Ethan looked up, surprised. Yes, my grandfather left there in the 50s. How did you know that? A smile crossed her weathered face. I worked for Howard Brooks for three summers before I got married.
He spoke of Riverdale sometimes, though never happily. Ethan turned the envelope over in his hands. I don't know anyone in Riverdale. My grandfather died when I was 10. Well, she said, her eyes on the envelope.
Perhaps someone there remembers the Brooks family. Good families are remembered, Mr. Brooks, even after they're gone. She patted his arm and started back toward her apartment. Let me know if you need anything.
Noah is welcome to come watch my programs if you need some quiet. Ethan closed the door and returned to the kitchen table where Noah was already examining the envelope. What is it, Dad? Are we rich now? The boy's optimism was endless.
A counterweight to Ethan's own gravity. I doubt it, buddy. Probably just some legal thing about Grandpa's old business. Ethan slit the envelope with his pocketk knife and unfolded the letter inside. The formal language took a moment to parse, but the meaning was clear enough.
Thomas Blackwell, a man Ethan had never heard of, had died and left Ethan the sole heir to his estate in Riverdale, Indiana. The estate consisted primarily of a Victorian mansion and grounds along with a small account to cover property taxes for one year. We inherited a mansion. Noah's eyes widened as he read over Ethan's shoulder. A real mansion like in the movies.
Apparently Ethan reread the letter looking for the catch. But it says here the place has been vacant for 30 years. That's never good for a building. But it's free, right? And you can fix anything.
Noah's excitement was building. His imagination clearly racing ahead to secret passages and hidden treasures. Ethan studied his son's face. 6 months of financial strain had taken a toll on both of them. Noah had stopped asking for new clothes, had learned to stretch meals, had given up baseball league when the fees became too much.
Through it all, he'd maintained a resilience that humbled Ethan. Maybe they did deserve a break. "We could at least go look at it," Ethan conceded. "Rdale's only a couple hours drive, but don't get your hopes up. These old places can be money pits. " "But Dad, it's a mansion. " Noah's grin stretched across his face.
And nobody else wanted it, but they picked us. It's like we were chosen. A knock at the door interrupted them again. Mrs. Simmons stood there, a hint of hesitation in her usually confident posture.