Chapter 29

“Gotta call Papa,” Brian muttered.

“You sure do, pup,” Jim laughed. It felt good. Little Matilda still held a piece of his heart but Washington and the girls were different enough that he could make room for them without betraying her sweet memory.

“I’m gonna go get changed and then set up the pups. Yooohoo, Mary Kate…Ashley. Don’t make that face, just trying out the names for size.” He bounced down the hall and opened the bedroom door. “Ahggggggggggggggggh, Shit! Shit, Brian—”

* * * *

“Bear, I’ve been trying to get you on the phone for over an hour…I know you have a business to run but I need to talk to you, it’s important.” Reed said. The line clicked.

“Is that Brian? I’ll hold.” Reed waited.

Bear came back on the line.

“There’s been another incident. I’m on my way there.” Bear shouted.

“Are they hurt?” Reed yelled as he ran for the door.

“No, not physically. But they’re pretty upset, I’ve called the cops. He hit the bedroom.”