Chapter 43

“I don’t feel good about this place,” Moses said as they tied their horses to a hitching post near the house’s entrance.

“I don’t either,” Wade said, “but technically, it belongs to me now, and it’s my duty to take care of it.”

“What for? You don’t need the money. We both made plenty of money during the war, and we have a good life down there in Florida.”

“Sorry, my friend, but this is something I have got to do.”

Wade knocked on the front door, not really expecting anyone to answer it. He was surprised when an older woman eventually came to the door.

“Can I help you?” she said.

“I’m Wade Raleigh,” he said.

“Merciful goodness. Wade. Can it really be you?”

“Yes, ma’am, but I don’t know who you are.”

“Of course not, you haven’t seen me since you were a little boy. I’m your Aunt Caroline—your mother’s sister. As far as I know, I’m the only family your poor mother had left.”

Wade followed his aunt into the house with Moses at his side.