"Since no will was left by the deceased," the lawyer said to Mack, "you will have to..."

...deal with the dispersal of assets with your family."

"What kind of assets Mr. Welch? Aunt Kay collected dried flowers and homeless cats! And that little house of her's certainly isn't worth much."

"Mr. Cordis, while your aunt did not leave a will, she did leave an inventory of sorts, of her personal belongings. You may find that she collected more than dried flowers and homeless cats."

Taking the hand-written sheet from the attorney, Mack's eyes widened as he noticed the fifth item listed. As he leapt from his seat, he carelessly tossed the list back at Mr. Welch. Chuckling to himself, the attorney retrieved the list, "You forgot your aunt's sarcastic sense of humor, Mr. Cordis. I hope you'll be reminded of it when you find that bag of gold coins under her bed. I'm sure the chocolate is stale by now, but the imitation gold wrapping around it must still be quite valuable!"

by Stewart Lindsay, Buffalo, NY

...post ads in local papers and out of town papers about the death. You have to make sure there are no other heirs besides yourself."

Another expense, Mack thought, that I can little afford. Mack knew that it would eventually be worth the effort because his uncle had been a very wealthy man and if he was the only heir, then he had it made in the shade!

by Mary Smith, Fredericksburg, TX