The house- Chapter 1

 

Sarah left her office at exactly nine-thirty on a Wednesday morning in May for her appointment with Rich Quitliano. She was in a hurry as she was already late. He hated it when she came late. She left the Willis tower, stepped off the curb and hailed a cab. Rich was one of her oldest clients.  Literally. Her law firm has handled his account for more than twenty years and when she became partner four years ago, they handed the account over to her.  

He was in his mid seventies but his mind was as sharp as a razor-blade.  He was one of the most talented writers she has ever met. He was both a challenging and entertaining client.  Most people saw him as a grumpy old man but Sarah just loved him.  They have understood each other from day one and she knew exactly what was expected after his death. 

Sarah was on her way to take him some papers as he was constantly making minor adjustments and changes to his will.

His last best seller "The night Gods" turned him into an instant millionaire and he had quite a lot more money stashed away.  Most of his money he made through house flipping earlier in his life and he owned quite a lot of real estate all over Chicago.  

Funny thing is he has lived in his current house for the last forty seven years, and he hasn't left his house now for nearly three years.  After his heart attack he has been house-bound and had a night nurse stay with him. His own children had no contact with him and the only human contact was with doctors, nurses and obviously Sarah his attorney.  

He got divorced after just nine years of marriage and he never had contact with either his ex-wife or his kids again.  He gave up trying to look for them after three years and focused only on his writing. His main goal in life has always been money and perhaps that's the reason his wife ran.  

She used to say that money is not everything, but he always found a way to proof her wrong.  Money made life easier and he was not prepared to settle down.

Sarah was like a granddaughter to him now.  His own children were grown up now and he made provision for both his son an daughter in his will.  He vouched never to give his ex-wife a cent.  

Sarah smiled as the cab parked near the entrance to the house.  She was always excited to visit Rich and could not wait to sit next to his bed in the lightened bedroom.  

She was in love with this house, and often wondered what was going to happen to the house once Rich was no longer there. 

She paid the cab-fare and rang the doorbell. 

-to be continued-