After a reenactment weekend, Goose Tucker inadvertently brings home Civil War soldier Jefferson Eaves’ diary and is shocked to discover Jefferson’s spirit has come along, too. Through the diary, Jefferson tells Goose about his true love, Calvin, who was a former slave who fought for the Union. With no record of Calvin’s death or service found, Goose figures Jefferson might not want to cross over until Calvin receives due recognition. Jefferson also speaks of an acorn planted as a sign of commitment to their future. When reenactment leader Patrick O’Hanlon calls looking for the diary, he tells Goose about his plans to return down south to protest the chopping down of an old oak tree. Is this the tree that grew from Calvin and Jefferson’s acorn? Goose, with Jefferson in tow, decides to go with Patrick to find out. What happens between the four men once there is a lesson in healing and love.

Ghost Writer

“We could go to Massachusetts, Jefferson. It’s only a couple of hours to Berkshire County from here. Wilbur loves to ride in the car. Want to go in the car?”


Proving I was right, Wilbur was up on his feet, his little tail thumping against my pillow.


“Do you want to go for a ride in the car, Jefferson?”


“Seeing how excited Wilbur is, it seems like something I would find very enjoyable.”


“Then, let’s do it. What do we need?” I asked, more to myself than Jefferson. “Some water and snacks. That’s about it.”


Out in the living room, I dumped the contents of my duffle bag out on the floor, my Union uniform, and all the junk I had taken with me to Tennessee. With six bottles of water from the kitchen, two for each of us, I added a bag of chips and a box of granola bars. “Let me grab my tablet and my phone, a shirt and some shoes, and we’ll be off. You’re still here.” I stopped partway to the bedroom door. “Right?”


Chapter 31