The Inheritances Game (Jameson Hawthorne)

Puzzle #1

It was day two of searching the library, we all started grabbing books when Grayson walked into the library.

"What are we doing today?" Grayson asked.

"We?" Jameson shot back.

"Glad you could join us." I said setting down another stack of books.

"Can't an older brother spend time with his younger brother, close friend, and an interloper of dubious intentions without getting the third degree?"

"He doesn't trust me with you guys," Avery said from next to me.

"I'm such a delicate flower." Jamesons tone was light but his eyes were dark. "In need of protection and constant supervision."

"Jamie, Gray, let's be civil shall we?" I said as a warning.

Grayson looked to me before glancing back at Jameson. "What are we doing today?" he repeated.

"Cal, Heiress, and I have a hunch, doubtfully wasting sinful amounts of time on what I'm sure you would consider to be nonsensical flapdoodle."

Grayson frowned, "I do not talk like that." Jameson just arched his eyebrow as I shook my head in dismay.

Grayson narrowed his eyes. "And what hunch are the three of you following?"

"We think your grandfather's letter to Jameson included a clue about what he was thinking." Avery answered.

"What he was thinking." Grayson repeated.

"It sounds like him, doesn't it?" Jameson asked Grayson. "One last game?" I could see the hope in his eyes how badly he wanted to do this game with Grayson. I could also see the slight spark in Grayson's eyes at this suggestion.

"Frankly Jamie." Grayson commented, "I'm surprised you still feel you know the old man at all."

"I am just full of surprises." Jameson said his eyes still hopeful but I could see how hard he was trying to hide it. "And you can leave anytime, Gray."

"I think not," I said standing up and pulling both of them to the table Avery and I were at.

"Better the devil you know than the devil you don't. Or is it? Power corrupts. Absolute power corrupts absolutely."

"He left you the same message, the same clue." Jameson said

"Not a clue" Grayson countered. "An indication that he wasn't in his right mind."

Jameson turned to him in shock. "You don't believe that."

"But a judge might." I said leaning back in my chair.

Grayson nodded. "He'll use his letter against you if he can." he said to Avery.

"There was another one before this" Avery said looking down. "Your grandfather left your family even less in that one. He didn't disinherit you for me." She looked up at all of us, I felt frozen. He had another will?

"You're lying" Jameson said, I put my hand on his arm to try and calm him down. I could feel how tense his whole body is.

"I don't think she is." Grayson said and I nodded in agreement, "You might as well tell me what you think that godforsaken letter means, Jamie." Grayson said.

"And why," Jameson said through gritted teeth. "Would I give away the game like that?"

The brothers were used to competing with each other, pushing to the finish line. Working together was- a unused concept in recent times for them.

"You do realize, Jamie, that I am capable of staying here with the three of you indefinitely?" Grayson said. "As soon as I see what you're up to, you know I'll reason it out. I was raised to play, same as you."