Chapter Eleven.
Oakley
I sat nervously with the lawyer that Harley had introduced me to. The guy worked for the Trusts but was highly trusted. His name was Steven, and he scoured the papers in front of him with a beady eye. Finally, Steven leaned back.
“Oakley, Harley.”
“Steven, thanks for seeing us,” Harley replied, and I murmured an agreement.
“Not a problem. I’ve been studying these for a few days. This isn’t quite my remit, but these are straightforward. Do you understand them?” Steven asked.
“Yes. I think so,” I answered.
“I’ll nutshell it. Your grandfather’s will is simple. The entire inheritance was bequeathed to you and your cousin Aspen, and her son Archer. You and Aspen inherited one quarter each and Archer half. Mr Ferguson left you and Aspen the rights to an invention, which you both also helped design. Your grandfather completely cut out your parents,” Steven said.
“That’s correct.”
“Here’s where it gets sticky. Your inheritances were put into trust funds until you turned twenty-five. However, in Archer’s case, his could be accessed to the tune of ten thousand a month for his care and needs. Aspen was the one in charge of this, and from what I’ve seen from bank statements, she pulled ten thousand every couple of months. They lived quite simply,” Steven said.
“Yes, Aspen didn’t see the need for designer shit.”
“Indeed. The issue was you were next in line to help manage Archer’s trust fund. But not until you either turned twenty-five or were married. That meant for five years Aspen would be the sole person in charge of the trust fund, which is how your father was able to challenge it. Once Edmond got his name on the trust fund, whatever Aspen didn’t withdraw, he did.” “Shit, I had a feeling that was happening. Dad was scamming it, wasn’t he?”
“Yes. Then, when Aspen disappeared three years ago when she turned twenty-five, your father withdrew the amount every month. Edmond applied and received guardianship for Archer, should anything happen to Aspen. Aspen fought this, and luckily her lawyer managed to get a time limit set on it. Edmond would only be a backup guardian for Archer until you hit twenty-five or married.”
“That’s correct. Aspen also gave me power of attorney over her own matters, including her mental and physical health. That lacked an age limit,” I said.
“Indeed, that did. And your father didn’t manage to muscle in on that. You alone have sole command over Aspen and her affairs.”
“So, if my dad has locked Aspen up somewhere, I can free her?”
“Indeed, and Aspen will be illegally held. With you being married to Harley, you also now roost Edmond from his guardianship role and act for Archer. That as per terms of all the legal documents in front of me,” Steven said and sat back.
“Could we set the paperwork in motion for me to claim my inheritance?”
Steven grinned. “Already done so. We’ll need to visit the lawyer who has the documents and file our own with him. But there is nothing stopping you from claiming your dues.”
“Fantastic!” Harley exclaimed.
I nodded. “All we gotta do is find Aspen.”
“Leila is extending the search to all states. There hasn’t been a sign of Aspen or Archer for three years,” Harley said.
“If anyone can locate her, Leila will,” Steven agreed. “Now, on your behalf, I did file paperwork with Mr Feguson’s lawyer. Only Mr Dexter appears to be representing your father, which is a conflict of interest. Desmond Dexter is throwing up barriers and refusing to release the trust fund.”
“Can he do that?” Harley demanded.
“No. I’ve pushed for a meeting, and we’ve got one. Dexter is insisting you attend his office, which he believes gives him the home advantage. I’ve no doubt that this is a trap and expect your parents and Reverend Jeffrey will be present,” Steven replied.
“So, let’s spring it. But Oakley takes a team of lawyers. Let’s make a show of force,” Harley interrupted.
“Not a bad idea. If I take my husband and some extra legal counsel with me, they’ll back down,” I mused.
“Oakley, I doubt it. They’re going to lose control of millions, and then there’s the patent and turbine. You’ve already said the design is worth billions,” Harley replied.
“Billions is an exaggeration, but a cool billion? Yes, it’s worth that, at least. But they need both mine and Aspen’s contribution, and believe me, I wouldn’t hand mine over.”
“So, let’s set the ball in motion. I’ll contact Phoe and see who could be spared for a trip. I’m sure we can grab a panel of lawyers from downstairs,” Steven stated.
“Are you sure you don’t mind?” I asked Steven.
“Honey, there’s nothing I love more than taking down arrogant asshole dirty fuckers,” Steven grinned.
Three days later
Harley clasped my hand as we climbed out of the limo that he had arranged, and the legal team followed suit. Phoe had sent her head of the legal department, Stuart, alongside Steven and four others. I’d mentioned to Harley it seemed a little bit of an overkill, but he’d grinned and shrugged.
With a determined stride, we marched into Mr Dexter’s offices, and the woman at the front desk looked up with a slightly alarmed expression.
“Mrs Oakley Michaelson for Mr Dexter,” Steven said.
“Um, yes. Please take a seat,” the girl muttered.
We did as she asked, and she picked up the phone and murmured down it. Ten minutes passed, and Steven got back to his feet. He approached the receptionist, and she looked up.
“Our appointment was ten minutes ago. We were here on the dot. There is no reason for Mrs Michaelson to be kept waiting. Mr Dexter has five minutes before we leave and take this to court. His choice,” Steven stated coldly.
Steven sat back down and winked. “Give him one minute, and he’ll be out here.”
“Less than that,” I murmured, nodding at a balding middle-aged man approaching at speed.
Mr Dexter scowled. “Miss Ferguson,” he sneered as he stopped close by.
“Mr Dexter, it’s Mrs Michaelson,” I replied and said nothing else.
Steven had informed me not to offer information and to allow him to do the talking.
“Come this way, please. We’re in the conference room,” Mr Dexter asked.
Everyone stood up, and Mr Dexter glanced at them.
“You are?” he demanded arrogantly.
“Mrs Michaelson’s legal team,” Steven answered.
“What does Miss Ferguson need all you for?” Mr Dexter retorted, stressing the Miss Ferguson.
“To protect Mrs Michaelson’s interests as you’ve divided ones. We can continue this here where your other clients might hear or in private,” Steven stated.
Mr Dexter glowered but led us to a conference room. There, as suspected, sat my parents and Reverend Jefferies. The three of them rose to their feet and glared.
“What is this?” Dad demanded.
“May I ask the meaning of this?” Steven replied.
“We’re her parents,” Dad snapped.
“And you’ve no bearing on Mrs Michaelson’s legal matters. Please leave immediately,” Steven ordered coldly.
“Actually, we do,” Dad retorted. Steven opened a folder and slapped a wedding certificate down on the table.
“That is a legal document of marriage, from South Dakota and signed by Judge Andrews,” Steven pointed out.
“Yes, well, we don’t believe it is legitimate,” Mom said.
“Oh, it is. And Mr Dexter can contact the judge, who will be quite displeased to have his character dragged into contention,” Steven replied.
“We’re more concerned about Oakley’s frame of mind when she wed this Michaelson. She had fled from a wedding to my son and married another soon after? Clearly, Oakley’s mental capacity is in question,” Reverend Jeffery interrupted with a condescending look.
Undeterred, I held his gaze as Harley stepped up close.
Steven threw a packet on the table. “Good job I have these, then.”
“What is that?” Mom demanded.
“Those are reports from five doctors that found your daughter sound of mind. Um, no. You’re not entitled to read them,” Steven said and slid them away from Dad as he reached for them.
Dad and Reverend Jefferies drew themselves up to their full height.
“Why bring them?” Dad snapped.
“Because I guessed this might be your play. You’re about to lose access to Oakley’s, Aspen’s, and Archer’s fortunes. Difficult times make for desperate people,” Steven retorted.
“How dare you!” Dad yelled, seething. “I am in control of Aspen’s affairs and Archer’s.”
“Not now Oakley is married,” Stuart interrupted.
“Enough,” Steven snapped, slapping his hand on the table before they could talk. “We are here to get Mrs Michaelson’s trust fund signed over as per the terms of Mr Wilf Ferguson’s will. You have no legal right to be here, nor is your input required. Why you’re here I’ve no idea, but you need to leave. This is a private matter.”
“You can’t talk to us like that!” Mom snapped, and I hid a smile.
“Mrs Ferguson, I just did. Now, Mr Dexter, I hope you have the paperwork. Should you not, I have a motion ready to file with the courts in Illinois and also a report to be fired off to the bar association. Mr and Mrs Ferguson nor the Reverend have any legal right to be here. You have thirty seconds to remove them, or we take this further up the ladder,” Steven ordered.
I watched as Mr Dexter urged my parents and Reverend Jeffrey from the room.
My legal team sat, and Harley settled next to me. There was a loud argument outside before they left.
Mr Dexter returned.
“First off, the marriage certificate,” Steven said, sliding it across the table as Mr Dexter took his place.
Mr Dexter checked it over and nodded.
“Now, the release forms for Mrs Michaelson’s trust fund,” Steven demanded.
Mr Dexter opened a file and huffed and puffed.
“You do have them ready?” Steven asked.
“Yes,” Mr Dexter answered shortly. He pushed a wad of papers at me, and Steven took them.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll read before Mrs Michaelson signs,” Steven said. A few minutes later, he shoved them back. “Mrs Michaelson will not be signing that release. Did you think us so stupid that we wouldn’t recognise clause three? That’ll be removed, as will part four. Perhaps you need to check the papers and ensure there are no other mistakes?”
“What are you saying?” Mr Dexter demanded.
“That you just tried to trick my client. If Mrs Michaelson had signed that, her parents could have wrestled control of her money from her. You clearly have torn loyalties. You’ll amend this paperwork and release the monies concerned to Mrs Michaelson. Once done, we’ll be hiring a forensic accountant to scour the trust fund for mismanagement,” Steven threatened.
Mr Dexter paled.
“We will return at the same time tomorrow. Ensure the documents are properly completed. And we’ll be filing several motions around Mrs Michaelson regaining guardianship of Aspen and Asher. Mrs Michaelson wants their whereabouts,” Steven said.
“I don’t know where they are! Aspen ran away!” Mr Dexter exclaimed.
“Unlikely,” Steven retorted, and we left the room. “That asshole is more corrupt than anyone I’ve encountered!”
“Can’t disagree,” Harley added.
We walked from the offices, and as we got outside, my parents, Reverend Jeffrey, and Bronson, stopped us.
Harley immediately shoved me behind him and stepped forward. “Fuck off,” he ordered bluntly.
Mom gasped, and Dad and Reverend Jeffrey sneered.
“Who the hell are you?” Bronson demanded.
“Oakley’s husband, and you’re the asshole she was nearly forced to marry. What’s the problem? Dick too small to get a woman of your own, you gotta force yourself on one?” Harley replied, getting in Bronson’s face.
Amused, I giggled as the man who’d bullied me for ages stepped back in the face of Harley’s anger.
“This is what you married?” Mom shrieked.
“Yup,” Harley answered.
“Not for long. We’ll challenge those doctor’s reports,” Dad interjected.
“Go ahead,” Harley stated.
“And clearly, Oakley’s mental ability is impaired due to marrying… what are you? A gang member?” Reverend Jeffery sneered.
“Actually, I’m a prospect in a MC,” Harley replied.
Dad lost his temper, and I tapped Harley on his back in warning.
“A gang member,” Dad gasped, outraged.
“No, a club member,” Harley repeated.
“What did you marry? How can anybody find you sane?” Mom snapped.
“Easily. I don’t think anyone would declare me insane for marrying Phoenix Michaelson’s son. But whatever. Your actions and words hold no weight anymore. I’m done with you both. I’m going to find Aspen and Archer and bring them home, to my new home… with the newest star of the Cub’s baseball team. My husband, Harley Michaelson,” I said, stepping to the side.
“Oakley, you’re completely delusional,” Mom hissed.
“We’ll see. Can we go, babe?” I asked Harley.
Harley linked an arm over my shoulders and marched me towards the limo.
Steven took my other side, and Stuart covered my back. The rest of the legal team fanned out around us. They shoved past my family, and we got into the car.
Resolutely, I didn’t look at them as we drove away.
◆◆◆
By noon the next day, we had everything I needed. The trust fund was in my name and in my account, the funds released almost immediately upon signing. I also now had power of attorney over Aspen and Archer when we found them.
We left Dexter’s office, and Steven stopped me.
“Dexter did not like us triple-checking the paperwork before you signed it.” Steven chuckled.
That was true. First, Steven had checked it and then Stuart, before passing it to another person to check they’d not missed anything. They had literally slapped Dexter in the face.
“Edmond will be banned from Aspen and Archer’s accounts. Oakley, I foresee trouble ahead,” Steven warned.
“They’ll not get a cent more. Will you contact a forensic accountant?” I asked.
“Yes. I have no doubt fraud has occurred. Dexter will be held accountable as well, as he would have released the funds. I’ve got a report based on yesterday’s interactions and what he tried to slip past us. I’ll be reporting Dexter for misconduct, and the Bar will investigate,” Steven said.
We were returning to the airport and were safely in the limo. Dad had attempted to grab me outside Dexter’s office when we first arrived and had been stopped. It was clear how unhappy he was. He’d been ranting about challenging my mental capacity and the marriage.
Harley had pushed past him and led me inside. When we left the meeting, Dad had vanished.
“We’ll find Aspen,” Harley murmured.
“Yes. We will,” I agreed. I had faith that Harley could achieve anything.
Harley
I sat with Shutout’s agent as he went over the contract the Cubs had sent. A lawyer had already looked it over and explained everything. Nielson was happy to represent me.
“This is above-board Harley, no hidden clauses. And considering you’ve no experience in playing ball, the wages are very generous,” Nielson said.
“Do you think so? I’ve got no idea what ball players make.”
“One point five million is roughly the average for established players. The fact the Cubs are offering you that amount means they’re serious about you signing for them. This is a yearlong contract with the standard clauses. They are asking for a monthly medical to keep an eye on your injury, which is fair,” Nielson said.
“I’m not against that,” I agreed. I didn’t want to screw my arm up and fuck up my blacksmithing. That would be my fall-back plan once my baseball career ended.
“There’s no reason not to accept. Scuttlebutt has circulated and there’s interest from sponsors who want both Michaelsons for their ads,” Nielson said.
“Seriously? Hell, I didn’t sign until today!”
“Doesn’t take much. That game was televised. There has been a lot of attention from other teams, but most guessed you’d sign with Carmine. The word spread the Cubs were courting you, and Carmine is hot at the moment. Which makes you both desirable when you’re announced in the line-up,” Nielson replied.
“Okay. So, what does that mean for me?”
“It means we can get the ball rolling and reply to some of those who’ve tentatively reached out. You’ll also do some interviews, and you need to get used to being famous. That charity game raised a lot of questions, and people are curious to learn more about Harley Michaelson.”
“Not much to know. I won’t discuss my past. And Oakley is to be protected at all costs. I’ll not have her exposed to malicious gossip.”
I waited for Nielson to push, but he nodded. “Carmine is the same with Molly. We can let them have the public persona, the blacksmithing, Cubs, and so on. But we’ll keep your private life just that.”
“Good. I don’t want to be dragged over the coals and have endless questions. Who I was as a child isn’t who I am now. Nielson, I might get five years before fading into obscurity. That means I don’t need shit following me there.”
“Understandable, Harley. Let’s get this contract signed. The Cubs have applied to use some of the footage from the game for promotional use. I can’t see your mother saying no.”
“Probably not,” I agreed.
“Then be prepared to be mired in publicity for the next few months,” Nielson warned, and I nodded, wondering what the hell I’d gotten myself into.