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  She felt classic music would have been more tasteful for a man of her husband’s stature. Vanessa knew instinctively that traditional gospel would have been Nate’s choice. Brother Melvin’s hands caressed the organ creating poignant musical tones, deftly ignoring Vanessa, who silently willed the organist to cease and desist. He segued into Amazing Grace causing the organ to wail even more.

  As the service progressed, many oral tributes were bestowed on Nathaniel Adams. Vanessa’s heart swelled with pride. So far, the funeral materialized as she envisioned, stately and dignified considering the many dignitaries in attendance. Melissa, much to Vanessa’s relief, didn’t embarrass the family. Vanessa sighed inaudibly for the reprieve she was granted.

  Reverend Wilbur Meadows, the pastor of Solid Rock Baptist Church, Nate’s spiritual home, took his place in the chapel pulpit and began his stirring eulogy. His praises of the many causes Nate had supported was music to Vanessa’s ears. Her husband proved to be a better spouse in death than in life. She didn’t approve of the songs Nancy chose for the service, but after all Nate was her son. She had no choice but to accede to the grieving mother’s contribution to the service.

  The widow Adams originally planned to have Nate’s funeral at one of the chapels located at the University of Chicago. The idea of Nate’s body lying in state at such a prestigious school of high learning, titillated Vanessa’s senses.

  Nancy vetoed the idea, saying that if Vanessa went ahead with her plans, she wouldn’t attend the services. She’d hated playing that trump card, but knew her daughter in-law was too motivated by other people’s perception of their family to allow that to happen.

  Nate’s mother listened quietly to her only child’s eulogy as tears trickled down her face. She felt as though her heart had been split into a million pieces. All she’d ever wanted for Nate from the time he was born was the best life had to offer. She’d watched helplessly as her son made mistake after mistake in life starting with Miss Vanessa Ross. Nancy sobbed aloud and Melissa clasped her hand tightly.

  The family filed to the front of the chapel to glimpse Nate one last time as the organist played When We All Get To Heaven. Melissa stood on shaking legs. One of her hands clutched Bobo’s tightly and the other Grandma Nan’s. The sight of her father gone for all eternity was too much for Melissa to bear. She wailed, “Daddy,” as Bobo led her away from the coffin and back to her seat. His eyes streamed with tears.

  Nancy was hunched over the side of the coffin for the longest time as she talked softly to her son. Finally, she kissed his cheek and returned to her seat. She and Melissa held each other and sobbed loudly.

  Moniqa glided gracefully to the coffin. She glanced down at her father, touched his chest, and returned to her seat without further ado.

  Vanessa walked slowly toward Nate’s body. Her head bowed and a mournful look appeared on her face. She spoke softly to her deceased husband and caressed his cheek, then returned to her seat.

  Mercifully, the last memorial service ended. The funeral service would be conducted tomorrow privately. The burial would follow immediately at Oak Wood Cemetery. The repast would be held in the family mansion, located on the south side in the posh community of Beverly.

  Chapter Two

  A month later, the Adams family gathered in the large wood-paneled conference room of Attorney Robert Simmons Esquire’s office. The building was located in downtown Chicago. The clan anxiously awaited the reading of Nate’s last will and testament.

  The Adams Insurance Agency family, owned and operated by Nate, had been established over twenty-five years ago. From the time he was a small boy, Nate exhibited the persona of a born salesman. He sold Kool-Aid in the summer in front of the family’s six-tenement building located on the west-side apartment.

  He and Nancy were at odds when a local drug dealer used Nate’s booth to sell their products. That was her son’s one and only brush with criminal elements. When Nancy learned the news from her friend who lived on the first floor, she beat Nate’s bottom until it was raw.

  The drug dealer honored Nancy’s request not to involve Nate in his activities. He later told the young man to let him know if he ever needed anything. Everyone sensed the potential in the young boy.

  Neighbors even described Nate as a one who could sell ice water to people in Hell. He was charming and charismatic but at times ruthless and unyielding. Local politicians had urged him to run on the democratic ticket several times. To Vanessa’s displeasure, her husband declined.

  He sold Fuller Products to subsidize his way through Wright College. Nate was awarded a degree in Business Management from Roosevelt University and opened his first agency six months after receiving his master’s degree.

  At the time of his death, over fifty Adams Insurance Agencies were scattered throughout the Midwest. Most were located in and around Chicago and Northwestern Indiana regions. A modern three-story building on South Chicago Avenue housed the company’s headquarters. It was a proud moment for the Adams Family when the building from the ground up had been completed.

  Vanessa chose to wear her lucky Chanel black wool suit, with a white silk shirt, and a black sable mink hat perched atop her head. “I wish Robert would hurry up,” she complained, glancing down at her silver Rolex watch. Her father, Edward, sat to her left and mother, Patricia, to her right. Moniqa sat next to Patricia, Melissa and Nancy sat a few seats away from Moniqa.

  Robert and his administrative assistance, Mrs. Wilcox, hurried into the room. “I’m sorry for the delay,” he apologized as he took his seat at the head of the table. “An emergency arose.” Mrs. Wilcox slid in the seat to his left.

  The attorney laid a thick manila folder in front of him, opened it and scanned the contents. “Nate’s will was pretty straightforward,” he remarked, as he looked at the faces around the table. “He hasn’t made many changes to the document since I drew the will up many years ago.”

  Robert discussed the non-family bequeaths first. They included his church and the United Negro College Fund, an organization near and dear to his heart. He also left a generous donation to a little league baseball team the company sponsored.

  Vanessa looked bored. She wished he’d get on to the important stuff. Her thoughts drifted outside the window where a view of the Chicago skyline provided a beautiful background. She sighed inaudibly, before covering her mouth to stifle a yawn as Robert’s voice droned on.

  Vanessa’s mind wandered back in time, to the day when she met Nate and the careful manipulations she’d orchestrated to secure marriage to him. She was short in stature and a tad lighter than her daughters in complexion. She knew when she met Nate those years ago that he was a winner as well as a keeper. It didn’t matter to her that Nate already had a girlfriend. Whatever Vanessa wanted she usually got and pulled no punches in acquiring it.

  Snobette could have been her middle name and Moniqa was very much like her mother in temperament. Vanessa loved the finer things in life and had high-class tastes, possessing a wardrobe to rival any starlet’s.

  Born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi, the oldest of three siblings, Vanessa moved to the Windy City to attend Northwestern University. Through the grapevine, she met Nate at a party held on the south side of Chicago. Slumming as she called it. Vanessa was instantly drawn to the power and confidence he exuded.

  Nate had enjoyed the jockeying of the two women and shamelessly dated and bedded both even though his heart belonged to Jacqueline. When Vanessa announced she was pregnant, she pressured him relentlessly about marriage. She even dramatically vowed to commit suicide. Nate stepped up to the plate and did the right thing.

  “The bulk of Nate’s estate has been left to Vanessa and the girls,” Attorney Simmons said, nodding at her. “Five percent of the company stock goes to Nancy, ninety percent to Vanessa and the girls equally. The last five percent is to be left in a trust to be administered by Lawrence Sullivan. The houses, cars and other disposable assets are left to Vanessa. She must bequeath those said items t
o the girls in her own will. The girls can execute their voting rights at eighteen years of age. Until they reach their majority, Vanessa retains their voting rights. Nate’s estate has been valued at a little above thirty million dollars after estate taxes are paid. Lawrence Sullivan is listed as his executor. “

  “The girls will receive monthly allowances and a lump sum distribution of $500,000 at eighteen years of age to be used for college expenses. Upon attaining the age of twenty-one, they’ll receive the remainder of their inheritance. There are cash bequeaths for other family members, Nancy of course, Vanessa, your sister and brother in-law, their son Bernard, Nate’s Uncle Bailey and his family. That sums up Nate’s will,” Robert concluded.

  Vanessa’s mouth gaped in dismay. “Are you saying that when the girls turn eighteen, that I’ll only own thirty percent of the company stock?”

  “That’s correct. When the girls turn eighteen next year, your majority will drop to thirty percent.”

  “I don’t believe it,” Vanessa remarked, visibly shaken. Her mouth was drawn into a thin red line. Her left hand flew to the side of her face. “Is that legal? Shouldn’t I, as Nate’s widow, possess the majority amount? What you’ve just told us doesn’t sound correct to me?”

  “Be that as it may,” Robert answered, his professional demeanor intact. “Nate could do as he very well pleased with the company and money.”

  Vanessa stood, her parents and Moniqa rose along with her like puppets. “If you think I’m going to take your word for this, Robert, then you’re crazy. There’s a lot of money at stake here, I will of course consult another attorney. Someone will be in touch with you.” That said, Vanessa and her entourage swept from the room.

  Melissa sat as if in a trance. As much as she wanted to stay in denial regarding her father demise, the meeting today drove the point home. “Nana,” she gulped ringing her hands together. “What just happened? Why did Mommy leave? Did I do something wrong?”

  “No child,” Nancy reassured her. “I think this was a case where things didn’t go Vanessa’s way and she’s upset. She’ll come around. Why don’t you go out into the reception area and wait for me there. I want to talk to Robert alone for a few minutes.”

  “Sure, Nana.” Melissa arose from the chair and walked woodenly out of the office.

  Nancy, clutching her handbag, turned to Robert. “Well at least my son had his financial house in order. I was really worried there for a while. If he had left everything to that woman, I may have had to sue you myself.” She tried to joke.

  “I can truthfully say whatever Nate did or didn’t do in his personal life, he made sure the girls were taken care of, especially Melissa. I fear she’s in for a tough time without her father running interference for her. He set things up so either girl could be independent of Vanessa if they chose to.”

  “That does my heart good,” Nancy murmured, stroking her cheek. “I know Vanessa will make sure Moniqa is taken care of. I was just always worried about Melissa.”

  “Nate didn’t say anything about that. He confided very little to me regarding Vanessa’s treatment of Melissa. I think this was his way of making sure Mel would be taken care of. Is she still staying with you Nancy?”

  “Yes.” She nodded. “I’m doing my best to insure Nate’s death doesn’t scar her permanently. It’s almost like Mel doesn’t exist for Vanessa anymore. I knew my son was playing with fire those years ago. I hope it doesn’t blow up and jeopardize Mel in the process.”

  “I suspect, with you in her corner, in time Melissa will be fine.” Robert’s face broke into a smile that faded as quickly as it appeared. “Nate left a letter for Mel. It was sealed when he gave it to me, to hold on to until the time comes when he thinks either you or I are ready for her to have it.”

  “Hmm… Seems like I sold my boy short. He appears to have all the bases covered this time. Of course now is not the time, Robert. We’ll know when the time is right. I always felt explaining the contents of that letter would fall to me, and I don’t know that I can be fair in view of my feelings for Vanessa. I am relieved Nate took matters into his own hands.” She extended her hand to the lawyer. “Robert, thank you, I’m sure we’ll stay in touch.” The two clasped hands.

  Nancy made her way to the reception room. She found Mel standing at the window looking outside. There was a faraway look in her eyes. “Are you ready child?”

  Melissa tried to smile. But it didn’t quite make it to her eyes. “Sure, Nana, let’s go.”

  * * *

  Nancy and Melissa stood on a busy corner of Michigan Avenue and hailed a cab to deliver them to Hyde Park where Nancy resided. In no time at all, they entered the high-rise building Nancy called home.

  Melissa headed to the spare room that had become her bedroom since the day of her father’s burial. She didn’t quite understand why her mother hadn’t requested that she return home. Vanessa called every few days to check on her progress and Melissa was too afraid to ask her if she should return home. She threw her body lifelessly across the bed.

  Nancy, in her bedroom changing clothes, murmured a prayer of thanks that Nate managed through dying what he couldn’t in life. Put his wife in her place. Nancy loved both her granddaughters but she just couldn’t stand Moniqa’s ways. She was too much like Vanessa.

  Nancy reminisced back to seventeen years ago when Nate told her he was marrying Vanessa. They’d sat in the living room of her west side apartment. Her agitated son paced back and forth across the living room floor as he explained he was not ready to settle down and how he barely knew Vanessa.

  Nancy remembered telling him that he only knew Vanessa in the intimate sense. How he didn’t know Vanessa the person. She tried talking Nate out of marriage but couldn’t make any headway. Nancy had been involved with a married man. So Nate never met or knew his biological father. It was a sensitive spot for him, and he vowed never to do the same to his children.

  What upset Nancy most was Vanessa playing the suicide card. Vanessa had hoped that it would sway Nate into taking his time dealing with the situation instead of just reacting. Nancy was also acquainted with his girlfriend, Jacqueline, and felt she was a better match for her son.

  Nate, much against her wishes, married Vanessa in a hurried, but extravagant ceremony prepared by her mother. Nancy’s heart broke as she sat in the folding chair in the Ross’ backyard during the ceremony. Everyone felt her tears were due to losing her son and only child. She felt a terrible premonition that this marriage would only bring heartache upon the family.

  Nancy ran her fingers through her short, coarse, silvery gray hair after donning a caftan. She walked into the living room and found Melissa on the telephone in the den. Nancy went into the kitchen to prepare for lunch.

  Melissa finished her telephone conversation and rushed into the kitchen with stars in her eyes. “Nana that was Mommy! She wants me to come home.” Rays of happiness lit the young woman’s face.

  Nancy took a deep breath. “Well that’s certainly news.” She shut the refrigerator door and set lettuce, tomatoes, celery and an onion on the counter before opening a drawer and taking out a knife to begin preparing a salad. “When does she want you to come home?”

  “Mommy said I may as well wait until the weekend. She told me to thank you for letting me stay here.”

  Nancy paused chopping the lettuce. “You being here is no trouble, Mel. Feel free to stay as long as you like.”

  “Thanks, Nana.” Melissa walked over and kissed her grandmother’s cheek. “I think Mommy really needs me and I have to do what I can to help my mother. Don’t think I won’t be back here for overnight visits.” Melissa grinned from ear to ear. The words she’d wanted to hear her entire life, she finally heard from her mother today. Mel, I need you home with Moniqa and I. Those simple words had filled her heart with love and a sense of belonging.

  “If you’re sure that’s what you want to do, then by all means, go home.” Nancy fought unsuccessfully to keep the hurt out of her voice. Her eyes
stung with tears as she chopped the onion.

  “Oh, Nana, don’t be like that,” Melissa admonished, sitting atop a tall stool at the kitchen table. “You know I’d rather be here with you, but Mommy needs me. I don’t think she’s ever said that to me. I have to go and be with her. I think that’s what Daddy would want.”

  “Child, don’t you worry about me. I know you want to be with your mother and sister. I also know sometimes things don’t go well for you there. All I’m saying is, if something upsetting occurs, then you can always come back and stay with me. You’ll be going away to college next year, so you won’t be in Chicago long anyway. That’s unless you change your mind and decided to go to college here.” She paused shredding the lettuce and stared at Melissa.

  Melissa hopped off the stool, walked to Nancy, and kissed her cheek. “You know, Nana, I asked the Lord over and over why he would let Daddy die and leave me alone with Mommy and Moni. I remember you telling me the Lord doesn’t put more on us than we can bear, and that behind every dark cloud there’s a silver lining. Maybe this is one of the linings. Maybe finally, Mommy, Moni and I will become close.”

  Nancy in all her wisdom knew that would not be the case. More than likely Vanessa wanted Melissa home to influence her as far as the stock was concerned. Nancy knew whatever scheme her daughter-in-law was up to didn’t bode well for Melissa. That had been the case the entire time the girls were growing up.

  “Well, Miss Mel, I’m happy for you,” Nancy replied, injecting a false note of cheer into her voice. “I’ll finish this salad. We’ll go out to dinner later. I have to enjoy the last few days I have my favorite granddaughter to myself.”

  Chapter Three

  A year later, in August of 1980, Melissa stood in the middle of her baby-blue colored bedroom packing her possessions for college. Piles of clothing sat folded upon her blue, polka dot ruffled canopy bed. Vanessa had tried every trick in the book to persuade the girls to attend Spelman University. Melissa took an unusual stand, feeling it was time to let the identical twin image die a natural death. She decided on Clark Atlanta University, and Moniqa took Spelman. Thanks to their father’s generosity, the sisters had the financial freedom to attend any university they chose.