The letter on the desk was from an attorney, Alex James, postmarked Reno, Nevada.
He didn't know anybody from there and wondered what bill collector had me on their list from that area of the country.
Jack Had been out of work for several months and things were tight in their household. Sharon, his wife of three years had a job at the local Waffle House working evening shift. The pay sucked but the tips were ok, on a good night she made about $40.00 to $50.00. Just enough to cover the essential bills but not any extras.
Tempted to throw the letter in the waste basket, He finally decided. "What the hell". And with some slight trepidation opened it. It read.
Dear Mr. Muller. This is to inform you that you have been made an heir to the estate of Miss Julia Muller, late of Sparks, NV. Please contact this office as soon as possible to attend a reading of her will.
It went on to give an address and phone number to reach him. So he called.
"Hello, Mr. James. This is Jack Muller. I received a letter from you regarding the will of a woman there. A Miss Julia Muller."
"Yes. He replied. You have been named as the beneficiary of her estate. When you arrive here we will have a reading of her last will and testament."
Jack replied. "When I arrive, I have no way to come out there. I'm not working and finances are non existent. The wife is a waitress, we're broke."
The attorney laughed. "Your no longer broke Mr Muller. Your aunts estate is quite extensive. My office will forward you enough cash and plane tickets for you and your wife. Will also make reservations for a car here. See you soon." With that he hung up.
An hour later Western Union called saying they had a money order for him. Could he please come to their office and pick it up. Then the airport called to confirm reservations for two leaving the next morning.
Driving to the Western Union Jack was shocked to get a money order for $1000.00, more money than he expected. He cashed it at the bank.
Stopping at Sharon's workplace he showed her the money and informed her that she no longer worked there and led her to the car. "We're going to Reno, Nevada. Pack our bags." He gleefully told her as they drove home.
"You must be nuts."
"No, not completely." He told her about the letter and call from the attorney.
After a three hour flight Jack called the attorneys office and retrieved their rental auto. A short time later they were entering an extremely plush office suite. A gorgeous secretary sat behind a modern desk. Upon taking their names told them that they were expected an go right in. The inner office was furnished with heavy expensive antique mahogany furniture. A large man rose to greet them. "Just call me Alex." A deep, gruff voice said as the attorney shook their hands. Alex was tall, 6'2", well built, silver gray hair, large mustache, tanned face with deep blue eyes. Wearing a western style grey suit, white shirt with a turquoise bola tie. A handsome, imposing man. Both were impressed with him, Sharon flushed as his eyes met hers.
"Sit, and we can quickly get things finished here. I can then take you to lunch and then show you your new estate."
"Estate? What do you mean estate?" Jack questioned. "Just how much was she worth?"
"Somewhere in the neighborhood of five and a half million. We'll know much better after a full audit. You are her only heir. You get it all." Alex said smiling at them.
"That much?" Sharon gasped. "That's a hell of a lot of money."
"It's not all cash. Most is real estate, stocks, bonds, investments, a couple businesses, etc."
"How do you fit in with all this?" Jack asked Alex.
"Julia Muller and I had a weird lawyer, client, lover, friend relationship. I was her lawyer for eighteen years. Her lover for six yrs. And friend for the last twelve years, till she died. I've managed her business enterprises for the last 17 years. For that I get paid one hundred thousand a year. And I earned every penny of it." He continued with. "It's up to you if I continue this position with you. I'll stay till the years end, after that you can make up your mind if you wish to replace me. OK?" "This is all very, too much, hard to believe." Jack said, looking at his wife who was sitting there dumbfounded with all the news.
"Let's get the legalities out of the way first. Have some lunch, then talk." Spoke Alex.
After signing a pile of papers and having his secretary notarize them they walked to a very exclusive and expensive restaurant nearby.
Sharon asked about the prices, there were none on the menu. Alex told her not to worry. Lunch would be billed to their account and it was tax deductible.
"We don't have an account here!" Jack said.
"You do now. It comes with the business. We, you and I own part of this place. Along with many other businesses."
After a wonderful lunch they were met out front by a chauffeur with a silver grey limo. Also one of their endeavors, they were told. As Alex gave directions to the driver.
"You will now see where most of Julia's wealth came from." Alex said, as they rode through the gates of a large hacienda. The place was huge. A three story main house, five or six smaller buildings. Out behind you could see corals and a large garage. A glorious place.
"Ye Olde Cat House." He announced with some pride in his gruff voice. "Welcome home."
"CAT HOUSE!" Sharon cried. "We own a cat house? A whore house? What?"
"Yep, you sure do. This is the best and biggest Cat House in the state. Perfectly legal here outside the city limits. It's now yours and part mine. I own twenty percent."
Parking in front they saw a large black wreath on the door.
"We will be closed until after the services tomorrow. Will be open for business again Friday evening. " Alex explained. "Come on in and I'll introduce you to the manager. She's expecting us."
A very pretty young woman approached them in the entree and kissed Alex on the cheek.
"Hi uncle Alex." She said as she embraced him.
