One of my favourite Dick Francis novels, Straight is the story of an injured jockey who takes over his brother's jewellery business after the brother is killed in an accident.
I inherited my brother's life. Inherited his desk, his business, his gadgets, his horses and his mistress. I inherited my brother's life, and it nearly killed me.
Two days after his ankle was landed upon by a half-ton of horse, ex-champion steeplchase jockey, Derek Franklin, was notified that his brother Greville was in intensive care.
Greville died later that day. As Derek was leaving the hospital with his brother's effects in a hospital bag, he was mugged and the bag was stolen.
Greville was in the jewellery business, specializing in semi-precious stones. But, unknown to any of his employees, he had recently borrowed $1,000,000 to buy a load of uncut diamonds.