The Inheritance Clause

This story contains descriptions of graphic sex between males. If that kind of thing does not appeal to you, stop reading now.

This story is pure fiction. If this resembles something that happened to you, it must have been an incredible experience. But it's simply a coincidence.

All comments are welcome: djwarner1984@hotmail.com Please donate to Nifty: https://donate.nifty.org/

-DJ

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The Inheritance Clause - 26

Christine Larkin was 5' 9" tall with a moderate build. She had broad shoulders and looked very natural in her white blouse and dark blue pantsuit. She had very short dark hair and piercing dark brown eyes. She had a subtly commanding voice. You felt compelled to listen to her when she spoke.

When Krantz and Larkin appeared in the doorway, Adam closed the album he was perusing and forgot about his question to Dawson. Dawson turned and looked at Krantz and Larkin.

Krantz introduced her to the boys and offered some refreshments from the service cart. Larkin and Adam asked for water. Dawson asked for a ginger ale. Krantz served them and then he left.

"We've arranged for lunch on the terrace after we talk a bit," Adam said.

"And then we'll give you a tour of the grounds and the lake house," Dawson added.

"We've also asked Niven, our housekeeper, and Krantz to meet with you," Adam explained, "so you can get their perspective on things."

"That sounds great," Larkin replied.

The boys immediately felt comfortable in her presence and a very easy flowing conversation started. She told the boys she was originally from Colorado, where she grew up with her parents and her brother. Her brother was now in San Fransisco. He was the Chief Information Officer for a company in Silicon Valley. Her parents still lived in Colorado where they owned and managed several ski resorts in Colorado and Utah.

The boys shared their stories. They immediately started going back and forth as they told Larkin about how they met and the chaotic start to their relationship. She recognized right away that there was an intense connection between the two.

"I have to tell you," Larkin said after the boys explained their journey to how they got there, "you have already allayed one of two main concerns that I have in considering this position."

She paused. They both looked hopeful as they waited for her to explain.

"Mr. Krantz explained to me that I would be working for both of you, equally... that it was the case that I would be getting direction from two people. You can understand; it could create significant problems if I get conflicting instructions. He assured me I would understand once I met you. I wasn't sure this was going to work for me, but now I get it," Larkin said.

The boys both grinned and looked at each other. Then they looked back at her.

"Not only do I no longer think it's a problem, but I'm even more excited for this opportunity. And we haven't even gotten into the nuts and bolts of it all," Larkin explained.

"What was your other concern?" Dawson asked.

"Well... to be blunt, what are you going to do with your newfound wealth?" Larkin said as she leaned forward in her seat, "I am driven by doing some good in the world. I realized, at a very young age, that money drives everything. Progress comes from good people putting their money to good use."

Larkin took a sip of her water. The boys didn't move. They were riveted listening to Larkin speak.

"If you look at my career, I've tried to find positions where I could affect the most good. Whether it's in public service or the private sector, I want to make a difference."

She paused and looked at Adam and Dawson to gauge if they were understanding her.

"Look, I'm confident that I will get a satisfactory answer for any other question I ask you about this position. What will determine my interest in taking this job, if you offer it to me, is this: What do you stand for? Where are you going to invest your capital?" Larkin said purposefully.

Dawson smiled. He looked at Adam. He was smiling too.

"I love your frankness," Adam said.

"Me too," Dawson said, "It was one of our big concerns. Would you feel comfortable being honest and up front with us? It appears we can check that off our list."

Adam was nodding.

"And to answer your question with full transparency on our part... we don't know yet," Adam said.

"We've only just found out we were inheriting a combined $1.6 billion in assets," Dawson said.

"And in the week and a half since we found out, we've been through a lot," Adam added.

"We haven't had time to figure that out," Dawson said.

"We will be deciding that this weekend. We will have an answer to that question by Monday," Adam concluded.

Larkin was nodding as they replied to her.

"I think that's fair," Larkin said.

"I can assure you, though," Dawson said after he took a sip of his ginger ale, "We both want to do something bold and meaningful, that will help people who need it most."

"I can't wait to see what you come up with," Larkin said.

As if on cue, Krantz appeared in the doorway.

"Pardon me, sirs, for the interruption," Krantz said, "Lunch can be served on the terrace whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Krantz," Dawson said.

"Good timing," Adam added, "Shall we?"

Adam stood and gestured toward the sliding door that led to the terrace. The three of them followed Krantz. One of the tables near the railing was set up so they had the best view of the lake. Krantz held a chair out for Larkin, who sat down. Then the boys took their seats.

Krantz presented a bottle of white wine, which was selected to go with the meal. They all agreed to have wine and Krantz began to pour. Their conversation switched to the lake. Adam told the story of how his grandmother inherited Rosemary's Point to complete the lake house estate.

Lunch began with a vinaigrette salad of greens and baby shrimp, which they enjoyed while continuing to get to know each other. There was laughter and a good back and forth. Krantz wheeled out a serving cart with the main dish in chaffing dishes over Sterno heat. He began serving them steamed bass with green beans almandine.

"Well, it looks like Mr. Krantz has done his homework," Larkin said, "This is one of my favorite dishes."

The boys looked at Krantz. Krantz had a slight grin as he continued with plating the boys' meals.

"Well, let's just say, Krantz will be sorely missed when he retires," Adam said.

He made eye contact with Krantz when he said it. Krantz paused.

"Thank you, sir," Krantz said looking right at Adam, "I will miss you, too."

Adam and Krantz looked at each other for a second or two longer than would normally be comfortable. Krantz felt himself welling up. He nonchalantly turned so Adam didn't see his eyes watering. Dawson watched the two of them interact and didn't say anything.

The conversation continued to flow easily between the boys and Larkin as they finished their main course. When Krantz brought out lemon cream cake for dessert, they all complained they couldn't possibly eat any more. But as they sat there talking, one by one, they started to taste it. In no time, they had emptied their dessert plates.

"We should walk off some of this delicious meal," Adam said, "Can we give you a tour of the grounds?"

"I would love that," Larkin replied.

"Krantz, please tell Niven that she's outdone herself again with today's lunch," Dawson said to Krantz as he stood up.

Adam and Larkin agreed.

"Of course, sir," Krantz said, "I'll tell her."

The three of them left the terrace. When they were out of earshot of Krantz, Larkin spoke up.

"Neither of you like being called 'sir', do you?" she said.

Adam and Dawson stopped walking and looked at her.

"How did you know?" Adam asked with surprise.

"Well, I'm pretty good at picking up cues from body language," she explained, "I noticed you look toward the ground when Krantz calls you sir," she said to Adam, "And you clench your jaw," she gestured toward Dawson.

The boys both looked at each other.

"I can help you get used to it," Larkin said.

The boys both nodded. They made eye contact and they raised their eyebrows at each other.

The three of them made their way, continuing their conversation, through the pool area, onto the patio, and into the garden. Along the way, they encountered some of the landscape crew. Dawson and Adam made a point of introducing themselves. Larkin took notice and was impressed. By the time they reached the beach, Larkin was amazed at the all-encompassing beauty of the area.

As they made their way back toward the house, Adam stopped to tell the crew leader that they could use their equipment now because they were going back into the house. When they reached the terrace, Dawson informed Krantz that they told the landscapers they could mow and trim.

The boys took Larkin on a quick tour of the first floor. She told them she was impressed with the design of the house, which gave Adam the opportunity to tell her his grandmother had designed it. They eventually got back to the living room and they all took seats.

"I'm impressed with you," Adam said.

"Yes, I think you'd be a great fit to work with us," Dawson added as he looked at Adam to confirm he agreed.

"But we understand you still have your main concern," Adam said.

"I propose we meet again on Sunday night," Dawson said as Adam nodded.

"Based on what we decide in the next few days, we are going to be structuring our assets and formulating a media communication plan," Dawson said, "We'd love to run it by you to get your input beforehand."

"That's the kind of relationship we want to have with whoever takes this position. We want them to be fully on board and free to express their opinions," Adam said.

"So can you meet with us for dinner on Sunday?" Dawson said, "We can walk you through what we come up with, get your input, and see if the three of us work well together."

"And you can give us some idea of how you'd want to structure your team to support our goals," Adam added.

Larkin smiled. She was nodding.

"Of course," Larkin said, "that would be great."

"Great," Adam said, "Do you have any other questions we can answer?"

"I don't think so... not right now," Larkin said.

"Ok, let's get Niven then, so you can meet with her," Dawson said.

Dawson got up and started toward the hallway. Before he could get to the doorway, Niven appeared.

"I was just coming to check if you need anything," Niven said.

"Good timing," Dawson said, "Are you free now to talk with Larkin?"

"Of course," Niven said and then she pursed her lips.

Dawson made introductions.

"We're going to leave you in Niven's hands," Adam said to Larkin, "After you meet with Niven, you'll have a chance to wrap up with Krantz. And then he will see you out."

"And if you think of any other questions after today, don't hesitate to reach out to Krantz," Dawson said.

"Thank you," Larkin said, "it's been a pleasure meeting both of you."

The boys shook Larkin's hand and thanked her. Then they left Niven and Larkin in the living room. The boys found Krantz in the office off of the kitchen. They briefed him on their thoughts about Larkin and dinner on Sunday. When the boys left him, they stopped in the kitchen to each grab a water bottle. Then they started toward the stairway.

"I was thinking," Dawson said, "After we make our decisions about what we want to do, we should run it by everyone on Sunday night. I mean, I want to get Krantz and Niven's opinion... and your mom and Cassie, too."

Adam was nodding, looking at the ground as he listened. They started up the staircase.

"I think that's a great idea," Adam said then he stopped on one of the steps.

"Hey," Adam said as he reached out and grabbed Dawson's arm to stop him.

Dawson was a step higher than him when he stopped.

"Do you think we're loading up too many things and putting too much pressure on this weekend?" Adam asked as he looked up toward Dawson.

Dawson tilted his head as he turned toward Adam and thought about it. He smiled.

"I think..." Dawson said slowly, "Once you and I have a chance to be intimate, the rest will be easy."

He smiled again at Adam. Adam grinned and leaned toward Dawson.

"Oh god..." Adam said as he leaned his forehead into Dawson's stomach, "I've fallen in love with a hopeless romantic."

"No way!?!?" Dawson mocked, "So did I!"

Adam lifted his head. They looked at each other for a beat. Then they burst out laughing. Adam stepped up to the same step that Dawson was on, snaked his arm around Dawson's waist, and they continued going up the stairs. When they got to the second floor, Adam headed toward the bathroom. Dawson went to talk to Cassie.

Dawson knocked softly on the door to what was now Cassie's office. Cassie opened it while she was talking with a headset on. She was on a conference call. Dawson signaled that he would be quiet. He came in, found a notepad and pen on the desk, and wrote her a note - 'come find me in my room when you have a few minutes'. Cassie read the note. She nodded at Dawson as she continued to talk to whoever was on the other end of the phone call. Dawson quietly walked out and pulled the door closed.

When Dawson got to his bedroom, he went to the sliding door to the balcony. He opened it and went out. There was a round table with chairs on either side facing the lake. He sat on the chair to the left, resting his right arm on the table. With his back to the bedroom, he took small sips from his water bottle as enjoyed the view.

He began thinking about what might happen the next day when he saw his parents. He eventually shifted his thoughts to Rosemary's Point. He was mentally ready to bottom for Adam but he was a bit nervous about being able to take the thickness of Adam's penis. His thoughts shifted to the intimacy that they would experience once Adam was inside him. He started to feel his dick plump up a bit as he thought about it.

"Hey, what's up?" Cassie said suddenly as she appeared in the doorway. She was hugging the side of the sliding glass door as she poked her head out onto the balcony.

"Jesus!" Dawson said sharply and winced because she surprised him.

"Sorry, cuz," Cassie said, "Didn't mean to startle you."

"No, it's fine," Dawson said trying to recover.

"I've got about fifteen minutes before my next call," Cassie said as she came out onto the balcony, "Did you need something?"

She sat in the chair on the right side of the table and rested her left arm on it. She looked toward the lake and sighed.

"I just wanted to let you know we're planning to get everyone together Sunday night after Adam and I spend some time at his granddad's cabin," Dawson said, "I want to make sure you're there. We'll be going over our plans for what we want to do. We'll want to get your thinking on it."

"Sounds good," Cassie said.

"One other thing..." Dawson said.

He sat forward and turned to look at Cassie. She realized it was a serious topic.

"Everything ok?" Cassie said with concern.

"Oh, yeah... it's just... Adam and I are going to be discussing what we want to do... and..." Dawson said with a serious look on his face, "I want to set you up with a nice place. I mean... a house, a condo, whatever you want."

Cassie glanced toward the ground and then repositioned herself in her chair as she looked at Dawson. She reached out and placed her hand on Dawson's arm, which was leaning on the table.

"Cuz," she said, "You don't have to do that."

"I know I don't," Dawson said, "Just like you didn't need to take me in when my parents kicked me out."

"Yes, I did," Cassie said, "I love you, cuz. I couldn't turn my back on you."

"Right back at you," Dawson said.

He raised his eyebrows and smiled at Cassie. Cassie shook her head and laughed.

"Let me think about it," Cassie said.

"Ok, you can do all the thinking you want," Dawson said, "but it's happening."

"Hhhh," Cassie sighed, "You really don't have to do this."

Dawson put his water bottle down and patted her hand. She pulled her hand back and leaned back in her chair. Dawson picked up his water and sighed. There was a break in their conversation as they both looked out onto the lake for a bit.

"This place is so peaceful," Cassie said.

"Mmm," Dawson said in agreement.

"Hey, um..." Cassie said, "My dad tried to call me. And Paul just texted me. He said he talked to my mom."

"Really? He tried to call you?" Dawson said and took a sip of water.

"They want to reconcile with me," Cassie said with a somewhat skeptical tone.

"Huh," Dawson said.

He leaned forward, holding the water bottle between his knees. He turned to look at her. She raised her eyebrows and looked at him.

"Interesting timing, isn't it?" Cassie said knowingly.

"Yup..." Dawson said and then paused, "It is amazing that I come into $800 million dollars and suddenly they can't wait to talk to us. As if they can just wipe away nine years of hate. Are they expecting us to just pretend none of it happened?"

"Mmm," Cassie agreed.

They sat there for a minute or two in silence. Dawson took a sip of water.

"Are you going to talk to them?" Dawson asked.

"I don't think so," Cassie replied, "Though, I am curious about how things will go with your parents when you see them."

"Yeah, me too," Dawson said, "Do you want to see them?"

Just then, they heard movement behind them. Adam had come into the bedroom. He came out onto the balcony.

"Hey," Adam said.

Cassie got up.

"Oh, Cassie, don't get up," Adam said, "I can grab another chair."

"No, it's fine," Cassie said, "I have another conference call to get on anyway."

Cassie turned toward Dawson.

"I don't need to see your parents," Cassie said, "But I will if you need me there to support you."

"No," Dawson said, "You've done so much for me already."

"Ok," Cassie said as she stepped toward the entryway, "Let me know if you change your mind."

"Cassie, are you sure you're ok about us leaving you on your own tonight?" Adam asked before she could leave.

"Don't worry about me," Cassie said, "I talked to Niven and Krantz. Niven is going to make me some kick ass nachos and chili dogs. And Krantz is arranging for me to see two horror movies that just came out in the screening room. So I'm good."

"Ugh, you and your horror movies..." Dawson said as he rolled his eyes.

"I gotta go," Cassie said, "Have fun tonight."

With that, Cassie went inside. Adam took the chair Cassie was sitting in. The boys reached over and held hands across the table between them. They were quiet for a while as they both enjoyed the view.

"I go back and forth in my mind," Dawson eventually said, "In some ways I want you to meet my parents but in other ways, I don't."

"I get it," Adam said, "I'll do whatever you need me to do," Adam said.

"I know," Dawson said softly.

They were quiet for a little while. Their fingers gently moved as they intermingled on the table.

"Hey, just so you know..." Adam started.

Dawson looked at him because it sounded serious.

"I know we haven't talked about what we're doing with the money... but, if my mom doesn't end up getting the house in the divorce, I plan on buying a house for her," Adam said.

Dawson smiled at Adam. Then he chuckled.

"I just told Cassie I wanted to buy her a place, too," Dawson said.

"Ha, I love it," Adam said as he turned toward the lake and looked out wistfully.

Their fingers continued to intermingle as they both touched each other with slow gentle movements. They started talking about ideas for what they wanted to do, how they wanted to carry on Clayton's legacy. Their conversation was broken up by short intervals in between where they would simply look out across the lake and quietly think. At one point, they heard movement behind them. Krantz appeared in the doorway.

"Excuse me, sirs," Krantz said.

"C'mon out, Krantz," Adam said.

Krantz stepped out onto the balcony. Niven was behind him. She came out as well. The boys stayed seated. Krantz and Niven stood behind the table, facing the lake, in between where the boys were sitting.

"Ms. Larkin has left," Krantz said.

"So what do you think?" Dawson asked them as he turned to look at Niven and Krantz.

"I still think she is exactly what you both need," Krantz said.

"I agree," Niven chimed in, "She is well versed in what it will take to run a house of this size."

"Is there anything about her that would make you hesitate? Should we look at other candidates to be sure?" Adam asked.

"I think you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone better. I found her blunt way of getting to the point refreshing," Niven said, "I think she'll be good for the two of you. Keep you on your toes..."

Niven clasped her hands in front of her and pursed her lips when she finished speaking. She had a faraway look in her eyes as if she were imagining Larkin keeping the boys in line.

"I agree. And she gave me a recommendation that I want to run by you," Krantz said.

"Oh yeah?" Adam said.

"She said you talked about the art inventory you started and about scanning the photo albums," Krantz said.

"We did," Dawson said, "What about them?"

"She recommended we contact a local high school and hire some art or photography students to complete the work," Krantz explained.

The boys looked at each other. Adam smiled.

"I love that idea," Adam said, "Are you on board with it, Krantz?"

"Yes, sir," Krantz said, "I was going to ask if you wanted me to arrange it."

"Yes, let's do it," Adam said.

"I'll take care of it," Krantz said.

He paused to change subjects.

"Mr. Jameson," Krantz said, "I've made arrangements for Miss Cartwright to be here at 9:00 tomorrow morning."

"Thank you, Krantz," Adam said.

"Of course, sir," Krantz said.

"Mr. Stewart," Krantz continued, "I've made arrangements for your parents to be here at 1:30."

Dawson nodded and then looked down toward the ground.

"I've also taken the liberty of arranging a shave and a haircut for both of you," Krantz said, "I thought you'd prefer getting cleaned up before you leave for the cabin."

Dawson and Adam smiled as they looked at each other.

"That sounds great, Krantz," Adam said, "thank you."

"And we will have everything ready for the two of you to leave for Rosemary's Point right afterward," Niven added.

"Thank you," Dawson said, "Can you pack the dossiers for the real estate holdings and the personal assets? We'll want to bring them to Rosemary's Point so we can go through them and make some decisions."

"Of course, anything else either of you need for Rosemary's Point?" Krantz asked.

"Yes..." Adam said and then paused, "Can you make sure the clause D boxes are packed? We want to go through the packets."

Dawson pulled the hippo out of his pocket. He handed it to Krantz.

"I'll take care of it," Krantz said as he took the hippo.

Krantz waited in case there was anything else they needed for Rosemary's Point, then he continued.

"I have also taken care of Marco's gift. MacDonald from the security team will escort you over to the Santos farm and back," Krantz said.

"What are we giving Marco?" Dawson asked.

"It's a Lego Ninjago set," Krantz replied, "Apparently, it's very popular with children his age. Margherita recommended it."

"Ok," Dawson said.

Neither Adam nor Dawson knew what Ninjago was. They looked at each other. Dawson lifted his eyebrows at Adam. Adam shrugged his shoulders. Niven noticed the gestures but didn't say anything about it.

"I told MacDonald to be ready to escort you over in 45 minutes," Krantz said.

"Whoa, is it that late already?" Adam said.

Krantz nodded, even though the boys were not looking at him.

"Anything else, sirs?" Krantz asked.

"No," Adam said, "I think we're good."

"Thank you, both, for today," Dawson said, "We appreciate what you've done for us."

Krantz and Niven both nodded. They turned and left. After a minute or so, Dawson spoke.

"So, how are Mateo and Marco related to Margherita?" Dawson asked.

"Um... Let's see... Helena Santos married.. um... I can't remember his... Henrique... Henrique Navarro. She had, I think, four children... One was Gabriel. He's around my parents' age, maybe a little older. Gabriel is Mateo's father. And Gabriel is Margherita's cousin," Adam explained as his finger pointed at branches of an imaginary family tree in the air.

"Hmm," Dawson replied, "you need a score sheet to keep track..."

"Yeah, there are a lot of them," Adam said with a smile, "So, Helena is Margherita's aunt, Mateo's grandmother, and Marco's great grandmother."

Adam pointed in the air again as he described the relationships. Then he paused. Dawson was nodding.

"Helena, I call her Abuelita, and Tia, that's what I call Margherita, came to granddad's wake. But I haven't seen Mateo in a while," Adam said, "I wonder how many of the other cousins will be there..."

Adam began to think about his time at the lake house in his childhood.

"Do you think we could ask Helena or Margherita about Jorge?" Dawson said as he looked at Adam, "I mean, I'm curious about him. But I don't want to raise any suspicions and expose his relationship with your granddad."

"Hmm," Adam said, "I don't know. I'm curious, too. But I'm not sure. Let's play it by ear and see if there's an opportunity."

Dawson nodded. The boys sat and chatted for a bit. Eventually, they went inside. They both brushed their teeth. Adam changed his shirt while Dawson primped his hair, even though it didn't really need it. They joined hands and started downstairs.

The boys met up with Krantz and MacDonald at the first floor landing of the staircase. MacDonald was well over six feet tall, with broad shoulders. He was burly, with a muscular body. He had short cropped dark hair, a square chin, and dark, thick eyebrows. He was wearing a dark blue coverall and heavy work boots. He looked as if he came out of central casting to play the role of head of security.

Krantz handed Marco's wrapped birthday gift to Dawson. The boys and MacDonald went outside and got into one of the Jeeps. MacDonald began driving them a short distance on the Jameson land. He made a turn toward the Santos property after a minute or so. There was a narrow path between some brush wide enough for the Jeep to drive through. Adam remembered using the path to get to and from the Santos' farmhouse in his childhood. After another minute, you could see the farmhouse as they approached it from the side.

The farmhouse was huge. There was a porch that spanned across the front. And there were four or five sections where it looked like they had added on to extend the farmhouse over the years.

MacDonald pulled up near the farmhouse and stopped. Adam grabbed the gift and they all got out.

"I'm going to swap duties with another security guard who has already taken my position back at the lake house. I'll give you my number. When you're ready to leave, text me," MacDonald said.

Adam put MacDonald's number in his phone. MacDonald called another guard on the Santos property and started heading for where the other guard was.

The boys started toward the house when they heard a loud voice from inside.

"Stay!" the voice called out.

The screen door opened and a light colored labrador retriever came running out. He came straight at the boys with his tail wagging. He went right up to them and began to nuzzle their legs.

"Colby! Get back here!" the voice called out from inside the house.

Dawson bent over and began petting Colby, who was wagging his tail vigorously and panting loudly. Adam was watching them and smiling when he looked up and saw who was emerging from the house. It was Margherita. She was a short, somewhat stout woman who was in her early fifties. She had short black hair and a permanent smile on her face.

"Colby!" she said, "Leave him alone!"

"Oh, it's ok," Dawson said to Margherita.

Dawson squatted down and began to rub Colby behind the ears as Colby tried to lick Dawson's face. His tail was wagging furiously.

"I'm so sorry. That dog doesn't listen to anyone," Margherita said as she approached the boys.

"Tia," Adam said as they embraced.

The gift Adam was holding bumped Margherita in the back.

"Oh, Adam," Margherita said, "I'm so glad you came over. I told Teo you were coming. He's looking forward to seeing you."

Teo was Mateo's nickname. They stopped embracing. Margherita took Adam's face into her hands and made him look at her.

"Are you ok?" she said with sympathy, "I know how close you and your grandfather were."

"I'm ok," Adam said, "I really am."

Dawson was standing now, petting Colby with one hand, facing the two of them. Colby continued to wag his tail and fidget against Dawson.

"Tia," Adam said, "This is Dawson... my boyfriend."

"What?!?! Boyfriend?!?!" Margherita said with surprise as she looked back and forth at the boys, "I thought you were engaged to that woman we met at your grandfather's wake? When did this all happen?"

"Oh, it's a long story," Adam said with a chuckle.

Margherita paused to look at Adam as it took her a moment to absorb that Adam was gay.

"You're one of us now, huh?" she said with a smile, "Never in a million years would I have guessed."

Margherita squared herself and looked at Dawson.

"Welcome Dawson. Please call me Tia," she said

She moved in to hug him. Colby started to get excited again and began nuzzling against the two of them while they hugged.

"Colby, sit!" Dawson said without thinking.

Colby stopped moving. He tilted his head and looked at Dawson. And then he sat right where he was standing.

"Well, shit," Margherita said as she stopped hugging Dawson, "Rosa has been pulling her hair out trying to get Colby trained up for weeks now. Do you have bacon in your pockets or something?"

The boys chuckled. Dawson reached down and began to pet Colby's head.

"No," Dawson laughed again, "I haven't a clue why he would listen to me."

"It must be the timber of your voice. That happens sometimes. They'll only listen to certain voices," she said and then sighed as she put her hands on her hips and looked at Colby, "He was supposed to go to a family, but they returned him because he was too unruly. Luckily, we found another family for him. He goes tomorrow. He's a gentle dog. He just doesn't listen to anyone."

Margherita looked Dawson up and down.

"Have we met before?" Margherita asked.

"I don't think so," Dawson said as he and Adam exchanged curious looks.

"Hmm," Margherita said, "I feel like I've met you before."

"Maybe you saw him at granddad's wake," Adam surmised.

"That must be it..." she said.

Adam shot Dawson a look of curiosity. Dawson shrugged his shoulders. Margherita took Adam's hand and put her arm across Dawson's back.

"Come out back. Most of the family is here," she said as she started toward the house, "Teo should be here shortly. Security just called to tell us they let them through."

"C'mon, Colby," Dawson said.

Colby began walking next to Dawson.

"I'll be damned," Margherita said as she looked at the dog following Dawson obediently.

"By the way, I'm paying for the security," Margherita said to Adam.

"C'mon, Tia," Adam said, "We're the whole reason you need security in the first place. I can't let you pay for it."

"Since when did you start telling your elders what to do?" Margherita said in an almost reprimanding tone.

"Tia..." Adam said in frustration.

"Adam..." Tia replied with authority in her voice.

Adam laughed and then changed the subject. He knew that eventually Margherita would let him pay.

"How's Rosa?" Adam asked.

"She's doing great. She's out back playing with the kids," Margherita replied.

"How many years have you two been together now?" Adam asked.

"Nineteen," she said as she shook her head in disbelief.

"Wow," said Adam.

They entered the farmhouse. Dawson looked around at all the rooms as they passed through the house. The rooms all looked cozy, with pictures everywhere. They got to the kitchen. There were a few women, busily preparing food. There was a skinny, short, grey-haired woman at the sink, with her back to them.

"Tata," Margherita said, "Adam's here."

She turned off the water and grabbed a hand towel. She turned around while she was wiping her hands. Her face lit up.

"Mi pollito!" she said, smiling.

She tossed the hand towel onto the counter and then she raised her hands as she came toward Adam.

"Abuelita," Adam said as they embraced.

Helena's head barely came up to Adam's pecs as they hugged.

"Abuelita," Adam said while she was still hugging him, "This is my boyfriend, Dawson."

"It's nice to meet you," Dawson said.

Helena let go of Adam and turned to Dawson. She looked at him skeptically for a moment. Then she turned back to Adam.

"Boyfriend?" was all she said to Adam.

"Yes," Adam said, "I'm gay, Abuelita."

She looked at Adam skeptically. She turned toward Dawson and smiled. She put her arms out. They hugged. She slowly let go of Dawson and looked at him with a curious look on her face. Her mouth was slightly open and her eyes were looking at Dawson's eyes. Dawson felt like she was looking through to his soul.

Just then they heard a commotion as more people came in the front door. Colby started to get excited. His tail began to thwack against the table leg and he started moving toward the noise.

"Colby. Stay," Dawson ordered.

Colby stopped where he was. He turned his head and looked at Dawson, waiting for permission to move. People appeared in the doorway. There was a swell of noise as everyone greeted Mateo and his family.

Mateo looked to be in his late twenties. He had dark eyes and light brown skin tone. His face was thin and he had a goatee. He had a lean build and was about Dawson's height. He came into the room holding his six-year-old daughter, Tina, propped against his chest with one arm. He was holding Marco's hand with the other. Mateo's wife, Nancy, was behind them. She was medium height and build and had beautiful long flowing black hair.

Helena swept Marco up and hugged him as she planted kisses all over his face. Once everyone had been greeted, Helena shooed them out of the kitchen. They all went outside. There were about twenty more adults in the back yard and there were around thirty or forty kids. Some of the kids were playing soccer. Rosa and a couple other adults were playing with them.

Adam saw a bunch of gifts on the porch, so he added theirs to the pile. Dawson told Colby to 'go play' and he took off with some of the kids. Mateo got beers for the boys and took them around to meet everyone. As they made the rounds, Adam reconnected with some of the cousins that he played with as a child.

Rosa came over and Adam introduced her to Dawson as Margherita's partner. Rosa was in her early fifties and had a tall lithe build, her hair was salt and pepper. She kept it pulled back in a pony tail.

As they were talking, Dawson thought he saw Helena staring at him through the kitchen window. Rosa told them that Elvis was on the road, so they couldn't visit him at the stables. They hung around the back porch with the rest of the family. The cousins told stories from their childhood and everyone was laughing and joking. Dawson caught Helena watching him again from inside the kitchen. She looked away quickly when he spotted her.

When dinner was ready, they ate at tables outside. Dawson could feel Helena glancing at him occasionally during the meal. The boys were very full when they finished. The kids took turns trying to break open a pinata, while the adults watched and laughed. The whole gathering sang happy birthday to Marco when they brought out a birthday cake with sparklers on it. Marco went crazy when he opened the Lego Ninjago set from Adam and Dawson. He hugged the box and couldn't stop smiling.

Adam and Dawson talked with the Santos cousins, as the alcohol continued to flow. Members of the family said their goodbyes as the evening wore on. Eventually, only Mateo's family and a few aunts, uncles, and cousins who lived at the farmhouse were still there.

"We should probably get going," Adam said quietly to Dawson.

"Yeah," Dawson said, "I need to go to the bathroom, then we can start saying goodbye to everyone," Dawson said.

"Ooh, good idea," Adam replied and they both got up.

They went into the house and headed toward the bathroom. Adam waited outside while Dawson peed. And then Adam went in when Dawson came out. Dawson wandered across the hall into the spacious living room and began looking at the pictures on the walls. He was looking for pictures of Jorge. Adam came out of the bathroom and joined him, looking at the pictures in the room. At one point, Dawson checked to make sure there was no one around and he turned to Adam.

"I kept catching Helena watching me," Dawson said quietly to Adam.

"Really?" Adam said.

"I'm wondering if she's picking up on the same 'Jorge vibe' that your granddad saw in me," Dawson whispered.

They looked at each other while Adam thought about it.

"You think so?" Adam asked.

"Yeah, and Margherita, too," Dawson said as he looked toward the door to make sure no one heard him, "She thought she knew me from somewhere..."

"Oh, I think you're being paranoid. Tia must have seen you at the wake," Adam surmised, "And I'm sure I surprised Abuelita when I told her I was gay and you were my boyfriend. She's probably taking her measure of you. She is very protective of those she loves. And we were very close when I used to come here when I was younger. She treated me like one of her grandchildren. That's why she insists I call her Abuelita."

"Oh, yeah... I was going to ask you... what Helena called you before... 'mi pollito'?... Doesn't that mean 'my little chicken'?" Dawson asked.

"It's a term of endearment," Adam said, sounding defensive.

"Uh huh," Dawson said and then he chuckled.

They went back to looking at the photos on the wall. Margherita appeared in the doorway. She saw the boys looking at the pictures.

"My family has so many photos," she said, "You should see the stacks and stacks of photo albums Tata has."

Adam wasn't listening. He was looking at a picture on the wall toward the back corner. He almost missed it because it was behind a floor lamp. He touched it and spoke.

"I knew it," Adam said, "Dawson, look. Remember I said that picture looked familiar? This is what I remembered. It has the Santos Family Farm sign in the background. And there are two people in almost the exact same pose." Adam looked a little closer. "Hey, I think that's you in the picture, Tia," he said.

"Let me see," Margherita said, curious about the picture.

Adam took it off the wall and held the picture up toward Dawson and Margherita. In the background was the sign that said, 'Santos Family Farm'. In the foreground, there was a young woman standing in front of a horse. Her hand was resting on the saddle. A young Margherita was holding the reins of the horse with one hand. Her other hand was resting on the saddle. They were both laughing. The girls were in almost the same positioning as the picture of Jorge and Clayton that Adam remembered.

Margherita and Dawson moved toward Adam. Dawson took the picture from Adam. He looked at it. His eyebrows furrowed. He stopped breathing. His eyes narrowed. His jaw tightened.

"Who's this woman?" Dawson asked with a pinched voice as he urgently turned the picture toward Margherita.

Dawson stood next to Margherita and held the picture in front of her, so they were both able to see it. Margherita examined the picture.

"Oh, wow. I didn't know we still had this picture. That's me," she said, touching her image in the picture, "and that's my cousin, Teresa... Tata's daughter," she said, sounding very casual about it, as she touched Teresa's image.

Dawson's mouth opened. He looked at Margherita as he slowly lowered the picture. He reached back and found the arm of a chair. He sat down.

"Dawson, what's wrong?" Adam said with concern as he moved toward him.

Dawson looked at the picture. He then looked at Margherita.

"Please," Dawson said softly to Margherita, "Can you get your aunt Helena? Please... It's important."

"What's wrong?" Margherita said with concern.

Adam put his hand on Dawson's shoulder. He looked very worried.

"Please, just get her," Dawson said quietly.

Dawson lifted the picture and looked at it again. Margherita hesitated. She looked at Adam. They made eye contact. Adam nodded at Margherita.

"Trust him," Adam said, "Get Abuelita," he added almost like a command.

Margherita recognized the seriousness in Adam's voice. She turned and hurriedly left the room.

"Dawson, what is it? Who's that woman?" Adam said as he gripped Dawson's shoulder.

Dawson looked at Adam. The blood had drained out of his face.

"Adam," Dawson whispered softly, "This woman... Margherita's cousin... Helena's daughter... Teresa..." Dawson pointed at the picture as he looked at Adam, "That's my mother."

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The Inheritance Clause - 26

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-DJ