Read Online Miriam's Secret by Jerry S. Eicher - Free Book Online Page A

equipment and animals, and quite a tidy sum of money.”
    â€œHe did what ?” The world swam before Miriam’s eyes. Had she heard correctly?
    Rose seemed to understand. “That’s right, Miriam. Amos left you his farm, debt free, along with two million dollars.”
    Miriam’s gaze was steady, but she wasn’t seeing anything. The world appeared white in front of her. The features of the restaurant, including its long bar of food, were gone, replaced by a heavy fog.
    Rose’s voice sounded distant and unreal. “Miriam? Are you okay, Miriam?”
    â€œWe should have chosen a better place to break this news.” Mr. Rosenberg sounded irritated.
    â€œMiriam?” Rose pulled on her arm again. “Are you still with us?”
    Things came into focus again. Miriam clutched the side of the table. “Did you really say what I think you did? That Mr. Bland left me his farm and two…two…” Miriam couldn’t complete the sentence.
    Mr. Rosenberg didn’t hesitate. “Yes, I did. The farm, everything on it, and two million dollars.”
    Miriam still couldn’t breathe right. Two million dollars! She didn’t even know anyone who had so much money. Right now she couldn’t even remember how many thousands that was. A lot! That much she knew. Suddenly she turned to Rose. “But what about you? You’re his closest relative. Shouldn’t Amos have given everything to you?”
    â€œDear, Amos was a very wealthy man. I’m already well provided for, but Amos was very thoughtful. Although he left you a great deal of money, the estate was split three ways. I was given a third, you were given a third, and the other third is to be divided among several ministries he supported.”
    Miriam didn’t know how to respond. Finally she managed to speak. “B-b-b-ut what am I to do with a farm and all this money?”
    â€œDo you have an attorney?” Mr. Rosenberg asked.
    â€œOf course not!” Miriam almost choked.
    â€œIf I may make a suggestion?” Rose asked.
    Miriam nodded.
    â€œI recommend you ask Mr. Rosenberg to represent you,” Rose said. “You can’t do better than having him look after your interests in this matter. He’s very reputable, and, after all, Amos trusted him completely.”
    Miriam’s head was still spinning. “I don’t know what to do,” she said. “If I need a lawyer, then yah , I’d like it to be you.”
    â€œI’ll be happy to assist you,” Mr. Rosenberg said.
    â€œMay I please go home now?” Miriam stood. “I really don’t feel well.”
    â€œI’ll have the papers ready for you to sign tomorrow,” Mr. Rosenberg said, also rising. “There will be the property deed, bank account, tax forms, inheritance forms, and more paperwork. Can you come to my office?”
    Miriam rubbed her forehead. “ Yah …I think. I don’t want to meet at my home. I need to think about this. I’m not sure I want my mamm and daett to know about this just yet.”
    â€œI’m not sure I understand, but that’s your prerogative.” Mr. Rosenberg appeared puzzled.
    â€œI can barely grasp this news,” Miriam said. “This news will be quite a shock and change a lot of things.”
    Mr. Rosenberg wiped his brow again. “Whatever you deem best.” He handed her his business card. “Please call me as soon as possible to set up an appointment.” He looked at Rose. “I’ll take care of the check, of course.”
    Rose also stood and took Miriam’s arm. “Thank you, Mr. Rosenberg. We’ll be in touch.”
    â€œYes, of course,” Mr. Rosenberg said.
    As Miriam turned to leave with Rose, she glanced back at Mr. Rosenberg. He was still standing by the table. He was uncomprehending as to what this would do to her life. What this all meant for the future was so unknown. Right now, she