Date: Tue, 25 Jun 2002 08:56:49 -0400
From: Lee Mariner <mariner23502@hotmail.com>
Subject: An Orphan - Chapter #18

AN ORPHAN
By
Lee Mariner
June 2002

DISCLAIMER: This story is a gay fantasy
that depicts homosexual acts between young
men. IF YOU ARE NOT OF LEGAL AGE TO BE
READING THIS MATERIAL OR YOU DO NOT APPROVE
OF SUCH MATERIAL, PLEASE LEAVE.

All characters depicted are fictional and in
no way related to any person or persons
living or deceased.

ENGAGING IN UNPROTECTED SEX CAN LEAD TO LIFE
THREATENING CONSEQUENCES AND SHOULD BE
AVOIDED.

This work is copyrighted by the author and
may not be reproduced by anyone without the
specific written consent of the author. It
is assigned to the Nifty Archives under the
terms of their submission guidelines but it
may not be copied or archived on any other
site without the consent of the author.

Copyright: 2002 -- Author: Lee Mariner -- All
Rights are Reserved.

				* * * * * * * * *

Chapter #18

Devon poured the Asti Spumonti for everyone while I
pulled a chair over from another table for him. He
glanced around the restaurant dining room seeing
that everyone was taken care of before sitting
down. I looked out the double door at the front
desk and Martineze was not in sight but it didn't
really bother me that he was or was not.
"Gentleman." Robert said lifting his glass. "Drink
with me too my brother, my brother-in-law and a
long and lasting friendship between us all."

Robert smiled broadly at Stewart and then me as he
toasted us both. Cody and Adam looked just a little
puzzled and poor Devon was way out in left field
looking around at everyone.

Drinking his wine quickly, Devon stood saying, "I
wish I wasn't on duty but I've got to get back on
the floor before Matineze comes in and has a fit."

"Devon, if Martineze has no authority over the
hotel restaurant, why are you concerned with him?"
Robert asked, "Who is the Manager of the
restaurant?"

"Technically speaking Robert, I am. The regular
manager submitted his resignation and no one has
been hired or appointed yet since the hotel's
status is in question. I can't talk right now but
maybe later. Would you look over the menu while I
check the floor and the kitchen so I can take your
orders? I'll be back in a few moments."

"Robert, our firm is licensed in Maryland. Can you
legally practice law here in Nebraska? I can't, I'm
not a lawyer yet but I was wondering."

"We are members of the American Bar Association and
we filed for reciprocity with the Nebraska State
Bar Association when we started investigating
Clyde's claim. Dickson probably knows this and I
hope he does. He does not know what we did and that
should worry him some Stu."

While Stewart and Robert were talking, Devon
returned and was standing with his order pad. We
all decided that a prime rib dinner all around
would make it a lot simpler for Devon and the
kitchen. I was still a little stumped on just what
we knew that was going to help us other then the
differences in the two audits.

"Robert, I'm still just a little confused. What are
we going to be able to do that will recover the
West Point property that was my uncles but seems to
have been transferred into the ownership of this
outfit called West Point Associates? Where does the
Branston come in too all of this?"

I couldn't help but notice Robert hesitate glancing
at Cody and Adam. Looking at Stewart I said, "You
can say what ever you want in front of Cody and
Adam. They have been a big help Robert and we trust
them implicitly."

"Sorry guys, no offense intended. The lawyer part
of me comes out when I'm discussing a clients
business."

"None taken Robert." Adam said. "We wouldn't want
it any other way. There is a hell of a lot at stake
here. Cody and I will help out any way we can."

"You already have helped giving me an idea of what
is going on and Devon has but I doubt he realizes
it. Speaking of the devil here is our dinner."

Devon and an assistant rolled two serving carts up
loaded with food. The prime rib smelled delicious
and we all settled in for a filling dinner.
Conversation became the quality of the food over
any legal problems or action that might be in the
offing. After the table had been cleared we all
declined dessert but asked for coffee.

"Great dinner Devon, your chef really went out of
his way." I said.

"I told her the meal was for friends of mine. I'll
tell her you liked it Clyde, she will enjoy that."

"When will you close the restaurant Devon?"

"In another hour or maybe sooner if no one else
comes in for dinner. From the looks of it, probably
sooner Robert."

"We are going up for a drink, why don't you join us
unless you have plans."

"No other plans. I'll join you as soon as we get
cleaned up." Devon said smiling at Robert.

				* * * * * * * * * *

Leaving the restaurant, we turned towards the
elevator when Adam said, "if you don't mind, we'll
take a rain check on that drink. It is getting a
little late and I've got an early class tomorrow."

I had forgotten completely that Cody and Adam were
students and would have classes. Robert looked at
me for just a second.

"There are a couple of things I'm still not clear
on, could you give me a call tomorrow or better
still let me call you."

"Clyde and Stu have our number Robert. Cody and
I'll be available if you need us. G'night, thanks
for dinner it was great."

Cody and Adam had explained several things that we
had seen on our short trip in the countryside and
up by West Point. I was really concerned about
losing the West Point property and let Robert know
about it after we reached our room and I didn't
like the differences in the audits.

"Clyde, you are aware that Dickson represents your
Uncle and not you. He is only obligated under the
terms of the will to see that the conditions set
out by your Uncle be carried out and as the
Executor he has full control over the assets until
those terms have been met. If you had not been
found then the estate would revert to the state and
he realizes an executor ship fee."

"I thought he was my attorney as well as my
uncle's? Didn't you know Stu?"

"Not really Clyde that's why I wanted Robert here.
I don't really know that much about probate law. I
thought something was wrong when I saw the
difference in the audits."

"Okay, what do we do Robert, forget it? That's not
my way of doing things."

"Not mine either. Tomorrow we visit Probate Court
and talk with the clerk. I want a copy of the will
and papers Dickson has filed. Then we go to West
Point and check into this company that has recently
been set up. I'd also like to talk with the
Branston family representative about this offer for
the hotel and it's connection with the Hampton
Estate."

"What about Dickson calling Robert? He knows we are
all here and with Martineze he will be able to keep
tabs on our movements and what we are doing."
Stewart asked.

"We aren't doing anything illegal Stu and if he is
doing his job right in settling Clyde's uncles
estate, he has nothing to be concerned about. If he
isn't then he will have something too sweat and I
think he better worry about Martineze. When you
talked with him the evening you got here did you
make a verbal commitment of any kind Clyde?"

"None at all, we asked him about the physical
assets of the estate being combined in both
Stewarts and my name that's all. That's why we were
going in tomorrow."

"That can be done after the estate is settled. In
the morning, you and Stewart take all of the papers
from the portfolio you brought with you and place
them in the hotel safe. My laptop has complete
files on the investigation we did and the
information Dickson forwarded when he retained our
firm. If that West Point company was a part of the
estate, it should have had the corporate structure
and related tax forms included. Too much
information is missing."

  			* * * * * * * * * *

"Whew Robert, my head is spinning. Stu and I
thought this was going to be simple but looks like
we have a can of worms here.  How about that drink
now? I can use one."
"Sounds good Clyde." Robert said hearing a knock at
the door. Stewart answered and it was Devon.

"I hope I'm not interrupting any thing, we're all
closed up downstairs. I could use that drink now if
the invitation is still open?"

"Come on in Devon, we were just about to fix one.
Cody and Adam went on home and we were just
finishing up when you knocked." Stewart said as he
turned back into the room walking to the bar.

"Stu, if you don't mind Devon and I will leave you
and Clyde. It's been a long day and I know you both
have some things you want too go over."

"Okay with me bro. See you in the morning, like you
said; we got a lot to get done. G'nite Devon."

I was just a little relieved that Robert and Devon
were leaving, it had been a tiring day and I wanted
to be alone with Stewart. I could tell by the way
his eyes followed Robert he was really excited for
him and Devon had a slightly sheepish look but it
looked almost natural when Robert put his arm
around his shoulders and they looked at each other
with a smile and Robert just waved when he slid the
connecting door between the two suites. Stu was
standing at the bar when I slipped up behind him
and run my arms around his waist kissing the back
of his neck.

"You still want that drink?"

"Not unless you do, I rather get a hot shower. Do
you think I might get a massage Clyde?"

"That might be arranged if he can join you!"

Stewart and I had almost reached the point in our
relationship where words were not really necessary.
He slid his arms around my neck and his lips met
mine in a gentle soft kiss that sent waves of
intense feeling flowing between us. His body molded
to mine and I could feel the intense desire he was
feeling. I swung him up off the floor into my arms
and walked into the bedroom his head on my shoulder
and laid him on the bed. Standing over him, I
removed my clothing his intense blue eyes following
each move. Reaching down I undid his jeans and
shirt removing them with a little help from him
until he lay there his muscled beauty rippling as
he arched his back tensing the hard muscles of his
abdomen and thighs until he stood next to me his
proud cock reaching for mine, his eyes gleaming. We
embraced once more and then slowly moved into the
shower where we washed each other our passions
explored as we teased each other like little boys.

Making love with Stewart was a never-ending
experience in eroticism. His touch was soft and
velvety as he explored the well-known hollows and
crevices of my body. I don't believe I will ever
tire of the feel of his well-muscled body beneath
me or beside me as we enjoyed the hard dripping
lengths of each other's cocks.  His tongue was like
a fire poker searching and caressing me. The
heights we took each other to be only limited by
the depths we reached in the love we felt for each
other. Our bodies tensed and arched as we exploded
in ecstatic spasms, mutually fulfilling the need
for the nectar of life we both gave freely.

"Clyde." Stu whispered as we lay beside each other
having filled our need for each other the after
glow enveloping us.

"Yeah babe."

"Do you know how much I love you, I mean really
love you?"

"I think I have a pretty good idea. The way you
make love with me tells me an awful lot."

"Hold me tight please. I love feeling your arms
around me."

Stewart melted into my arms and in almost an
instant he was breathing softly and gently and the
rhythm of his beating heart and steady breathing
lulled me off into a gentle soft deep sleep.

* * * * * * * * *
I've often wondered why when sleeping and someone
is trying to wake you it sort of becomes part of
the dream you are having and it may either be
comfortable or aggravating. I was dreaming of The
Farm in West Point and there were shadowy
indiscernible figures running between buildings
that flashed in and out of the dreamscape. Stewart
was snuggling closer to my chest, as a loud
unwanted knocking was pulling at us both to wake
and we fought it. Finally I opened my eyes looking
in the direction of the disagreeable noise and a
fuzzy figure came into focus, Robert peeking around
the doorjamb beating on the wooden casing.

"You guys going to sleep all day or would you like
to have a little breakfast before we get started?"

"Damn Rob," I said. "What time is it?"

"It's almost 8o'clock and the sun is up. Devon is
meeting us in the dining room at 8:30 for breakfast
if you two will get a move on."

"Robert, you could leave the room so we can get
up." Stewart said.

"Why, you haven't got anything I haven't seen
before, it's just been a long time."

"Clyde might not like you staring at him?"

"Don't bother me none, I was in the Navy remember."
I said swinging my legs out of bed my morning hard-
on swing from side to side."

"Impressive."

"It belongs to me bro, look but don't touch."

"My, my what I have been missing but Devon made up
for some of it. Get showered and dressed, I'll meet
you downstairs."  Robert said as he left the
bedroom.

"I wonder just how much Devon made up for Clyde?"

"I have my doubts we will ever find out, lets get
dressed. I am a little hungry."

Stewart and I showered, playing with each other as
usual. I had become a part of showering and it was
a relief playing with him and feel, really feel the
connection between us.

			* * * * * * * * *

As Stu and I walked towards the dining room, the
room clerk stepped from behind the counter and
handed me a slip of paper.

"This just came in for you Mr. Hampton."

"Thanks." I said looking at Stu and opening the
note. "Dickson called to remind us of our
appointment at 10 this morning, think we should
call him?"

"Robert said not but lets tell him of the call."

Devon and Robert were sitting at the table in the
alcove that had sort of become out specific dining
spot. Stu glanced at me as we navigated our way
through the tables. Devon was dressed in a light
blue polo shirt with collar and it fit beautifully
showing a well-developed chest, broad shoulders and
smooth muscled biceps. A light layer of dark hair
that matched the hair on his head covered his
forearms and his dark brown eyes shined as he
looked at Robert. Devon looked a lot different then
when he was in his work uniform.

"Whoa, Clyde, is that the same Devon?"

"I think so."

Robert and Devon looked up as we approached, "Good
morning fellas, hope you slept well. Pour yourself
a cup of coffee and lets have something to eat, I'm
starved."

"Well Devon, like a butterfly emerging from the
cocoon. Never can tell what those uniforms hide,
you look a lot different out of it."

"Thanks but you were in the Navy weren't you Clyde?
I've seen a few sailors in uniform."

"Yeah but that uniform enhanced rather then hid.
They can get you in trouble too if you aren't
careful." I said thinking of my ex and our
problems.

"I don't think there was any trouble in this one
Clyde. Robert looks like the cat that ate the
mouse."

"We don't need to go there Stu. Just say I learned
a little more about myself."

Breakfast was served as we talked and Stewart told
him about the Dickson call reminding us of the
appointment we had. "Should we call and cancel it?"

"No let him stew a little. First thing we do is go
over to the Probate Court. Devon is going to be out
guide, he has the day off."

"It's not very far from the hotel, only a couple of
blocks."

"How far do you live from the hotel Devon?" Stewart
asked.

"I live in the hotel in a suite on the top floor.
Mr. Branston allowed me to live here after my
parents died. Martineze fusses it costs the hotel
money since he can't rent it out and if he owned
the place things would be different. I don't worry
about it."

"He always seems to be in the background somewhere
doesn't he?" Robert said. "I bet we find out he is
involved in this mess somehow. If we are finished,
I'd like to get going."

			* * * * * * * * *

We drove to the Lincoln Courts Building and Robert
identified himself as my attorney and asked the
clerk for copies of the Last Will and Testament of
Samuel Hampton and the attending petitions that had
been filed with it. The clerk was gone for what
seemed like an unusually long time before he
returned.

"Sorry for the wait Mr. Ricksford, here are the
files you requested. Are you and Mr. Hampton aware
that the Probate Judge will rule on this petition
this coming Friday? The hearing is set for 2:00PM."

"We knew it was Friday but not the time. I thought
that it usually takes up to0 six months before a
probate hearing is held? We seldom are under that
time in Maryland."

"Let's see. Mr. Dickson petitioned for an early
hearing last Tuesday and filed an amended petition
to the effect that all avenues had been exhausted
and a Mr. Clyde Hampton, you client, was the sole
surviving heir. He attached all the required
documents and the presiding Judge approved the
request on Friday. It's all in the file you have
there."

"Thanks, what is the charge for the file copies?"

"It will be charged as a court expense. Mr. Dickson
directed that all expenses in connection with the
probation of the estate be charged against the
estate. Unusual but it is proper when a member of
the immediate family is involved. As a rule there
are seldom any requests since most probate hearings
are cut and dried."

"It is unusual. Who is the presiding Judge in this
case, can you tell me?"

"Judge Albert Doumar. He is the sitting Chief Judge
on the Lincoln Circuit. You will like him, he likes
things in order and stands for no nonsense."

"I like that, thanks again." Robert said as we
listened to the interchange between him and the
clerk.

"That is a pretty large file Robert, bigger then
the one you gave me before Stu and I left
Baltimore."

"It is but that is not unusual in complicated
cases. In the case of your uncle's estate it should
have been a pretty simple case. Devon, where is the
State Corporate Commission? We won't have to drive
up to West Point for a listing of the corporate
officer's of West Point Associates. All of that
information should be on file there along with tax
records, state and local."

"I think it is located in the State Offices Annex
over on Main St. I drove Mr. Branston there not
long ago after he had a meeting with Martineze.
Don't know what it was about, I waited in the car."

"Interesting Devon, thanks. Lets head that way."

The building where the SCC was located was on Main
St. as Devon said. Stewart and I couldn't help but
notice that Robert kept his arm over Devon's
shoulder's as he drove the Explorer. We sat in the
back seat holding hands watching and smiling at the
obvious attachment they were forming for each
other. I went inside with Robert while Devon and
Robert remained in the SUV. If they talked, Stu
would tell me about it later. Robert asked for and
we paid for copies of the forms that set up the
incorporation of the West Point Associates Company.
Walking down the hall we obtained the public tax
records of the corporation and returned to where
the Explorer was parked.  I had a pretty good idea
where Robert was heading with the gathering of this
information but waited for him to get it all
together before telling Stewart and I what he
suspected. I had a hunch he was right.

It was after 1PM when we arrived back at the motel.
Devon excused himself after we turned the SUV over
to Nicky the parking attendant saying to us, "I
need to check on the restaurant staff. I'll be up
in a few minutes."

"Don't let them trap you into working Devon."
Robert said gripping his hand.
"I won't, don't worry." He said as he slipped into
the side door leading into the kitchen area.

Just as we passed the front desk, Martineze called
out, "Mr. Hampton, Mr. Dickson called again and I
told him you were out. He asked that you return his
call when you returned to the hotel. You have his
number don't you?"

I started to answer but Robert, gripping my
forearm, stepped between the desk and me. "He has
the number Martineze and so do I. Tell me, what was
your investment in West Point Associates? Must have
been considerable to be named the Treasurer. Is it
a good investment?"

Martineze's eyes grew large and you could see a
hint of fear flash suddenly before he regained
control of himself. "I'm sure I don't know what you
are referring to Mr. Ricksford."

"Really Martineze, you don't know of the West Point
Associates in West Point, Nebraska close to where
Mr. Hampton's uncle lived before he passed away?
Strange since it is involved with the Branston
Hotel as well, I should think the hotel Manager
would know when his hotel was involved in a
possible sale wouldn't you?  Mr. Hampton will need
the files he deposited in your hotel safe earlier
if you don't mind getting them. Stu and I will see
you upstairs Clyde when you get them."

Robert caught me off guard for just a moment when
he said that since we had just put the files in the
safe. Martineze was totally flabbergasted and
looked at me his mouth open.

"What is he referring too Mr. Hampton?"

"You will have to ask him that Martineze. Lets get
those files."

Martineze was frightened and you could see the
telltale bead of sweat that appeared on his upper
lip by the way his pencil thin mustache glistened
and a sudden damp circle stained his shirt under
his arms. Robert had hit a couple of nails on the
head. Stewart showed me another side I hadn't seen
before; he could be just as calculating as his
brother by the way he stood just behind him
watching, his eyes glittering like the cat playing
with a mouse. Martineze was visibly shaken and his
body was trembling as I followed him into the hotel
security box vault. These boxes operate just like
safe deposit boxes in banks with double keys. The
door was not the heavy time locked type but still
pretty sturdy with an interior gate and a video
camera that was activated when the door opened and
before the gate.  It took Martineze two tries
before he unlocked the box with his key allowing me
to open it and extract the file folders I had
placed in them.

"Isn't that the envelope that was delivered the
other day Mr. Hampton? I recognize the handwriting
of the address."

"It might be, I'm not sure. Never paid any
attention to it. Thanks a lot."

"Any time Mr. Hampton, always happy to be of
service. Call on me anytime while you're with us."

Turning and looking at him as he closed the gate, I
said quietly, "You might want to think about what
you were asked a few minutes ago, for your own
sake" and I turned walking quickly away.

As I walked out of the office and around the desk,
I glanced back and saw Martineze watching me
intently as I left, that worried look in his eyes.

			* * * * * * * * * *

Devon was pushing a hotel cart in the direction of
the elevator as I walked up on him. It had several
plastic covered trays and bowls on it. As he
reached for the button I leaned over his back and
pushed it for him. He glanced up and smiled, "I
didn't hear you coming. I thought we might be able
to use some lunch."

"That sounds good to me. There is plenty of beer
and soft drinks in the refrigerators and I am a
little hungry."

We reached the room and sliding my magnetic key
card in the door opened it and held if for Devon so
he could push the cart through.  Robert and Stewart
were sitting at two tables spreading papers over
them and looked up as we came in.

"Oh, its you guys." Stu said looking at me.

"Who were you looking for if not us?"

"We called down for a card table and thought that
was it coming in. Whatcha you got on the cart
Devon."

"Sandwiches, salad, fruit cocktail and potato
salad. I thought maybe you would be hungry."

"I am not that you mention it, what about you
Robbie, feel like something to eat?"

"Yep, I'd forgotten all about eating going over
these papers. Good Clyde, I see you got the files.
Lets check them against these we picked up this
morning."

"After we eat Rob. We aren't in that big of a rush
are we?"

"No not really, I just get excited when I'm on a
case like this. I've been doing inside work for so
long I'd forgotten how it feels to use my brain."

"I bet Devon is glad that's all you have forgotten
how to use Robbie." Stu said with a grin, as Devon
turned crimson. "What about it Dev?"

"It's like riding a bicycle Stu. Once you learn
how, you never forget." I may have been a little
rusty but it comes back real fast and with someone
like Devon, wellllllll lets just say there are no
problems. Let's eat, how about beer? Anyone want
one?"

Robert pulled 4 beers from the refrigerator and we
sat at the coffee table for our lunch. Stu and I
sat on the floor opposite Robert and Devon. I
looked at Stu smiling and nodding in their
direction. Stu grinned looking at his brother, his
eyes soft and shining. I could see a lump in his
throat as he leaned over and whispered in my ear,
"I can't remember when I saw him as happy as he is
now."

You could see Robert was not the same man that they
had met at the airport. He was looser; more
animated and exuded a confidence I hadn't seen
before. The petulance he had displayed when I first
met him was gone. He looked at Stu with a
difference in his eyes, the love a brother should
have. A knock came at the door as I sat there
eating and thinking of some of the things that had
happened. Stewart opened the door and it was Nicky
the parking lot attendant with the card table they
had requested.

"Nicky." Devon said looking up. "How come your
doing bellboy work, where's Alton?"

"He called in and told Martineze he was quitting,
that's all I know. Martineze is having a fit. I
hope he doesn't get on my back or I'll tell him to
shove it up his ass. I need the job but not that
bad."

"He won't Nick, he isn't that dumb I don't think."

"I wouldn't be that sure Devon. I got a hunch he
has done some pretty stupid things. Did you get a
chance to see if he did what I thought he would
Nick."

"You mean after you and him were in the vault?
Yeah, he went right to the telephone in his private
office and called someone just like you thought he
would Mr. Hampton. You couldn't hear what he was
saying but boy he was hollering at someone. You
could see his arms flying around and he was pacing
back and forth. I think he saw me looking and
dropped the blind over his office window. I don't
care about that if he did."
"He won't bother you Nicky, just do your job and
stay out of his way. Let me know if he does
anything out of the normal routine, okay?" I said
handing Nick a $20.00 bill.

"I don't want that Mr. Hampton, thanks anyway."
Nicky said as he opened the door to leave. "Devon,
be careful. He knows you are up here."

"I will Nick, thanks. You be careful too, hard
telling what he might do."

Nick left closing the door softly and I looked at
Devon.

"Devon, is Nick gay?"

Devon hesitated for a moment before saying softly,
"I don't get into other peoples business Clyde but
it surprises me you ask that question from the way
Nick looks at you."

"Looks at me, what does that have to do with it?"

"He feels about you the same way I felt when I saw
Robert. But he knows you and Stewart are a couple
and that ends it as far as he is concerned. He will
do whatever he can to help you and us out but that
is as far as it goes. I've known Nick since he was
a baby and someday he will find the right person
and that will be one hell of a lucky guy. He is
like a little brother to me and to answer your next
obvious question, yes we have."

"The thought never crossed my mind Dev but I had a
feeling he was gay."

"And now I have something to worry about." Stu said
hugging me tighter.

"Not hardly babe, not hardly. Are we going to
finish going over these papers Robert? I have a
hunch where you are going and I'd like to see if
I'm right."

"Oh, what's that?"

"Lets just see if I'm right. Okay?"

"Sure, let's get back to it. Let me have those
files and Dev, how about you setting up that card
table Nick brought up?"

				* * * * * * * * *

Robert and Stewart did most of the work in
comparing and analysis the various documents. Devon
and I just sat and occasionally added or removed a
paper from the various stacks on the three tables.
Robert was giving a lot of attention to the SCC
documents we had gotten and the two different
audits that had been done by the Ingles-Summers-
Simpson Auditors in Omaha and the one done later by
their office in Lincoln. I had compared the two
audits and the differences seemed obvious but I
hadn't seen the corporate documents that had set up
the West Point Associates Company. I felt pretty
sure there had been some type of fraud done but I
wasn't entirely sure. Devon leaned over as asked
quietly.

"What are they looking for Clyde? Robert seems to
be going over everything with a fine tooth comb."

"I'm not really sure Dev, I feel that there have
been some changes made but I'm not really sure."

Stewart must have heard me talking with Devon. He
turned in his chair holding the postcard that my
uncle had sent me years ago.

"This card Clyde is going to hang Dickson if we are
right.  Robert you want to tell him about it?"

Robert took the card from Stewart and then picked
up another document from the table. Taking a big
sigh, he looked at me holding the two items one in
each hand.

"This post care that your uncle sent you is signed
Uncle Samuel Hampton. Unusual in itself since most
people would simply sign just Uncle Sam or maybe
uncle Samuel. Remember, you and your uncle did not
have an ongoing relationship and its not likely he
knowingly signed this card for any reason other
then letting you know it was your uncle sending the
card. I'm am not 100% sure but the signature on
this card and your uncle's signature on the
application that sets up the West Point Associates
Company do not appear to have been signed by the
same man."

"Then you think someone deliberately signed Uncle
Sam's name after he was dead?"

"It looks like it to me Clyde. The differences in
the two audits done by the same auditing firm but
not by the same office show this company was
established after your uncle died and the dates
have been changed on the second audit so it
corresponds with the first audit. It's like Dickson
asked for another audit after your uncle died and
then the changes become part of the estates assets.
I would he willing to bet that if we ask for a copy
of the second audit direct from the Lincoln
auditors it will correspond with the one done
before your uncle died."

"What does all that mean Rob?"

"It means Clyde, if the estate goes through probate
as it currently stands you will lose the 500 acre
farm in West Point along with about $2 million
dollars that is being used to buy this hotel. From
what I see here, the documents furnished by Dickson
in probate do not match with the original audits,
there have been changes made in the second audit by
a very clever computer operator. Look close and you
can see the changes and the difference in the paper
grades. Once the Probate Judge discharges the
estate & Dickson by right of survivorship takes
over West Point Associates, Kyle Marx as Vice-
President continues running the farm and Martineze
as Treasurer will take over the hotel under
whatever deal has been worked out with the Branston
family. That's the way I read it. Pretty slick deal
if he had gotten away with it."

"Kyle Marx being involved I can understand, he has
been running the farm from all that I have heard.
Where does Martineze come in on this Rob? He is
just a manager."

"Ever heard of blackmail Clyde? Didn't you or
someone tell me that Martineze and Dickson had an
affair going on? Martineze found out Dickson was
negotiating with the Branston's and confronted him
and wanted cut in or he would let the cat out of
the bag. Martineze is the weak link in this deal."

"Damn Robbie, what are we going to do now?" Stu
said gripping my hand.

"Right now we sit tight and get this all put into
some order so we can present it to the proper
authorities. Dickson would just deny everything if
we confronted him with what we know. I can ask for
an injunction stopping the probating of the estate
until everything is cleared up. Recall, the clerk
said that Judge Doumar likes everything in order?
He might not like it if he finds out there is some
chicanery going on and a law firm is involved."

"Robert." Clyde said still holding Stu's hand. "You
mean someone is going to jail behind this don't
you?"

"It's unavoidable Clyde. At the very least we have
uncovered enough circumstantial evidence it would
require an investigation by the District Attorney's
office. You and Stewart must have known that or
suspected something when you called for me to come
out here. I had a hunch that was it, knowing
Stewart's background in the firm. I'm sure he
spotted it didn't he?"

"Yeah, he sure did while we talking with Cody and
Adam. I followed what he was telling me but I
didn't know it went this deep."

"It does and could be deeper. Right now, I'm a
little tired. What time is it and what are we doing
about dinner tonight?"

"It's just after 3PM and I think we will call Cody
and Adam while your resting. I might get a nap
myself. I think the will like going out with us
tonight but not here in the hotel. Somewhere
different. What do you think Clyde, a little nap?"

"What do you think, when have you asked me about
going to bed? Devon looks kind of beat himself
sitting around listening to you guys. Stu, you call
Cody and Adam while we get these papers together
and locked in my attaché case. Dinner at 7:30 this
evening okay Rob?"

"Call us an hour before you want to leave." Robert
said over his shoulder as he and Devon left our
suite sliding the connecting door shut.

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