Page 45 of Creed

“Hi guys.” Callie appeared on the screen. “This sounds so cliché, but I guess if you’re seeing this it means I’m dead. I’m hoping Morgan is watching this along with you, mom. I feel I need to make this video for everyone to understand my intent upon my death. I’m sorry I don’t have much to leave everyone, so this video is mainly about my daughter, Adeline. I’ll first address my biological mother, Leslie. I’m sure you want to know why I’ve requested Morgan Rossi to become Addie’s mom in the event of my death and not you. Well, it's simple. As a child and while under your care, I was subjected to physical, emotional and sexual abuse.”

My stomach turned on that last one. She never told me about any kind of sexual abuse.

“There is a reason why Jennifer Rossi was more of a mother to me than you. She gave me things you never did, and with that, Morgan became a sister to me. I want Addie to have a better life than you gave me. You knew what Uncle Peter did to me then denied it when the social workers came for me. I spent more time in foster care than under your roof. I’ve anticipated your behavior upon hearing this news, and I have requested that Brett have a police officer there when I say my peace to you. The officer has a folder that contains every police report and documented abuse that happened to me under your care. This is why I want Morgan to adopt Addie. You will have no visitation rights, and neither will Shane or his family. I don’t think Shane will be a problem because I’m sure he will be the one to takemy life. Morgan, I need you to know why I came to Brett. I am leaving Shane on my own terms. I know when I leave he will be angry. You probably want to know why I’m not asking for your help. That’s because I don’t want you involved. I need you to stay safe for Addie and I’ve found help in someone else. I won’t go into detail because he doesn’t need lawyers and the cops in his life. The letter of intent Brett will give you, has all of my wishes for Addie listed. You always told me you would take Addie if anything ever happened to me and Shane, so I have no doubt you’ll follow my wishes. Please adopt Addie, give her a new name, and a better life than my mother or his parents could ever give her. Don’t let my life be repeated by my daughter. I would like you to take care of my final arrangements, make all the decisions for Addie and fight Shane if that’s necessary. I should have left a long time ago, you were always right. That’s why I believe you will make all the right decisions for my daughter.”

Uncle Darren walked over to Leslie and handed her the folder he had in his hand. Leslie pushed it away and everything flew out, even photos of a very hurt and scared little girl. There were bruises all over Callie’s little body. Brett paused the video, and we waited while Leslie had her meltdown.

“Its all lies!” Leslie cried as we all looked down at the horrible image on the floor. It wasn’t something new to me since I saw bruises on Callie, but it was still shocking to see.

“I will remind you again, Leslie. There’s fifty six thousand in debts.” Brett said.

“Fuck all of you!” Leslie stormed out and Uncle Darren shut the door behind her.

Responsibility

Morgan

“The script is in a safety deposit box at the bank.” Those words kept playing out in my mind. Callie wrote a book and wanted me to have it published to pay for Addie’s needs and her debt.

“Debt falls to the estate, and since Callie and Shane have no assets and you don’t meet the criteria, I can make sure you won’t have to pay.” Brett answered. Leslie had been gone for about thirty minutes and we were about to wrap up.

“Am I wrong for presuming that if I pay it’ll settle the estate quicker?” I asked.

“Yes, you would be wrong. This won’t involve probate since there’s no estate really to speak of, and she was in total debt with no assets. Shane had no assets because everything was in Callie’s name. The son of a bitch had absolutely no debt, she took on all the burden. His father is a registered sex offender and won’t be filing for custody. It would be an idiot move, and he knows it. Leslie doesn’t really understand estate planning and unless she hires an attorney she won’t file for custody. I’m sure the threat of this size of debt will scare her from doing anything, and she’s none the wiser that she wouldn’t have to pay. I’ll fileeverything with the courts once the death certificates are filed and you should have Addie in your care within a week of the filing.”

“I don’t have to jump through hoops with social services?” I was confused.

“Social services come into play if there’s nobody else to take the child. You’ve been named and if the judge has questions, she or he will ask. Since both parents are deceased, and one has named you guardian, you can file for adoption immediately. That’s when the judge will ask for a home study, and you’ll start jumping through hoops.”

“How long until the death certificate is filed, and everything goes into motion?” I asked, hoping everything with the Devil’s Rejects would be over before it was filed so I could take Addie home.

“The state of Indiana requires it to be filed within fifteen days of the death, but it could be as soon as Monday.” He said.

Brett had me sign the power of attorney, and all the necessary paperwork, including the guardianship of Addie. Uncle Darren gave me a hug and a few words of encouragement before I put on my sunglasses and followed Josh to the truck. We were off to the funeral home where Leslie was waiting for me. She didn’t say a word while we waited for Mr. Rhys. We were all seated at a conference table, including Josh since he wanted to keep an eye on Leslie. That was when I was given another choice.

Mr. Rhys was quick to put one matter aside and get it out of the way. “I received a call from Shane’s father. He gave permission for me to pick up his body after the autopsy, but he wants nothing to do with the arrangements. We could ask thecounty trustee for help with the burial, but his father told me it was up to you since you’re paying for Callie’s.”

“You’re kidding, right?” I was disgusted.

That was when Leslie finally spoke up. “You’re adopting Addie. Don’t you think she should have a place to visit her piece of shit father? This all falls on your shoulders now, Thank God.”

I sat back in my chair and crossed my arms. “Do I have time to think about it?” I was expected to take charge of the arrangements for the man that tried to kill Addie and me?

My phone rang and it was Creed. I wasn’t about to ignore his call, I wanted him to hear what was just asked of me.

“Hello?”

“Hey, are you done with the attorney?” He asked.

“Yes, Addie was left in my care. I have to wait for the death certificate and Brett will file with the court.” I answered. “We are at the funeral home now. Can you believe Shane’s family wants me to make and pay for his arrangements?”

I thought I heard a growl. “Put me on speaker.” He ordered.

“Okay.”

I put the phone on speaker and laid it on the table.

“This is Alistair Creed. Morgan says you want her to arrange, and I presume pay for Shane Doyle’s funeral?”

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