Mr. Tiny's Will

I really didn't feel out of place, being here at the reading of Mr. Tiny's will. Other coloreds was here - not just the light skinned ones either. three of them was dark. Lawyer Judd said I was to be here. Maybe he told them the same. Three of his immediate family was sitting up front at the desk and the rest was distant relatives, cousins nieces and nephews. Just hoping that they could leave this place in a better situation. Now, I have been here longer than anybody in the room even Mrs. Tiny. I was an old woman when Mr. Tiny brought her home to marry. And then the children was born, Daniel Jr. and Adam Moses.

Everything being so quiet, Mr. Judd cleared his throat and said, 'Let us begin.' We are gathered here this 15th day of February in the year of our Lord, 1962, to read and dispose of the last will and testament of Mr. Daniel Tiny Sr. I, Daniel Tiny Sr., being of sound mind and body do hereby declare this as my last will and testament. First, to all the servants of the house and gardens, Jenny, James, Henry, Charles, Addie Mae, and the twins Harry and Larry. You have worked for me for years even after my diagnosis of cancer and liver failure. you all kept things running and you are the reason for my family's continued wealth and success. I hereby leave to you all, The Westwood Estate up in Redville. There are five houses on the property and two hundred and forty five acres. I've stipulated in my will that you will be given tools, livestock and $500.000.00 for other essentials. I hope and pray that you all have a happy life there with your families.

I knowed them coloreds was ready to scream and holler. They never expected this. I was amazed that they held up. but you could see the happiness in they eyes. I was even ready to shout and my name had not even been called. Lawyer Judd continued. To my relatives that remain alive, there should be eight of you. I leave $1,000,000.00 each. Have a happy life and please be excused for the rest of these proceedings. Mr. Judd will make sure you get what's coming to you. They all stood up to leave so the coloreds turned to leave as well. Lawyer Judd called out to them not to leave but to fill the seats of the relatives that left. After we had all sat down, Lawyer Judd started reading again.

To my wife, Ellen, I leave this estate, our home and $50,000,000.00. And to my sons, Daniel Jr. and Adam, I leave $100,000,000.00 each and my company and all of it's revenue to be shared equally.

Mr. Judd has letters for the three of you that I wrote personally and are for your eyes only. Now to the servants. I've given you your own and you deserve it, but I'm asking you to please don't leave my family on their own. Teach my sons so that they will fare well in life. Help my wife to manage things as you have always done. I won't try to force you and you will still receive your wages but I am asking you, please stay on and work for her.

Mama Clara, I haven't forgotten about you. you are here to be a witness and to give your approval that I've done everything right. You were there when my father was born, what are you now one hundred and eleven? Grandpa Tiny said you'd outlive all of us. Lawyer Judd got out of his seat and took something out of his cabinet. He then walked around to where I was sitting and put it in my hand. After he went and sat back down he picked up the will and continued to read. Mama Clara, don't open this until you are alone in the privacy of your room. I was told to give it to you by my father who received it from my grandfather. This concludes the reading of the will. I will begin to disperse everything immediately.

I went up to my room and locked the door so I could be by myself. After I sat down on my bed I opened the box that I had been given. Inside was a beautiful silver chest and a small pouch with a key inside. upon opening the chest there was a lock of hair a yellowed letter that had instructions for me. Underneath the letter was was a gold heart shape locket....