He invested small amounts under an attorney-managed account.
Over thirty-five years, the investments had grown.
The current value:
$3.7 million.
The beneficiary:
Ryan Bennett.
I stared.
“What?”
Michael reread the line.
“Why Ryan?”
There was another page.
Because Thomas always believed Ryan would someday learn the truth and need a life not defined by the Holloway name.
I called Thomas.
He came to my house that evening.
When confronted, he looked embarrassed.
“I hoped nobody would find out until after I was gone.”
Ryan stared at him.
“You put almost four million dollars in my name?”
Thomas shrugged.
“Technically, compound interest did most of the work.”
Ryan laughed in disbelief.
“Why?”
Thomas looked at Michael.
“Because I failed his father when we were young.”
Michael’s eyes filled.
“You didn’t owe my son your life.”
“No.”
Thomas looked at Ryan.
“But I needed to do one decent thing without asking for forgiveness.”
