Page 44 of Creed

I looked up and saw Brett standing in the open doorway with a smile on his face.

“Brett.” I gave him the best fake smile I could conjure up. It was hard to smile after everything that happened. I stood and he stepped over and gave me a hug.

“Its nice to see you, I just wish it was under better circumstances.”

The door opened as he let go of me and I saw my Uncle Darren. “Hey, what are you doing here?” I asked.

Brett spoke up. “I invited him for this meeting. I don’t imagine this to be easy on anyone. Please, let’s step into my office.”

Brett turned to lead us to his office, but I looked at uncle Darren curiously. He just nodded toward the doorway and gave me no hint as to why he was also meeting with Brett. Josh stayed in the waiting room and there were two chairs in front of Brett’s desk. It wasn’t missed that the two chairs were strategically placed far apart. Leslie and I took a seat while my uncle stood with a folder in the doorway.

“Thank you both for coming. I know this is soon after Callie’s unfortunate death, in fact her death certificate still hasn’t been filed. That’s why I think it’s imperative that we meet now, so everything can be started and as soon as it’s filed Addie willbe free from social services. She will remain in the custody of the state until the death certificate is made available.” Brett said.

“So, I need that before I file for Social Security for Addie? How soon does that start after I’m given custody?” Leslie asked.

Brett drew in a long breath and let it out in a sigh, obviously dreading what was coming. “About six months ago, Callie approached me. I agreed to do some work for her Pro Bono. She knew she was in a bad situation when Shane joined the Devil’s Rejects. We put together a few things that I will be sharing with you now. First is her last will and testament, a power of attorney, a letter of intent, and a video explaining her last wishes. Unfortunately, Morgan, we were just finishing up the power of attorney paperwork and had not gotten your signature. That’s okay though, you can sign it now if you’re willing to take responsibility.”

I nodded.

“Good, that clears that up. Let’s go over Callie’s will. As you both know, Callie didn’t have any assets, but she did have debt. She owed on her car, some hospital bills for Shane she took responsibility for paying, a credit card, and a motorcycle loan. There’s no estate to pay these debts.”

I stopped him. “I’m able to pay the debts for her.”

“Thank God.” Leslie sighed in relief.

Brett turned to Leslie. “The debt is the responsibility of the executor or next of kin. Are you aware of what this means?”

Leslie sat forward. “Not really.”

Brett nods. “If you contest this will, you must be willing to take on her debts.”

Leslie tilted her head. “Why would I contest the will?”

“Because Callie’s wishes for Adeline are that Morgan Rossi takes guardianship, and in her letter of intent she asks that Morgan adopts Addie.”

“Wait, that means Morgan gets the assets and my granddaughter?” Her eyebrows draw together and it’s apparent she’s already angry.

“There are no assets, only debts.” Brett explained.

“But what about the government checks?” Leslie asked.

Brett tilted his head. “You mean social security?”

Leslie nodded.

“Social Security is not an asset, and you’re not entitled to it. That’s a government benefit that’s payable to the guardian of the child by the government. If Morgan chooses to adopt Addie as its requested in the letter of intent, nobody will receive those benefits.”

Leslie stood. “That’s my grandchild!” She pointed at me. “She’s not even family!”

Brett sighed and muttered something about being thankful Shane’s father didn’t show up.

“Callie was very clear that she wanted to appoint Morgan as her power of attorney and the guardian of the minor child. This means all the burden is taken off you, Leslie. You are not responsible for her debt or for raising Addie. If you contest the debt becomes yours.”

“Why would my daughter do this to me?” Leslie began crying.

“Well, there’s no better time than now to play Callie’s video. Leslie, please have a seat.”

Leslie sat and Brett turned his laptop around so we could see the screen. As soon as he hit play, I felt every emotion in me hit the surface.

---