The Legacy of the Dead Grandmothers Ring and the Family Secret
“The original deed from 1890 has a reversionary clause, Arthur,” Marjorie said, her eyes gleaming with a sudden, desperate energy. “If the chapel fails to maintain a active congregation of a certain size, the land reverts to the primary donor’s heirs.”
“Which is Graham,” I said, realizing her plan.
“Which is Graham,” Marjorie confirmed. “And we have a buyer ready to develop the entire waterfront.”
“This is a house of God,” Pastor Whitcomb said, his voice trembling with anger.
“It is a pile of old stones, Arthur,” Marjorie said.
Suddenly, Julian’s phone began to vibrate on the table.
The screen lit up with an unknown number from a local area code.
Julian picked it up, his eyes remaining on Marjorie.
“Voss,” Julian said into the receiver.
He listened for a moment, his face growing pale.
“Are you sure?” Julian asked the caller.
He looked over at me, his eyes wide with a new concern.
“Evelyn,” Julian said, lowering the phone slightly but not hanging up. “You need to see this.”
I reached out and took the phone from Julian’s hand.