Page 4 of Dragged Home for Christmas

“Mike?”

He dropped the letter into his lap. “Remember I told you my uncle had died?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, this is from his lawyer. Apparently I’m a beneficiary in Uncle Nick’s will.”

“Oh wow. What did he leave you?”

He chuckled. “It doesn’t say, just that I’m to call this Jasper Hopkins at my earliest convenience.”

“No time like the present.” Ashley picked up his phone from the coffee table and thrust it into his hand.

“I don’t know why you’re so eager to learn what he left me. It could be a clock, or a painting, or something like that.”

“And if it has no sentimental value, it can be sold.” Ashley speared him with a look. “Every little helps, right?”

She had a point.

Mike peered at the address of the law firm. “He’s based in Provincetown.”

“You ever been there?”

He shook his head. “I’ve heard about it, though. It’s right at the tip of Cape Cod.” Mike smirked. “And considering what I know about it, maybe I should have visited it before now.”

“Why? What kind of place is it?” Before Mike could answer, Ashley grabbed her phone and typed. Her eyes widened. “P-town is known as a longtime haven for artists, lesbians and gay men.” She grinned. “And you’ve never been there? Gasp. You’d better hand in your gay card.” Then she stilled. “Did your uncle live there?”

“I have no idea.”

There was only one way to find out.

Mike dialed the number, and a female voice answered after two rings. “Jasper Hopkins’s office. How can I help you?”

Mike relayed the contents of the letter.

“One moment, Mr. O’Neill. Putting you through to Mr. Hopkins now.”

He waited, his heartbeat quickening.

Why me? Uncle Nick hardly saw me after he left Boston.

“Mr. O’Neill? Thank you for calling.” The measured, crisp voice spoke of age. “Forgive me for asking, but did you know your uncle had passed on?”

“My parents told me at Christmas.”

“My condolences. I was your uncle’s lawyer for the last eleven years, and I count myself lucky to have been one of his closest friends. He spoke of you many times.”

“He did?”

“Indeed. I am also the executor of your uncle’s estate. Now, there are a few beneficiaries, but at the moment I am not at liberty to tell you what your uncle left you. The will is still going through Probate.”

“I see. How long could that take?”

Mr. Hopkins gave a dry chuckle. “How long is a piece of string? The process can take as little as nine months, or as long as ten years. But in this case, I feel we could be looking at anything from three months to possibly nine, maybe a little longer. Once an estate inventory and appraisal has taken place, and creditors have been paid, along with taxes, then assets will be distributed. And at that time, I will be in contact with you again.”

“Thank you, Mr. Hopkins.” He paused. “Did… did he suffer at the end?” His heart gave a pang.

“It was very quick. And unexpected, as he’d had no trouble of that kind. His passing left a hole in our community.”

---