Tom and Maggie looked at the armchairs and gingerly sat down looking round the room taking in the shoddiness of it all and yet here was this quite vibrant though whacky woman who had attracted Tom's father so many years ago.
"How long have you lived here Anna," asked Maggie to which Anna replied, "It seems a lifetime and much longer than I care to think about but it is only a short time really."
Anna entered the room carrying a tray with beautiful china cups and a lovely old English bone china teapot - such a direct contrast to the surroundings they were in. What was going on here Tom wondered?

Tom and Maggie looked at the armchairs and gingerly sat down looking round the room taking in the shoddiness of it all and yet here was this quite vibrant though whacky woman who had attracted Tom's father so many years ago.
"How long have you lived here Anna," asked Maggie to which Anna replied, "It seems a lifetime and much longer than I care to think about but it is only a short time really."
Anna entered the room carrying a tray with beautiful china cups and a lovely old English bone china teapot - such a direct contrast to the surroundings they were in. What was going on here Tom wondered?

Anna poured tea for all and offered a little booster to Tom's cup, which he hastily declined, although he would not have minded, as the situation was becoming more bizarre by the minute and he wished they had ignored the solicitors letter which now threatened to become a noose around his neck.
They sat awkwardly together and exchanged pleasantries for few minutes. Maggie could see that Tom was looking for a way to open up a conversation regards this peculiar situation, so she came straight out and asked, Anna," Would you mind telling us why you have gone to this length to to involve Tom in this sudden family get together, when it is years since his father had his clandestine affair with you. Now we are confronted with a half brother whom we have absolutely no wish to know further. What is it all about. Why is your son in prison and what are you expecting from us? Is it money you are wanting, because I'm sorry, we are retired and on a pension."

Anna smiled and shook her head. " It is about money, Maggie, but it is not what you think'. Tom's father bought a considerable number of shares many years ago which we knew nothing about. Six months ago we were notified by a Swiss Bank of their existence. They had spent years trying to find Tom and his brother as they are the heirs to quite a fortune

Anna poured tea for all and offered a little booster to Tom's cup, which he hastily declined, although he would not have minded, as the situation was becoming more bizarre by the minute and he wished they had ignored the solicitors letter which now threatened to become a noose around his neck.
They sat awkwardly together and exchanged pleasantries for few minutes. Maggie could see that Tom was looking for a way to open up a conversation regards this peculiar situation, so she came straight out and asked, Anna," Would you mind telling us why you have gone to this length to to involve Tom in this sudden family get together, when it is years since his father had his clandestine affair with you. Now we are confronted with a half brother whom we have absolutely no wish to know further. What is it all about. Why is your son in prison and what are you expecting from us? Is it money you are wanting, because I'm sorry, we are retired and on a pension."

Anna smiled and shook her head. " It is about money, Maggie, but it is not what you think. Tom's father bought a considerable number of shares many years ago which we knew nothing about. Six months ago we were notified by a Swiss Bank of their existence. They had spent years trying to find Tom and his brother as they are the heirs to quite a fortune but the problem is the claim can only be made in person and this means going to Switzerland. James won't be able to make this journey even if he was out of prison as he will be unable to leave the country now he has a police record."
Tom said, "Can I ask please what is James in prison for?" to which Anna replied, "Fraud..." There was a silence and alarm bells began to ring in Maggie and Tom's heads. Was this for real or just a scam? Was the mother as bad as her son?

Anna continued saying "Yes, I know what you're thinking, but please be assured that his crime has nothing whatsoever to do with this. That son of mine has unfortunately got very expensive tastes in women and has never quite learned the art of working for a living". Looking visibly upset, Anna implored Tom to read the letter she'd received from the Bank and to take it to a lawyer for verification if he thought it would help.

Anna continued saying "Yes, I know what you're thinking, but please be assured that his crime has nothing whatsoever to do with this. That son of mine has unfortunately got very expensive tastes in women and has never quite learned the art of working for a living". Looking visibly upset, Anna implored Tom to read the letter she'd received from the Bank and to take it to a lawyer for verification if he thought it would help.

Reading the letter, Tom found it difficult to comprehend what was involved with making a claim so after discussing this with Maggie, the decision was made to consult a lawyer to get some clarification on what was likely to be involved. As for this half brother, would they be able to find out more about him and his mother before going too much further? Life for this couple was far removed from their life back in New Zealand.

Anna continued saying "Yes, I know what you're thinking, but please be assured that his crime has nothing whatsoever to do with this. That son of mine has unfortunately got very expensive tastes in women and has never quite learned the art of working for a living". Looking visibly upset, Anna implored Tom to read the letter she'd received from the Bank and to take it to a lawyer for verification if he thought it would help.

Reading the letter, Tom found it difficult to comprehend what was involved with making a claim so after discussing this with Maggie, the decision was made to consult a lawyer to get some clarification on what was likely to be involved. As for this half brother, would they be able to find out more about him and his mother before going too much further? Life for this couple was far removed from their life back in New Zealand.

With no guarantees that there really was money at the end of this saga, and knowing it was costing them precious dollars daily, Tom was tempted to head for Heathrow and fly home to the nice quiet life they enjoyed. What if it was all a hoax? Could Anna and her son both be fraudsters and using Maggie and he for their own gain? Using a few well known Kiwi expletives, they decided to see it through but stay clear of Anna until something concrete was achieved.

They flew to Lucerne the next day and arranged a meeting with the bank official in charge of trusts. All went without a hitch, and after their identity was established the key was handed over and Maggie and Tom were left in private to open the box containing the deeds to whatever lay within. What a surprise awaited them

What a surprise awaited them. Nothing but a large sealed envelope was sitting in the box. and Maggie wanted Tom to open it there and then and get the mystery cleared up so that they could be on their way home as soon as possible. "You will have to be patient a little longer,Maggie" he said. "I have arranged to take the contents to a lawyer in London where he will examine them and give us the good or bad news with Alice present as a gesture of good faith on my part."

They were back in London the next day where the package was handed to the lawyer who said he would examine the contents as soon as possible. Anna was optimistically excited and believed that all her days of poverty were about to end.

What a surprise awaited them. Nothing but a large sealed envelope was sitting in the box. and Maggie wanted Tom to open it there and then and get the mystery cleared up so that they could be on their way home as soon as possible. "You will have to be patient a little longer,Maggie" he said. "I have arranged to take the contents to a lawyer in London where he will examine them and give us the good or bad news with Alice present as a gesture of good faith on my part."

They were back in London the next day where the package was handed to the lawyer who said he would examine the contents as soon as possible. Anna was optimistically excited and believed that all her days of poverty were about to end. Tom and Maggie were at the end of their tether by now and wishing they had never heard of this family, or of his father dallying whilst away on business. They picked Anna up and soon they were being ushered into the solicitors office where the package was waiting to be opened. After the usual greetings were done and they were seated, the package was opened and the solicitor spent some time perusing the contents.
"Well" said Anna impatiently, " Is there anything worthwhile coming to us from this mysterious business, or is it all a joke? Suddenly, Tom stood up and in exasperation said. " Whatever is in there, is of no interest to me. Our lives have been in an upheaval for weeks now. Maggie and I just want to go home and enjoy what we have. You are welcome to whatever is the outcome and we will leave you to enjoy it, Anna. I have written a letter stating that I withdraw any claims I may have had and will sign it in front of witnesses, then we will leave you to whatever is of value. I hope you will happy, Anna.

The startled solicitor tried to change Tom's mind, but he was having none of it. Anna burst into tears, while Maggie heaved a sigh of relief. Within a half hour all was accomplished and Tom and Maggie were free to depart. As they stepped out into the sunshine the city suddenly looked a wonderful place to be. " Where to now Maggie, I feel like enjoying myself. How does a holiday in England appeal, we could see the country Kiwi style in a campervan and maybe try that tunnel while we are at it." Maggie just looked up at Tom and nodded in agreement, her heart was full as she gazed into his eyes. She silently vowed to make this the best holiday they ever had.
The End

Great ending Joybel. I have to confess I lost interest in the story awhile back and I'm glad you decided to finish it off for us in such style.....well done!