Page 35 of Bear Creek Thanksgiving (Holiday Mates #3)
“Later on, the case became mired in an ongoing lawsuit from someone who claimed to be Hugo Kennedy’s long-lost nephew.
When his information was discovered on the ancestry site, it proved the man to be an imposter, and provided the impetus to solve the case once and for all.
The long time gap caused its own set of problems, but eventually we were able to piece the story together.
Along the way, we have collected a number of photographs which Mr. Cunningham might appreciate. ”
Gorman opened the box and took out a small stack of snapshots. Each one was paired with an information card explaining who was in the photo, where and when it was acquired, and other facts of interest. He slid the first one across the table.
“This is Hugo at age thirty, taken at an awards ceremony.”
Gruff growled as he saw his father’s image for the first time. The attractive brown-haired man was smiling, sporting the same nose and mouth as his offspring. He had a wider frame and bulkier build than Gruff, but their similarity left no doubt. Dustin was especially excited.
“He’s handsome. Of course, he’d have to be since you’re so gorgeous. I thought we’d never know what he looked like.”
More photos of Hugo followed, some from his college days and others from work functions and parties.
There were also shots of the property and cabin, along with a couple of the Pittsburgh rental house he’d lived in for many years.
The last picture was of a pretty woman with a messy mop of hair, wearing a man’s shirt and nothing else. Gorman shared what he knew about it.
“This is assumed to be Hugo’s mate, though no one we interviewed could identify her. Having met you, Gruff, I recognize some of her features in your face. Unfortunately, there was no name or date recorded on the back.”
Gruff and Dustin studied the photograph closely. If she’d rarely taken human form, it would explain the disheveled hair, lack of clothing, and the outdoor setting in the background. Dustin suggested a theory.
“I’ll bet he convinced her to pose so he could have a picture to look at between visits. The ears and chin match yours exactly. I think it’s her, Gruff.”
Gruff gave him a small smile and nodded.
“You’re right, Dusty. I’ve seen this face in my dreams, but never knew who it was. It must be the only memory I can recall, because the rest is a blank.”
Gorman handed over the last two photos—both of elderly, human men.
“These gentlemen are the hunters who rescued you, Gruff. Both are widowed and share an apartment in Williamsport, but they were willing to speak with me about their experience. I believe they would enjoy a visit, as long as you are comfortable meeting them. Their contact information is on the card.”
Gruff wasn’t sure how he felt about that, though he didn’t blame them for killing his father.
After all, they hadn’t known Kennedy was a shifter, and the rampaging bear left them little choice but to shoot when he went after them.
He’d have to ask Dustin what he thought about paying his rescuers a visit.
Once Gorman finished with the photos, he gave Gruff a manuscript of quotes from various people who’d known his father.
In it were many wonderful testimonials which provided a fuller account of the man—things Gruff would never have known otherwise.
While most of it wasn’t germane to the investigation, Gorman had carefully preserved the remembrances.
“I apologize for not having more to share with you, Mr. Cunningham. We collected every scrap of information we could find during the investigation, but in the end there isn’t much here.
Now, I have some paperwork for you to sign, and then I will be on my way.
Expect a formal letter soon from Pittsburg Wealth Management, asking how you wish to handle your portfolio.
“Also, once you are identified as the legal owner of the Washington Township property, it will become a matter of public record. Be prepared to receive a large number of offers from developers and other interested parties. While this may all sound overwhelming, I believe Mr. Sinclair is prepared to assist you and your mate in deciding how to deal with your inheritance.”
Gorman switched seats with Ryder so he could sit next to Gruff while he signed the documents.
There were a lot of them, all couched in legalese and often confusing.
Dustin had planned to remain quiet, but Gruff asked for his opinion before each and every signature.
It was comforting to know the man trusted him that much, though unless they were married, he had no rightful say in any of it.
When the paperwork was finished, Gorman slipped it inside his briefcase and shared a few parting words before he left.
“Thank you for your time and attention, gentlemen. If you have any questions, or should you need legal representation in the future, please give me a call. Mr. Cunningham, I want to wish you and Mr. Mowry the happiest of lives together.”
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Ryder asked Gruff and Dustin to wait for him while he escorted Gorman out of the building. While he was gone, they took a peek at the investment portfolio and gasped at the seven-figure total. Gruff shook his head and growled.
“What are we gonna do with all of that, Dusty? And there’s the property, too.”
Dustin leaned over and kissed his cheek.
“Most people would consider it a good problem to have! The portfolio can probably sit there earning money until you retire, though I’m not sure about the land. We need to do some research, and I’m sure Ryder can steer us in the right direction.”
The man in question returned with a tray of snacks and bottled water. As they nibbled, he shared his thoughts on the meeting.
“Gruff, I know listening to all of that was difficult, but you got through it, and Dustin did exactly what a mate should do. You’re a very fortunate man, my friend.
Now, you have a lot to think about, so my suggestion is to read over everything Gorman gave you and keep a running list of questions.
There’s no particular rush, but I would like to meet with you before the end of the year and go over your options.
By the way, you’ll need a tax professional from now on, and I have someone in mind with an office in Wilkes-Barre.
“One more thing. I consider everything we have discussed, including your personal life and finances as confidential. No one, including Dash, the Tillmans, or the Cunninghams will hear one word from me unless you explicitly request otherwise. At the same time, if I believe you’re making a serious error, I will tell you so. It’s kind of a package deal.”
The next few minutes were purposely kept light and easy as they finished their snack and shared what they liked about their stay at the resort.
Before parting ways, Gruff and Dustin thanked Ryder profusely for his help and promised to be in touch.
Since the couple had already checked out of their room, they headed home—minds busy and hearts full as they refocused their energy on the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday.