Page 99 of Heartbeat

“I love that! What a perfect way to describe being in love!”

“Been in love once. Been married more than once. Lesson learned,” he muttered. “Oh…while I’m thinkingabout it, when you aged out of foster care, did your caseworker give you access to your file?”

“Yes. I requested a copy, and she gave it to me. Why?”

“Because I’m going after the people who gave you away, and I want all the ammunition I can get before I go to the New Orleans police about it.”

“I can make copies at my office and have a file for you before you leave,” she said.

Wolf nodded. “That would be great. And, we may have to do DNA tests again for the court. I don’t doubt it for a second, but I don’t want anybody challenging Ancestry.com as the only proof.”

“We could probably have the tests done at the hospital lab, or even the police department before you leave. They could send you the results.”

“I’ll call both places early tomorrow and let you know. I’m due to fly out around three. I don’t want to leave you, but there are so many loose ends still dangling from people thinking I was dead. And I still have to make my own public appearance and give a statement, or I’ll be hounded until I do.”

She nodded, trying to imagine what it took to be who he was, and then shrugged it off. It didn’t matter. All he needed to be for her was her father.

“If you wind up in court with my grandparents, will I have to be there?” she asked.

He frowned. “Most likely. Is that okay?”

A sudden anger rolled through her. “Yes. They threw me away. I don’t mind a bit being the nail in their coffins.”

“I second that,” he said.

After that, they let the conversation slide until she began slowing down.

Wolf sat up, curious now. “So, we’re almost there, hunh? I was beginning to wonder if there really were houses up in these woods.”

“There are hundreds of people up here. They just treasure their privacy. Wait until you see Shirley’s house. The original part was once a two-room cabin, but it’s been built onto several times in the last four generations. The front porch runs the entire length of the house. It’s painted white now, and the fireplace is built of natural rock. She inherited it a few years ago after her mother’s passing. I love coming here.”

Wolf was thinking of his three-story mansion on his Miami estate, and the villa he had in Italy, and the chateau he owned in France, and realized he only owned them for the cachet. Not because he loved being there. His daughter was teaching him something, and he needed to sit up and take notice.

And then she turned up into the driveway and headed toward the house. As soon as she came around the curve and saw all of the other cars, she laughed.

“Okay, maybe a couple more people than just Shirley and the boys.”

“I think I can handle it,” Wolf said. The front door opened, and people began spilling out onto the porch, and when they did, for the first time in more years than Wolf could count, he was shocked. “They’re giants. And they all look alike.”

Amalie smiled. “You are officially in the land of Popes.”

“Which one is yours?” Wolf asked.

“The one coming down the steps to meet us.”

Sean hugged and kissed her as she got out. “I’ve been missing you. You look beautiful,” he said, and then extended his hand to Wolf. “Mr. Outen, welcome to our home.”

“Thank you for having me,” Wolf said, taking the measure of Sean Pope’s firm grip. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you in person,” he said, then looked toward the porch. “The family resemblance is amazing.”

“Come meet them,” Sean said, and led Amalie up the steps. “Everyone, this is Amalie’s father, Wolf Outen. Introduce yourselves.”

“I’m Aaron Pope, Sean’s oldest brother, and this is my wife, Dani.”

“I’m Wiley Pope, just younger than Sean, but better looking.”

“I’m Cameron Pope, one of about a hundred cousins. My wife, Rusty, is sorry she couldn’t be here to meet you. Our son isn’t feeling well, but Rusty sends her best wishes.”

And then the eldest man stepped forward. “I’m John Cauley. My wife, Annie, is inside. She’s Shirley’s aunt.”

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