Chapter 26 #2
“The funeral director called us to let us know. I’m a little surprised you want to spend money on a second opinion on a man who drank and suffered from a heart condition. I investigated the scene myself and can assure you I found no foul play.”
“I’m only requesting it as a formality to have it settled once and for all.
I don’t need the greedy bastards fighting over every little thing.
I want to return home as soon as possible,” he said, winking at Leslie.
Unfortunately, he saw Tucker’s crestfallen face at his news.
Mentally palming himself in the head, he needed to fix this as soon as possible.
“I understand. I’ll have them release the body,” Sheriff Dalton informed him.
“I appreciate it,” Owen said, narrowing his eyes.
“Do you know when you’ll hold the service? I’m sure folks will want to pay their respects. I’m sure you’re anxious to get back to your lives,” Sheriff Dalton inquired.
“We plan to keep the service small with only the family,” Owen told him. “It’ll be faster, and as you mentioned, we can get back to our own lives.”
Conner dug his head into Leslie’s shoulders and started to cry. She whispered into his ear, and he saw the boy nodding.
Damn this man. Obviously, he seemed to have a vested interest in his father’s death. Painting his father as an alcoholic after ten years of sobriety gave him away.
“Then I’ll leave you to it. Have a good day,” the sheriff said.
Owen hung up the phone and knelt in front of the boys. “Listen to me. I didn’t mean what I told him. You know someone broke into your house. I don’t want anyone to know our plans until we find the person who hurt your mom and scared you. Does it make sense?”
Conner wiped his nose on his sleeve as he gazed at Owen. “Mom says never to lie. Maybe you’re telling us this because you don’t want us.”
Owen hung his head. It appeared he needed to earn more than Leslie’s trust.
“Do you know wolves do best when they live in a pack? They usually have five to eight wolves who they trust more than anything. They play, find food, and fight together. Who do you see in the room? You have six brothers, then add Tucker and Leslie. You make the ninth. It means we’re our own pack.
Nathan and Noah represent the baby wolves, we must protect.
You’re part of the Wolfe family, and we’ll always stay by your side. ”
Conner glanced at the room, peering at his brothers and then at Tucker to see if he believed him.
“I know your dad taught you a bunch of stuff, but there’s one thing he didn’t teach you.
When you hear this sound, it means one of your pack needs you.
” Owen lifted his head and howled. Mason, Dillon, Wyatt, and Cade joined in while they waited for Tucker to join them.
Tucker grinned and let out a howl. Conner leaned against Leslie, who whispered in his ear.
Conner straightened, glanced at Leslie for encouragement, and howled.
When they quieted, a feeling drifted into the kitchen, reminding all the men of how their mother taught them this rule.
“When you hear this, it means to rally with your pack. If you find yourself in trouble, you’ll let out a howl, and we’ll all answer because we’re the Wolfe family pack,” Owen explained.
Conner turned to Tucker. “Did you hear him? We’re part of a pack,” he exclaimed excitedly.
“Eat your breakfast,” Dillon ordered. “We have chores.”
The boys heartily scarfed down their food. Owen’s phone rang again and this time, he wisely took it outside.
“Hello,” he answered.
“Hello, Mr. Wolfe. It’s Attorney Williby. I understand all of your brothers have come together for the reading of the will. May I call on you within the next half hour? If not, it’ll have to wait until late next week. I’m leaving this afternoon.”
“We’ll be waiting for you,” Owen assured the man.
“We’ll need Leslie Wilkins present, too,” the lawyer informed him.
“She’s already here. It won’t be a problem,” Owen informed him.
Disconnecting the call, he reentered the kitchen. “Williby will be here in half an hour.”
Leslie rose and took the dirty dishes to the sink. “Boys, brush your teeth and get dressed. You have homework, and then you can help Uncle Dillon with the chores.”
“Mom, can’t we play outside?” Tucker asked.
“When we’re finished. It’s supposed to get warm later today. It might be the perfect day for a swim if we get everything done this morning. We can pack a picnic. Of course, it won’t happen if we still have chores and homework unfinished…”
The boys ran for the stairs, making all the men shout, “No running.”
“After Williby finishes the will, I need to run Leslie to her house to pick up a few things. Gunny and a couple of his men will arrive around ten. They’ll need help installing the security system.
Can someone watch the boys? Leslie mentioned the attacker ripped her furniture.
They must be searching for something. I want to take a peek around without them there. ”
“They can stay here with me,” Mason offered. “After the boys finish eating, it’ll take me a bit to dress them, and we’ll take a walk.”
“Stay within hearing distance. Cade can keep an eye on the house, and Dillon can check the trails,” Owen ordered, putting the plates in the dishwasher. “Wyatt, scrape your plate. You’re not five.”
The men got to work and Leslie went upstairs to grab her house keys.
Cade entered the kitchen. “I see you took my advice. Do you plan on staying here?”
“I doubt it,” Owen admitted. “I’ll find a place in town. Let’s see what this mysterious will contains.”
“You’ve wasted ten years. How much more time will you whittle away before you make Leslie yours?” Cade asked, searching Owen’s face.
“It’s not easy, Cade. I hurt her. She needs time to trust me,” he admitted, ashamed. “She deserved an explanation then.”
“It seems to me the feelings are still there on both sides. As you know, life turns in an instant,” Cade said quietly. “Time can be snatched from us in a heartbeat.”
Owen mulled over his brother’s words. On the battlefield, he saw people robbed of their lives. He loved her with all his heart, but he knew their relationship required patience and forgiveness. Both of which, must come from Leslie.
Thirty minutes later, Dillon opened the door, allowing Mr. Williby to enter. They led him to the kitchen and seated him at the head of the table. They all sat around it, waiting for him to pull documents from his briefcase and a large bag sat beside it.
“I’m sure you’re ready to hear your father’s last wishes. I ask you to exercise some patience while I read it in its entirety,” he instructed. “I’ll answer any questions after I’m done reading.” Placing his glasses on his nose, the lawyer began.
“Your father set up a trust. The rest of this pertains to his wishes,” he said.
“We don’t give a crap about his wishes. He never cared about ours,” Wyatt said, earning a smack upside the head by Dillon.
I, Jeremiah Wolfe, being of sound mind, make my final wishes known.
First, my son, Conner, will stay in Leslie Wilkins’ custody.
I have made provisions for them in my estate in an account in Leslie’s name, payable upon my death.
Words can’t express my gratitude for the second chance she’s given me.
I love you as a daughter. Thank you for loving my boys, all three of them.
Leslie glanced at Owen, and he stared at her, grateful she gave him a second chance.
To Owen, Cade, Dillon, Mason, Elias, Wyatt, and Conner, I leave each of you a letter I entrusted to my friend Gunny.
This mountain represents family, loyalty, and a legacy.
My actions destroyed it all. Don’t let my mistakes dictate your future.
If you’re listening to this, it means you came home.
This will mean more to me than you will ever know.
As a man grows older, they tend to review their mistakes in life.
Your mother will be my biggest regret. I’m the only person responsible for her death.
Do not carry the weight of guilt upon your shoulders. It’s my cross to bear.
I’ve instructed Owen to divide my ashes between all of you.
I whittled boxes for them. Let them be a constant reminder of the anger you held for me.
Or let them push you to succeed to prove me wrong.
Let them act as a steady reminder, even if you didn’t see me, I watched over you and still do.
When you’ve healed, go to our spot and release me there.
As for the mountain, I have it held in trust for you.
For a period of one year, all of you must live here.
You can only be away for three days at a time.
I separated you from your brothers. It’s time you got to know each other again.
At the end of the year, you can choose to keep our legacy or sell the place.
Mr. Williby has the resort’s name and the offer.
It’ll give you enough to secure your future.
If one of you feels inclined to take Conner, Leslie will retain rights to her inheritance, and Tucker’s.
Owen will receive all the documents. All of you must agree to my proposition, or the mountain will be sold, and the proceeds will go to local programs to help people like me from making the same mistakes.
Lastly, instead of a funeral, I want you to hike up to the swimming hole and spend the day together. Recall those days when your parents laughed alongside you, and we were happy.
I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I hope one day, you’ll find a way to freely give it. I love all of you.
Jeremiah Wolfe
The lawyer folded the piece of paper, took out a brown paper bag, and handed it to Leslie.