THOSE AWAKE... 


By Tessa Harvey


"Finally," intoned the elderly lawyer, "to my precious and only son, I bequeath..."
Here the lawyer poised, slyly. The balding, learned man had witnessed many such scenes. Families struggling to be polite to known and unknown relatives, fighting to remain calm, but almost inevitably there would soon be scandalous outcries. "All Mum's money gone to a Cats' Home!" "All Dad's money spent on gambling etc., etc. Well, I am not taking any responsibility for debts, lawyer's fees." Here he became the recipient of hostile glances, glares, once even threats.
    Oswald Pierson had, over long decades become almost inured to such reactions. Occasionally there would be surprises. Some relatives had been scrupulously impartial. Not many, though! The sole beneficiary seated before him forgot his calm, controlled demeanor.
    "What?!" he almost shouted. Unperturbed, Oswald waited for silence.




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