.

The lobby was filled with silence so she nodded with a smile. “If there’s no one, I shall read the content of the will.”

She started reading the content of the will without leaving any detail and mentioned names there.

Peter Cohen was left with the book. Josh didn’t tell what specific book it was but he, Ray, and Zack knew what it was so he didn’t really need to tell what it was. Peter thought Josh didn’t include the title of the book because he didn’t want anyone else to know. Aside from the book, he also left an exact amount of one million dollars under Peter’s name. The will also mentioned that it will be automatically sent to peter’s bank account by the end of the month.

Benedict Lee was left with the mansion and a good amount of money, which never really mattered to the old man because he said, “I’m too old for the money, so aside from the mansion, I will donate the money to a charity.”

Zack Deppe was left with half a million dollars, saying it should be able to help Zack with his shop. Zack smiled and thanked Josh with his mind. Just like every setting in the will, the money would also be automatically sent to Zack’s bank account a week after Peter’s money was sent.

Ray wasn’t left with anything, but it didn’t matter to him because he wasn’t that greedy for money. Besides, he was rich enough to not need money from anyone else. He was left with a letter, though. And it was enough for him.

David Colt and Violet were left with a good amount of money as well. David was left with Josh’s car and Violet was left with a small store in her city’s downtown.

Some others were listed there as well, but they were left with a smaller amount compared to the top six recipients. Some were dismayed that they didn’t get any, especially those who came from far away.

Benedict felt bad, so he insisted that he would carry the needed money for their flight although they said it was fine. Of course, he didn’t let them and said it was at least his token of gratitude for coming over after coming from afar.

Everyone seemed to be contented with everything, so far. They praised the old man for being generous.

Finally, Emma ended the will. “Before I read the last part of the will, I just want to personally thank everyone who came. I know some of you who came far from here didn’t receive anything from Josh, but it means a lot to him that you all came. I hope you won’t forget Josh just like how he wished for.”

She cleared her throat and lifted the will from the table. “And now, as the recipients were announced, I shall announce the last part of Josh Lee’s will with his last request.”

The last content of the will was as she read, “My dear family and friends, please stay at my wake on the 8th night of my death until 6 o’clock in the morning of the next day. Please stay within the old mansion and don’t leave my body for over 500 meters.”

Everyone started to murmur about the strange request. Peter almost chuckled at how ridiculous that sounded.

He stood up and walked to Emma. “Did he really tell that?” Peter asked and looked at the will but it was true. The will was as legitimate as the last one Josh received from Edgar.

He walked back to his seat to think. Why would he mention something like that? He thought and sighed.

Emma then placed the will back in the envelope and looked at Peter. “You are entitled to hold this will as proof, Mr. Peter Cohen,” she said.

He stood and took it from Emma. Somehow, he found the last part of the will so odd that it made him feel puzzled.