Prior to Nathaniel’s passing, Samuel Rawls sought legal declaration voiding his father’s marriage to Catherine Marie London. While few states allowed third party challenges to marriage, New York had a unique rule allowing the ability to annul a marriage and defeat the property consequences of said marriage. Both Nathaniel and Marie fought Samuel’s efforts. Despite Nathaniel’s incarceration, his power managed to keep Samuel’s allegations out of court.

Although Samuel never visited his father in the minimum security prison, the moment he learned of Nathaniel’s passing, his attorney successfully filed the necessary paperwork. Because Samuel had begun the annulment prior to his father’s death, the legal action survived.

In order to void a marriage, one of the following situations must be proven: fraud, duress, mental incompetence (either permanent or temporary), undue influence, sham, jest, and underage (voidable in a majority of jurisdictions). Samuel’s suit claimed mental incompetence and undue influence.

It wasn’t property from the marriage Samuel sought. Most of the family assets were gone, seized by the federal government. Rawls Corporation was sold. It no longer existed as a whole but parted out to many different procurers. The contents of the large home in upstate New Jersey were auctioned to the highest bidders, and the estate now belonged to a prominent sports star. The resulting proceeds sat in trusts, waiting to be funneled to those wronged investors. Of course, the attorneys would take their share first. What was left would eventually make its way to the people taking part in the claims and various class action suits.

Thankfully, Samuel wasn’t aware of Nathaniel’s overseas money. Samuel’s main objective was Marie’s name. His case was only to strip Rawls from her title. Vindictive, yes, but Samuel Rawls learned from the best. In one bold move, he punished Marie for replacing his mother and Nathaniel for wronging their family.

Anton tried to act as mediator. His father was not receptive. It didn’t matter to Samuel that Marie loved his father, that she had sat through every minute of his trial, and that she visited Nathaniel every week for twenty-two months.

Nathaniel had always been gruff and commanding, but there were times a softer side emerged. In Anton’s memory those instances usually involved his grandmother or Marie. Anton remembered one of his last visits with his grandfather. They were in the dingy pale green visitor’s room, and Nathaniel was giving Anton business advice.

“Boy, when I’m out of here we’re going to start new.”

“Yes, Sir, I told you about the project I’m working on with a friend.”

Nathaniel answered, “Yes, something about computers and getting information fast.”

“Yes, it’s called a search engine. We have some great ideas...”

“I don’t know about that. I do know you need money to make money. I know you can begin this start-up computer search thing and when it hits – move on. Buy, invest, sell, and just remember, it’s the bottom line. Your father always worried about people.” Nathaniel stood and paced behind the table. A habit he had when he was thinking, especially when the subject agitated him. It reminded Anton of watching a caged lion. “Where are those damn people now?” Nathaniel asked. Not waiting for a response, he continued, “They’re gone! They don’t give a damn about me, Marie, you, or even your damn parents. Do you think any of them give a shit if you have the money to grow this idea of yours?”

“No, Sir, but that doesn’t matter. I will make this work.”

“Damn right, but it is money that will help you. I’ve spoken with Marie about this. Regarding the money we’ve discussed, you can use as much as you need to get your project working. When I’m out of here, I’ll help with the growing, investing, and selling. Be smart, boy. If you have too much, the damn feds will be on you before you know it.”

“Thank you, sir. But I can’t take Marie’s money.”

“I know your father thinks very little of her. But that woman is one mighty remarkable woman. She doesn’t care about the money. Just don’t let your father get to her. I’m an old man. It helps me to know she has you on the outside to take care of her, if things get too rough.”

“I will do that, sir.”

*****

As Anton walked in the shadows toward room 12 A, he thought about how rough things had become. He never expected this family feud to end this way, but he wasn’t completely surprised.

When he came to Santa Monica to visit his parents, Anton wanted to discuss the recent ruling successfully voiding Marie’s marriage. He wasn’t relishing the idea of listening to his parents’ victory speech.

Anton wanted to stop the law suit; he tried. By tolerating the ruling to pass, he felt he’d disappointed his grandfather. He’d hoped this visit could bring about a compromise. Samuel had made his point. Now that Marie was planning on appealing the decision, perhaps Samuel could allow her to proceed.

Anton never had the chance to talk to his father or his mother. When he entered their bungalow three days ago, he found them dead. Immediately, Anton knew Marie had made it there first.

Her rendition of events was not too farfetched, if you knew the history. According to Marie, she went to their home to talk. It was Samuel who exploded first. He ordered her off his property. When she refused and asked to explain, Amanda entered the conversation. Supporting her husband, she told Marie to leave. It was Marie’s second time to attempt this discussion. More than anything, she wanted to make them understand.