“We understand you’ve requested a private autopsy. Do you have reason to believe your father didn’t die the way Dr. Harrison concluded?” Sheriff Dalton asked.
“Have you met my brothers, sheriff? They’re like a pack of vultures and get jealous of what the others have. Why do you ask?” Owen said, motioning to hisbrothers to listen to the call. Leslie caught Conner and Tucker’s attention, telling them to stay quiet.
“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 vestedinterest 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.”
