“I suspect we all do, but I don’t think they’re about what you’ve just told us,” Tina responded after a moment. “Maybe we should hold them until you’re done.” Stephanie looked to the others for agreement before proceeding.

“I’ll move on to the personal bequests. Lara Perkins is out of the country, but she will be properly notified of the $75,000 provision made for her. Bequests in that amount have also been made to Ms. Schecter, Ms. Morales, whom I notice is not present, and Ms. Kit Porter. Ms. McCuthcheon, Ms. Kennard and Ms. Bette Porter are each left $150,000.” Shane looked like she’d been punched in the stomach at the mention of Carmen’s name.

“There’s also a million dollar donation divided among several breast cancer research and service organizations. Oh, and some of her tennis racquets are to be gifted to someone named Max…or Moira? Ms. Schecter, you are to see to that.”

Jenny nodded. Dana had been the first of the group to connect with Max and her kindness then, and now, was a lesson Jenny would not soon forget.

“The remainder of the wealth, property and residue of the estate, including the rights to the Dana Fairbanks, name, image and brand, is left to Alice Pieszecki. After the outstanding medical bills, estate taxes, and these bequests, the estimated current value of the estate, including the condo, whose mortgage is to be retired in the next 30 days, and excluding any future income on investments and image licensing, is in the neighborhood of $5,000,000.”

The women sat in humbled silence. Not only was Dana a trust fund baby, she was also, it seemed, one very skilled and crafty investor. And they never knew. Her generosity and thoughtfulness amazed them. She’d anticipated every possibility and put her affairs in order rapidly and quietly. It was such a Dana thing to do.

“Of course, there are a number of additional items that will need attention, and it would be a good idea to have our tax department take a look to make sure the estate is as sheltered as possible, but that’s the gist of it. Ms. Pieszecki, you remain as an appointed executor, while Ms. Bette Porter and Ms. Peabody replace Sharon and Irwin Fairbanks.”