Chapter 87

“What about my house?” Patricia asked.

“Well, as the law stands, Ms Morgan can claim half of Frank’s possessions but not the house on Stones Road. Although, she would have to negotiate with Dallas and Paul or their legal representative.”

“Mars Mineral Corp. owns the property and what’s under the dome, barring personal possessions of the occupants. The board of directors, or more precisely, Zeke, would have to determine who can live in it if you decide not to.”

“Mildred sent me the agreement you signed and told me that when the property was sold to the company, it gave you and Frank the right to live in the house until you relinquish it in writing or die. The company does have to maintain the property, but you have a say in any changes.”

“So, can Penny claim Frank’s half?”

“No, it was a legal agreement with you and Frank. It isn’t one of his possessions, and he died. Only you can say who lives under the Dome and on the property unless you wish to relinquish the property.”

“We do have another issue. Frank owned the house that Ms Morgan lives in. He did not add her as a co-owner or as his wife, and he paid all the bills. Ms Morgan hasn’t worked since she moved into the property nor paid rent in the last seven years.”

“For tax purposes, Frank was listed as living with and married to you, Patricia. So, according to Mars law, Ms Morgan’s house was classified as a rental property. Frank claimed it as such on his taxes.”

“So, Dallas and Paul are entitled to half its value. You could also claim the other half since Ms Morgan never contributed to its purchase or upkeep. Legally, Frank had been living with you for thirteen years before it was purchased and for the last seven years.”

“He has never notified the Mars government that he was also married to Ms Morgan. Her tax returns since living on Mars claim she is single.”

“If I argued the case, I believe I can have their marriage declared void. Ms Morgan didn’t come to live on Mars until twelve years ago. It could be argued that Frank believed they had divorced. Also, neither of them have legally claimed to be married to the other in twenty years.”

“Mildred believes that Frank thought he had divorced Ms Morgan before coming to Mars. However, she never signed the papers to finalise the divorce. Initially, Ms Morgan was blackmailing Frank, so he would support her. However, they kissed and made up.”

“We would only be guessing as to what transpired and what schemes they hatched. Unfortunately, I believe it will have to go to the courts to be settled unless you and Ms Morgan come to an agreement.”

“Peta Gin-Lou is registered as Frank’s and Ms Morgan’s attorney on Mars. I have sent her a copy of the will and Frank’s finances as of the time of death. When I asked her if Ms Morgan had ever claimed to be married, she wasn’t aware that she had been.”

“So, we have sent in a request to determine if the marriage certificate I was sent is real and current. It may clear up the matter. If you don’t mind, we’d like to have an investigator, go to your house and look for any records you have. Mildred is happy to go with them as our witness.”

Patricia looked at Zeke. Zeke shrugged, “As far as we know, we have nothing to hide. A good place to look may be his ‘Touch-it-and-you-die’ cupboard. Do you have the combination to the lock, Mum?”

Patricia shook her head. “No. They will have to break the locks. It also has a fingerprint scanner on it. I’ve never dared to touch it. Frank would go off his nut if he found anyone near it. He told us it would zap us if we fiddled with it.”

“Excellent. So, as it stands, we will have to wait until the investigation is completed and the document search is done. Unfortunately, the Records department can be a bit slow if the request isn’t straightforward.”

“What about Frank’s accounts? We cancelled the joint account after I learnt about Penny,” Patricia asked.

“I’m afraid they have been locked, not that there is much in them. They won’t be released until who gets what is determined. His Retirement fund will not be paid out until then either.”

“Mildred said he only put the bare minimum in it, so it has only about two hundred and sixty thousand Sols in it. If he has a death policy, we haven’t found it. Peta said she didn’t have a copy of one.”

Patricia shook her head. “My Retirement fund has more in it than that. I also don’t believe he has a current Death Policy. As far as I know, he cancelled it the minute Zeke turned eighteen. He said that Zeke has all the money so he can look after me and the twins in future.”

“That’s a bit rich since he expected me to hand over the money, I had in the Trust to bail the company out.”

Patricia shrugged, “He just expected you to make more. No one finds ore deposits like you do.”

Zeke shook his head in disgust.

“I’m sorry I can’t be more help. Mrs Stone, it will be eight months to a year before it is all sorted out. People have six months to come forward to make a claim against his estate so that lengthens the process.”

“Oh! Does that concern his daughters on Earth?” Patricia asked.

“Pardon?” Travis said in alarm.

“He once told me he left two daughters on Earth. But he never said whether he claimed them or not. I have no idea who they are or where they are.”