“Miss Vivian requests I inform you she would like for Evelyn to join us this Friday for a family event. She would be required to stay the weekend and travel home on Monday morning. I’m sure you’ve heard the news of our Kellen’s demise by this point.”

Mortimer, the McCartney butler.

“And Vivian thought I would be satisfied with just letting her go off without much other explanation beyond a family event. It’s a funeral Mort. Don’t bullsh*t me.”

Ethan was angry but not with Mortimer.

“I know sir. She asked me not to mention the funeral but I felt it wasn’t fair.“

Ethan remembered Kellen telling stories about Mortimer from when he was younger.

The butler had been more of a father figure to him than his own father had been.

He knew that he was likely not taking the news any better than anyone else. But because of his professionalism you would never had guessed.

“Thank you Mortimer. I appreciate it.”

There was silence for a brief moment as Ethan sucked in a breath and let it out.

“Let Vivian know that Evie will be there — of course she will be — but I will be with her.”

“But sir... you know that...”

Ethan cut him off. “And she knows that Kellen signed new custody arrangements before he died. Vivian is no longer Evie’s guardian and neither is my mother...” the word mother was spoken through closed teeth. “I will be there or she can have fun explaining to her granddaughter why she wasn’t allowed to say goodbye to her father.”

“Yes sir, I will let her know. There will be a dinner following services. Correspondence will be sent by email from Miss Piper.”

“Thanks Mort.” A pause. “And Mort?”

“Hmm?” The older gentleman inquired.

“I’m sorry for your loss. I know how much Kellen meant to you. He loved you too.”

The sound of a sharp inhale could be heard on the other end of the phone.

“Thank you Ethan. Your words are kind. I look forward to seeing you Friday. Although I wish it were under better circumstances.”

“You as well Mortimer.”

Click.

Ethan tossed his new phone onto the bed and ran his hands across his face.

‘F*** Kell, even in death you’re a pain in my ass.’