A crisp, professional voice came through the line. “Mr. Jacob Wolfe?”
“Speaking.”
“This is Dianne Keller. I’m the estate attorney for Marcus Wolfe.”
Jacob’s grip on the phone tightened.
“I’m calling with unfortunate news. Marcus Wolfe passed away yesterday.”
He said nothing.
“I understand this may come as a shock,” the woman continued, her tone gentler now. “I’m reaching out because your name appears in the will, along with Mrs. Wolfe and Mr. Knox Wolfe. You’re all listed as primary beneficiaries.”
He looked down, unseeing. “I haven’t spoken to Marcus Wolfe in nearly forty years.”
“I understand, but as his legal representative, it’s my duty to inform you of the arrangements and your rights regarding the estate.”
He dragged a hand down his face. “Right.”
“There will be a private funeral this Friday in Stockton. If you text me your email address, I can send you the location and time, as well as a copy of the will and the legal documentation. Is this the best number to reach you?”
“Yeah.” His voice came out rough. “Send it.”
“I will. Again, Mr. Wolfe… my condolences. If you have any questions about the estate, or if you’d prefer to appoint independent representation to handle things on your behalf, you’re welcome to reach out.”
“Got it.”
There was a short pause. Then, more quietly: “Take care of yourself.”
The line went dead. Jacob stared at his phone for a long moment.
Liam sat up beside him. "Who was that?"
He didn’t answer right away. He was trying to feel something—anger, sadness, anything at all, but nothing came.
He shrugged one shoulder. “My father’s dead.”
“Shit. Jacob.”
Jacob exhaled through his nose. “It’s not a big deal.”
“You sure about that?”
“I haven’t seen the man since I was six,” he said, too fast. “He left. Never looked back. He’s just—some guy who gave me a name. That’s all.”
Liam didn’t argue. Just watched him carefully, like he knew better than to push too hard.
Jacob dropped his head back against the wall, letting his eyes drift upward. "She said there’s a funeral in Stockton on Friday.He left everything to me, my half-brother, and his wife. Knox’s mom."
“Are you going?”
“No.” The answer came without hesitation. “What for? He didn’t want to be my father. I don’t owe him anything.”
Liam was quiet for a moment. Then he said calmly, “Maybe it’s not about him.”
Jacob turned to look at him.
“Maybe it’s about you,” Liam said. “Going might not change anything, but maybe it gives you something. Closure. Maybe that matters.”
