The New Adventures of Nero Wolfe - The Hasty Will

Mr. John Blake, President of the Plymouth Building and Loan, arrives at the door to Mr. Wolfe's office. Wolfe says "Archie, answer the door". Blake says "Good evening. I'm John Blake". Wolfe says "Oh, yes. Come in, Mr. Blake. Archie, show Mr. Blake in and close the door". Blake says "Mr. Wolfe, I have a little business for you. Now, before you say anything, I know you're not a lawyer". Wolfe says "I'm not a member of the bar, let us say, Mr. Blake". Blake says "Of course". Archie asks "What kind of business, Mr. Blake?" He says "I have here a short will, which I have typewritten myself. I haven't signed it yet. Also, I have here a sealed envelope containing a letter, which I want you to be prepared to deliver to the addressee". Wolfe says "A will and a letter. Very well. Mr. Blake, you have the best attorneys in the city, and this is most assuredly the business of attorney". Blake says "Perhaps, but in this particular instance, I wanted an individual who had no interest in me nor previous knowledge of my affairs". Wolfe says "I see". Blake says "And when I leave here, I want you to forget the whole thing for the time being". Wolfe says "Indeed". Blake says "You have said it. Here's the will. You may read it". Archie reads the will out loud. "To my daughter, Anita Blake, I do hereby bequeath all my property, personal and real, including the portrait painting of her mother, my dear deceased wife, Marcia Blake. This will supersedes any and all instruments previously drawn". Wolfe says "So, simple enough, isn't it?" Blake says "That's all. Now, the pen, please, and I'll sign it. Now then, you sign as witness, Mr. Goodwin. You retain the will, Mr. Wolfe, and the envelope here which is addressed to Hilary Blake, my brother, who is now living in this city". Wolfe says "Your brother?" Blake says "He's just recently returned from twenty-five years in Australia. Though Hilary has written me several times, I have not favored him. We've been estranged these many years. Over, well, a certain unpleasant situation which this enclosed letter will clear up".