CHAPTER 1
James and June Howe of Stanfield, Michigan, were discussing an item in the morning paper, while eating their breakfast. June looked at her husband.
“That was a great memorial service yesterday which was given for your Dad. I know he was well known by many business people who worked with computers. I didn’t know he was 92. He sure didn’t look and act like it. I imagined he was around 75. I didn’t know your Dad very well. When he sold his computer company for few million dollars, he retired and stayed most of the time in a house he built in some woods. I know he bought one hundred acres of Pine woods from the State, and then sold some of the property years ago. However, no other houses or buildings were built. He called his house Howe retreat.”
James nodded. “He even paid the county to put in a two lane asphalt road three miles from the main highway. When he knew he was going to die soon because of cancer, he stayed in his first home in town. A caretaker has been living in and taking care of his Retreat.”
“Did you ever go to his house in the woods”? June asked.
“Couple times before I met you ten years ago. It’s an unusual place but very beautiful. There is no electricity to the place, so Dad had equipment brought in and made his electricity by using a huge generator. It’s a large ranch type home with a two car garage.”
“Two car garage? How come two cars” June asked.
“Don’t forget he always had a caretaker who drove to Stanfield and picked up his mail twice a week, as well as groceries. One shouldn’t park outside, as when it rains, the car would be covered with debris from over head trees.” James explained.”
June looked at her husband as she poured coffee into each cup. “Yesterday
after the service some man came to you, while I was talking to some of the other girls I knew. Later you told me that you must be in your Dad’s lawyer office at ten this morning. How come?”
James shrugged. “Really I don’t know, June. Mr. Jackson said it was very important I be there. I want you there, too.”
When the wall clock in Mr. Jackson’s office showed it was ten, James and June were sitting in the office. James looked at the lawyer. “Why was it so important I be here this morning? I don’t owe anything that I know of.” He mentioned.
Jackson shook his head. “No you owe nothing. However, you’re going to get quite a bit of money. Also you have been requested to begin living in you Dad’s Retreat in the Howe Woods.” He replied.
James looked at Jackson. “You mentioned I’d be getting quite a it of money. How much? Maybe a thousand?” He asked.
“A lot more than that.” Jackson replied. “One million which is already in your Trust Bank. Another one hundred thousand to go into your checking account.”
James was quiet for a moment, then looked at Jackson. “Gosh!” He exclaimed. “All that money. Gee. I need some but not all that. Why so much.” He asked.
Jackson glanced at some papers upon his desk. “The information I have from your Dad is that for the last few years you’ve been trying to write novels. Your work never allowed much time for such writing. His note said now you can retire at a young age, live in a free home, and even sell your home in town. You’ll now have plenty of time for writing novels.” He reported.
June had a few words. “Neither Jim nor I have been out at the Retreat to see what it looks like. Jim said ten years ago it was nice. Maybe ten years later it won’t look nice. If we don’t like it there, do we have to live there?”
Jackson shrugged. “Keep in mind Mrs. Howe, you’ll never have to pay anything when living in the Retreat. If any repairs are eventually needed, they will be handed by me who has been given a large amount of money by your husband’s Dad. The money probably amounts to twenty to forty years.” He reported.
James looked at his wife. “Tomorrow let’s drive out there and see what it looks like. Then we can make up our minds. Okay?” He suggested.
June nodded. “All right.” She replied. “Let’s wait and see.” She added.
The next afternoon found James and June in a car driving toward Howe Woods. June glanced at her husband.
With your Dad living in his home in town last three years I bet that one at Retreat is shabby.” She mentioned. “I’m not looking forward to living way out there. We’d be at least a mile from the main highway, and nearly three miles from Stanfield.”
James nodded. “That’s true, Hon. Even though Jackson said a Caretaker has remained and still has been living there, the place is probably shabby. If we did move, we might have to hire somebody to clean the place.”