Page 3 of Wild Ride

Through my experience there, I was able to apply for and get the job at the real estate firm. It’s a national company. I’m able to work from home, which is best for me since I’m not quite comfortable with the world yet.

Sure, I left the commune seven years ago, but even though I’m a thirty-year-old woman, I still don’t know much about the world I live in. I’m not particularly eager to find out anything either, much to the bane of Briana’s existence.

As I attempt to concentrate on my work, that envelope on the dining room table in front of me is absolutely screaming at me to open it. I try to ignore it. I even pick up my laptop and walk over to the chair in the living room, my back facing the thing, but it doesn’t work.

The envelope is louder than anything else in the room. Louder than my keyboard, louder than my own thoughts, louder than the Spotify playlist that I have going. I’m not going to be able to get anything else done today. So, instead of attempting to ignore it any longer, I place my computer down on the coffee table and stand.

Moving slowly toward the dining room table again, I reach out for the envelope, expecting it to actually burn my skin or something, but it doesn’t. It’s light in my grasp. There’s probably only one piece of paper folded and placed inside of it.

I can’t imagine what the contents are going to be.

Pinching my eyes closed, I slip my index finger beneath the seal and slide it across. Once the envelope is open, my eyesslowly open as well. Touching the folded piece of paper, I wait for it to do something.

Naturally, because it’s a piece of paper, it does absolutely nothing.

I inhale a deep breath and hold it for a moment, then, like ripping off a Band-Aid, I tug the paper out of the envelope. Just like I thought, it’s a single piece of paper folded into thirds. I wish this piece of paper would unfold itself and also read itself aloud so I don’t have to stress out about it any longer, but it doesn’t.

After I unfold it, I frown at the sight of the letterhead at the top.

Thunder Rock Estate Law Firm

What would a law firm want with me? Thinking that I somehow misread the return address on the envelope, I flip it around to read it and tilt my head to the side, confusion filling my entire body.

The return address doesn’t say anything about an attorney. In fact, it is exactly what I thought it was. It’s from my father.

Nathan Vaughn

PO Box 24356

Thunder Rock, NC

The way my mother spoke, or instead whispered about him, I didn’t get the impression that he was any kind of professional at all. She always said he was dangerous. A threat that could take us into his world and destroy us.

Shifting my attention back to the envelope, I clear my throat as my eyes scan the letter. It’s not from my father. Rather, it’sfrom his estate attorney. I don’t know what any of this means, but I read the letter slowly for a second time in hopes of comprehending what it says.

Dakota Noelle Vaughn,

I am writing to you in my capacity as the attorney representing the estate of your late father, Nathan T. Vaughn, who passed away on July 16, 2024. Please accept my office’s sincere condolences for your loss.

As the appointed executor of Mr. Vaughn’s estate, it is my duty to inform you of the contents of Nathan Vaughn’s last will and testament. According to the provisions of the will, you, Dakota Noelle Vaughn, have been named as the sole beneficiary.

As such, you are entitled to receive all assets, properties, and possessions that encompass the estate, subject to the resolution of any outstanding debts, taxes, and administrative expenses.

The estate of Nathan Vaughn includes, but is not limited to, the following assets:

*Primary Residence and All Personal Property

(10234 Old Highway 65, Thunder Rock, North Carolina)

*Cash in Checking and Savings accounts, along with any property locked within a Safety Deposit Box.

*2023 Harley Davidson Road Glide Motorcycle.

*Transferred Percentage Ownership of the Thunder Security Supply

There are several steps that must be taken to complete the probate process and facilitate the transfer of assets to your name. I will be able to assist you with the necessary legal formalities, including filing the appropriate documents with the probate court, addressing any creditor claims, and ensuring compliance with North Carolina State Inheritance Laws.

To discuss the next steps and address any questions you may have, please contact me at your earliest convenience at the number or address listed above. I understand that this news may come as a surprise, and I am here to provide guidance and support as you navigate this process.

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