Generation 2, Chapter 32 - Bad News

"Van Winkle residence," Faith giggled into the phone.

"Mr Peter Van Winkle please," A deep masculine voice requested.

"Daddy's not home right now," Faith told the voice despite the frantic hand signals from her sister.

Grace grabbed the phone from Faith's hand scolding her "you know you're not supposed to tell strangers that daddy's not home, idiot."

"I'm not an idiot," Faith protested, struggling to regain control of the phone.

Ignoring her attempts Grace spoke into the receiver "who is this?"

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor based out of Bridgeport," the man explained. "Are there any adults I can speak with?"

"I'm sure there are, There's millions of them running around," Grace flippantly replied.  Seeing her mother coming up the stairs "mommy there's some man asking for daddy."

Taking the phone from Grace, Jean spoke into the phone "can I help you?"  A worried frown creased her forehead.

"I'm Mr. Eckhart a solicitor representing Henry Van Winkles estate," the man explained.  "I'm sorry to  have to inform you that Henry passed away early this morning in his sleep in his home in Bridgeport."

Blinking back tears Jean listened to the solicitor explain that Peter was the sole beneficiary of a sizable inheritance.  "I'm sorry what?  Peter was told that his father lost his assets in a failed investment several years ago."

"Err yes that is something Henry would have said.  All will be explained once Peter comes to Bridgeport to settle his father's affairs."

"Peter has two older brothers, perhaps one of them can assist you in settling Henry's affairs."

"Unfortunately neither one of them was mentioned in Henry's will.  His instructions are very explicit that only Peter was to handle his affairs upon his death.," the solicitor explained.

"It maybe several days before Peter can arrange things to come to Bridgeport," Jean hedged.

"I understand he's a busy man but surely he'll want to come to arrange his father's funeral," the solicitor suggested.  "Please have Peter call me at his earliest convenience."

"I'll discuss it with Peter and we'll be in touch,"  Jean agreed jotting down the number where the solicitor could be reached at.

That evening as Peter was putting Henry down for the night. Jean followed him "Honey we need to talk," she said from behind him.

Glancing over at her he nodded.  He had a feeling all evening there was something on her mind.

Kissing Henry goodnight as laid him in his crib.  Following Jean to their room "so what's up?"

She went over to Peter and gave him silent hug "you know I love you right?" she asked looking deep into his blue eyes.

"Without question," he kissed her lips "I love you.  I have a feeling though that's not what you wanted to talk to me about."  he frowned at her "it's not like you to hedge around like this. Just tell me what's wrong?"  

Caressing his face "I received a phone call from your father's solicitor today." She stopped as she felt Peter stiffen  "Honey I'm sorry your father passed away early this morning in his sleep."  She felt rather than heard him cry.  She pulled him close, rocking him in her arms.

"I never got to tell him ..." Peter choked on a sob "I was going to tell him ... but I never did."

Rubbing his back "it's alright he knew you loved him."

"But I never told him ... not after ...." his voice ended on a sob recalling how he felt about how his father had been so callous towards Vallari and how it had destroyed her life.  

Holding her husband Jean did what she could to console his grief.  Her mind drifted to the phone conversation with the solicitor.  "Peter I know your hurting but the solicitor mentioned he needed you to come to Bridgeport to settle your father's affairs."

"Can't my brothers take care of it?"  Peter pulled away wiping his eyes.

"Apparently he left everything to you and you have to settle it ...."

"I don't understand ...." Peter took a large gulp of air "he didn't have anything. He told me he lost everything .... what is there that needs to be settled?"  Sniffing Peter grunted "Another lie.  I should have known.  My father was a great one for keeping secrets."  Reaching for Jean's hand he squeezed it tight "I don't want to look through his things ... I'm afraid of what I might find."

"Oh Peter I know your hurting," she caressed his face "grieve for the man you knew and remember we all have faults, secrets and mistakes we wish we could keep hidden.  Grieve for the man you adored when you were a little boy."

Smiling Peter kissed her "thank you.  I adored my father when I was little.  I kind of thought of him as some sort of superhero who would change the world.  I wanted to be just like him." Kissing her again "I'm glad I'm not though or I shudder to think what my kids might think of me."  Sitting up sighing "I should call that solicitor .  I just don't want to deal with it right now."

"Then don't," Jean kissed him pulling him down beside her "there's time enough for that tomorrow."

***

The next several days were long and difficult as Peter struggled to arrange his father's funeral.  He avoided contacting the solicitor, refusing to take his calls or acknowledge his messages.  He wanted to get through the funeral before dealing with anything else.  Looking up in time to see a man enter the funeral home and approach him.  "Mr. Van Winkle I'm Mr. Eckhart.  I've tried multiple times to contact you regarding your father's affairs"

"Now isn't a good time," Peter frowned turning his back to the man.

"I realize that you may not want to discuss it here but you can't ignore it forever," the man took steps to stand in front of Peter forcing him to stop.

"Once the funeral is over I'll call you," Peter told him through tight lips keeping a firm grip on his anger.

"No I think we'll discuss it now," he grabbed Peter's arm squeezing tightly.

Shaking him off Peter glared at him "don't touch me." Peter's voice was low and deep, anger apparent in it's tone.  

The man dropped his hand "It's imperative I talk to you Mr. Van Winkle.  I have classified information that will impact the future."  His grave tone caught Peter's attention.

Nodding Peter looked around at the gathered family and friends and realized there was no way they would be able to find a private place to talk.  "If this information is classified we'll need a more private place to talk.  This place just isn't the place to do it.  I could be interrupted at any time."

"Come to my office tomorrow morning," the man agreed despite the urgency of what he needed to discuss with Peter.  He handed Peter his card "come to my office, it's secure."  He turned and walked away.

Adam came up beside his father "dad do you know who that man is?"

"No," Peter shrugged "should I?  He just introduced himself as my father's solicitor."

Adam watched the man walk towards the door "that isn't a solicitor.  That's the alien man whose been helping us bring an end to the abductions."

Shocked Peter turned towards his son "are you sure?  I mean ... damn ... that explains why he said he had classified information to give to me.  I didn't think ... he looked so normal, except for the eyes."

"He was genetically altered to look like us," Adam turned to Peter "I have a few things to tell you about the future that can't be discussed here."

Nodding Peter suggested "why don't you accompany me when I meet with our alien friend tomorrow.  I can't imagine we'll have a more secure place to talk then there."

"I'll do that," Adam hesitated before adding "dad I'm sorry about grandfather."

"So am I but he had a long life," Peter hugged his son "thanks for coming."

"I wanted to be here to support you," Adam told his father.  "You know another person we should talk to is grandfather's assistant."

"I was planning on it.  She's here with her family.  She's also William's daughter ...."

"I'd like to meet her," Adam enthused.  Beverly walked over to them "Bev I want you to meet my dad.  Dad this is Beverly Bennett, another daughter of William's."

"It's nice to meet you," Peter smiled warmly at her.

"I wish it were under better circumstances," Beverly said shaking his hand.  "Dad spoke very highly of you.  He's not real happy with me being in the future ..."  Shrugging she continued "but we all have to do things we don't want to do sometimes."  Beverly was interrupted when Heath came running up to her.

"Mom come quick.  Irissa is all tangled up and I can't get her out."  Heath grabbed her hand and pulled her away.

"Mom?" Peter raised his eyebrows at his son.  "That's an interesting development.  Something you want to tell me."

"Heath is very attached to Beverly,"  Adam explained nonchalantly.  "Don't look at me like that.  She's too young for me."

"You protest too much," Peter smiled at him enjoying his discomfiture. "Age has nothing to do with it." Adam rolled his eyes remaining silent. "Son if you like her go for it."

"It's not that simple,"  Adam mumbled "there's other things to consider."

"Take my advice and don't over think it," Peter told him "she's good for those kids."  He watched as Beverly patiently helped Irissa become untangled  from the chairs she had crawled under and snagged her dress on.  Chuckling a little "I think you know it too."

"I know," Adam acknowledged on a anguished sigh, "but being with me puts her in danger."  He shot her a wistful glance "I'm hoping Evelyn will convince her to stay here when I go back to the future."

Shaking his head Peter told him "it's your life but I think you're making a mistake."

"Maybe," Adam conceded "it looks like it's about to start.  Uncle Paul is standing up at the podium.  I better round up the kids."

Afterwards everyone gathered around, reciting their favorite memories of Henry and saying condolences to the family.  Evelyn and Shon approached Adam "Beverly is staying with us and your more than welcome to join her.  We know it must be overcrowded at your grandfathers place."

"That's kind of you," Adam was about to decline when he noticed how well Heath was getting along with their kids.  It was so seldom Heath had the opportunity to make friends that Adam found himself accepting their invitation.  "I'd like that thank you."

"Good we look forward to getting to know you," Evelyn smiled warmly at him

***

In Loving Memory of 

Henry Adam Van Winkle 

Henry died peacefully in his sleep and has been 

reunited with his beloved wife Corina Doloris (Elliot) Van Winkle.

Favorite Quote:  "All life is an experiment.  The more Experiments you make the better."

Ralph Waldo Emerson

He is survived by his three sons, eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Paul (Lori) Van Winkle

John (Kevin) Van Winkle

Peter (Jean) Van Winkle

Children:  Faith, Grace and Henry

Adam Van Winkle

Children:  Heath and Irissa

Brian (Shannon) Van Winkle

Children:  Terri, Derrick, Bruce, April and May

Corina (Ethan) Parrott

Children:  Jason, Barbara and Lisa

Doloris (Elias) Parrott

Children:  Joseph, Rebecca and Patricia

Elliot Van Winkle