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

“My trip back down to Chattanooga is to try to figure out why,” I said.


“You wouldn’t want a copilot, would you?”


“It sounds like an adventure…a cool one. I think I’d like to get in on it. If you wouldn’t mind the company.”


“Um, I’ll have to ask. Hold on. Patrick wants to come,” I said to Jefferson. “Do you know him?”


“He knows you,” I told him. “He’s read the diary, he says.”


“A lot of people have read the diary. Some I’ve tried to speak to, some I didn’t bother. Ultimately, I’m glad I ended up with you.”


“So am I, Jefferson, and I won’t give up until we get you where you want to be. I have a copilot,” I told Patrick, “but I suppose we could use another. Are you in Tennessee?”


“No. I’m home in Connecticut,” he informed me.


Chapter 34