Trahison Why Weren't We the Chosen Ones

By Anjunette L. Washington

Serenity could be captured for miles before the bay waters matched up with the oceanfront. The cost for a common man to view God's beauty and clear his mind was the sum total of nothing. Standing on the shore laying one's burdens down seemed to be habitual among the Davidson men. Forrester and Preston started walking, doing their morning ritual reporting to the slips where Paramour was docked. Before time clasped into faded memories, this was something they did often thinking about Papa. 

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Noelle Hess graduated from the Mortelle Division. One of the Federal Apparatus that no one really knows about. She learned her duties real-time fast. The art of babysitting depraved souls. She learned that born criminals can be categorized by two types. There are the extreme, organized thinkers with dark and brutal vengeance. Feeling slighted in anyway will cause them to implement tactics to terminate your existence. They can never be read by an ordinary mind. Only specific people will suffer from misdeeds crafted by the deadly ones. They move in and out undetected. The select few that routinely go missing are never seen again. Now the unlearned criminal story is usually short-lived. They kill or cripple based on being sloppy and unyielding. Seldom do they get away with much. They are usually the ones that talk entirely too much.

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They stood watching and listening, waiting for the night to take its proper place. A partial moon casted just enough light to see the dock. Chase looked into her eyes. Her honest gaze never lied. Sounds that only a man could hear at dark went silent. Calmness took over, which relaxed her. She dropped her guard. This was favorable for him.

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Over time, he grew to be very selective with his choices. Mitchell watched closely like animals do out on a hunt. Females could be very clever to a man's detriment if he's not careful. His gentle ways give him leverage needed to necessitate a cozy exchange. Mastery over the female's psyche awarded him mental pennants. He kept a hold over this one and his outside interest. Love lingered on, but the need to be alone set the precedence. Brenda gave up the battle and came to grips. She just wasn't his final.

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Pleasure may endure for a night, but reality shows face in the morning. The previous evening had two eyes, but the current day has only one.

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She walked across the floor partially wet. Her mere presence relaxed him. "A familiar act can qualify as a grand event if accompanied by love." "An adulterer might jump at the sound of guilt. I have no regrets about what happened between us. Tell me about you." He knocked Nadia off her guard. She wasn't expecting his approval. Thomas appeared to be wallowing in arrogance. "I returned to your path, hoping for a purpose, neither a promise nor a gift." "Before I shower, let me first delight you by saying this. I never loved her and you know that. I'm not going to challenge this moment by renewing our past. It just isn't necessary at this point.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Page Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 11, 2016
• ISBN: 9781682137635

Book preview

Chapter 1

A timeless moment, Harvey left his farmhouse during the night as his two boys lay resting. A roadside tavern became his main dispassion. There was plenty to drink. The tavern girls were more than ready to entertain his vivid imagination. His wife, Virginia, was expected home by week’s end—at least that’s what Harvey believed. A change in plans brought her back on the last train—to a husbandless house with only a morsel of food to feed his children.

The house is warm. Harvey and the boys brought in enough wood. Mirth fell asleep reading. He so wants a proper education. My father’s property sold for a nice sum. It’s more than enough for both of them to leave for boarding school in the city. It’s a grand place, I’m told. They each will receive an esteemed education like Father had hoped for. This manless marriage is weighing me down. Gloria said I look like a frail woman. Bless her heart, she offered me and the boys a place to stay. Virginia sighed. Her thoughts were that of a woman making a long-lasting, life-changing decision that would challenge her upbringing. Women never left; they always stayed, only to one day find themselves walking slower steps, hand in hand with time past, and alone. A formal judgment had been made. It seems to be the best thing to do for the sake of my boys. Harvey won’t come back for more than two days. The boys and I will pack our things. This time, he will return to an empty house. Once we leave, there is no coming back. Virginia said with tears in her eyes.

Mirth awakened to the smell of freshly baked biscuits. The house was warm, which meant his mother had to be home. The father would never feed the fire throughout the night; comfort would only spoil his sons, which made for lazy men. So my eyes are not playing tricks on me. You are home, Mama.

She looked at him and smiled. Go and wash your face. Prepare yourself for a proper breakfast. We have a full day of chores to do.

Mirth looked in the second room. His father was indeed absent. Has he even shown his face?

No, Mirth, not to me. I came home during the night on the last train.

Mirth noticed a sack of potatoes and a dozen eggs. You walked all the way to Mr. Comfort’s store and yet my breakfast is ready?

Indeed I did.

Harvey Davidson took away my right to eat. When he didn’t come home to feed us, his family walks around looking like bony poles of flesh.

Virginia pointed her finger at him. A right is not what a man gives you. It’s something that no one can take away. Those are your God-given rights.

Mirth balled his fist. I would like to take away his right to live.

Returning evil for evil dries up a lifetime, Mirth. God has many instructions for you to follow, so stop talking foolishness. Virginia could hear Mirth storming out the front door. He was not properly dressed. The decision to leave became her driving force. She could see disappointment in his face. Now he was becoming more vocal. Mirth, the sun is warm, but the wind makes for a cold day. Don’t stay outside much longer. Your breakfast is getting cold.

I want to be cold, Virginia Davidson. Being warm makes for a weaker man.

You bought into your father’s foolishness?

Mama, if you weren’t here, the house would be cold as ice.

So now I’m Mama?

You are always Mama. I was just mad.

There is a train we need to catch. Being mad just gets in the way.

I guess I can be happy about that. A train ride away from here will be a good thing for a while.

This train ride will not bring us back. We need to hurry.

Innocent-sounding, Mirth looked at his mother with a gleeful expression. I’m going to like this train ride, Mama. Once we are ready, John and I will meet you on the front steps.

Chapter 2

The train ride was different. John being the youngest, everything about the journey excited him. He stopped asking about his father, which was good for Mirth. He hated hearing his mother’s continuum of lies. She spoke about their father’s approval. He was glad the boys were going to a better school. She even reminded John about the wool pants his father promised to buy. There were two pairs, wrapped up in pretty paper, Aunt Gloria bought for him. Harvey would receive the credit. He always did. Virginia wanted John to believe his father was a decent man, a good provider. Gloria’s husband died two seasons before. It would be good for her to be around family. The sun was starting to set over the horizon. With the piercing sounds the whistle made, it was clear to Virginia their stop would be next. Mirth!

Yes, Mama.

You seem quiet. Gloria can’t wait to see you.

Mirth wondered if his father cared enough to come. What happens if he shows up?

I’m more than sure he won’t. Harvey doesn’t even know we are missing. Stop worrying your young mind over adult foolishness. It serves you no clear reason. All you do is lose time you can’t reclaim! Gloria doesn’t live that far away from Boy’s Village. You spoke of being an attorney. Focus your youth on the future, not the past.

Part One

The Winter of 1944

Chapter 3

As always, money played a major part in a man’s development, but her sentimental values far exceeded monetary worth. The diary entries spoke of two lovers who visited weekly on separate nights. Rachel Dante favored Forrester Davidson more so than her other male companion. She was in love and hoped to marry him someday. His gentlemanly qualities and civilized virtues didn’t impress her father. Forrester was the son of a judge. His laboring father’s earnings could never compare with the wealth Mr. Dante had amassed. He owned property in different counties. Mirth Lincoln Davidson was no more than a state employee who received monthly stipends. His son could never provide Rachel with the lifestyle she currently had or something comparable to it. Mr. Dante despised her seeing him. He threatened to send her away to Bronte School for Girls if her behavior showed no change. She was old enough to be permanently placed there.

* * *

Mirth was reading a letter sent to him from his brother, Jonathan. He spoke about the money their father left for young Forrester to be educated. Jonathan was requesting that Mirth send Forrester to Washington, DC, before the wintry weather became challenging. Beatrice!

Yes, Mirth? What is Jonathan saying?

He speaks about my father, the old fable Mother told us about Harvey Davidson being this great man. Harvey Davidson was no more than a drunkard with frugal ways. My father never wanted Jonathan and me to be grander than him. An ignorant child can be table fed foolishness. Always being a follower never a leader. Mother never wanted the Davidson name to be tainted. She refuted all bad conversation about him. Money spent for our education, both John’s and mine, came from my grandfather’s sponsorship.

Virginia must have loved him dearly.

Maybe so, but she appeared happier when we all left his house. The ghostly look Mother carried around changed into such a pretty color when we moved in with my aunt Gloria. I truly love my mother and will honor her dying words. A Davidson male should always qualify as a well-versed man. His wife will be treated better than the angels that walk in heaven. There will never be an offspring treated like a household bastard child.

I often heard her say that, Mirth. You’ve taught our sons well.

They will be proper Davidson men. Forrester must leave us, Beatrice. It’s now his time.

Beatrice seemed saddened. Forrester was the son she felt closest to. Beatrice called for him. Forrester was sitting on the porch, reading passages from the good book. He walked over and grabbed his mother’s hand softly. By the tone in her voice, he knew something was troubling her. You seem worried, Mama. Did I do something to anger you?

Mirth was pacing back and forth. He did that when something was on his mind. Your mother and I have decided it’s best for you to stay in Washington, DC.

Will I be going to Boy’s Village in the city?

Yes, the same school I graduated from. It did me the world of good.

I’ll miss my family. I’ve grown to love my existence here.

You’re the oldest now. It’s time for you to receive a proper education.

Forrester felt a sense of regret. Things were changing too fast. He was planning a life with Rachel, only now to be told by his father that he was leaving for school. College years were a long time to be away from the girl he cherished. May I be excused? I would like to spend some time with Rachel and tell her of your decision.

Rachel and her sisters caught the early train. I’m told she will be attending Bronte School for Girls.

That isn’t so. Rachel would have told me.

She didn’t have much of a choice. Please begin to pack your things. We are taking the early train tomorrow before the morning ends.

The older women were saying one of the Dante sisters was pregnant. Garth Dante hurried his daughters out of town. The thought of a Dante daughter being referred to as a Ma Lady was unacceptable.

Forrester Davidson, Dale Baylor,

and Robert Michaels, Future Legal Minds

Chapter 4

Forrester woke up to complete darkness. He wasn’t used to hearing sounds of only adolescent males. He missed his mother’s sweet voice awakening him daily. The smell of fresh eggs and buttered bread was a pleasant smell to wake up to. He so enjoyed sharing meals with his family, only now to have it replaced with a bowl of oatmeal and a cup of insipid tea, most days. City sounds were somewhat different. The biggest attraction seemed to be the brothel house and places that sold ale for the drinking man. The solitude one would receive living in a small town surrounded by mountains faded away each day. This would be his only free week. New arrivals showed mostly by midmorning. Three males to a bungalow should be expected. Boys from poorer families would nest with five. His bed was closest to the fireplace. Forrester made sure of that. He wasn’t as big as some of the other boys, but in his mind, he carried the strength of ten men. Forrester was ready to defend his bed and desk. The roomies would have to make do with what was left. A full cord of firewood could be found next to the main building. Students were responsible for stacking their own wood. Forrester looked forward to his roomies helping. Lifting wood was tiresome. Thoughts of his surviving academically over the next four years seemed to bother him more when his father wrote. Mirth Davidson expected him to become an attorney. Legal-minded people could expect a fair wage. Mr. Gaffney was doing his early morning march around the premises, making sure the students were up for breakfast. The kitchen closed promptly at 11:15 except on the weekends. Forrester could hear Mr. Gaffney standing right in front of his door. This time, he wasn’t alone. Good morning to you, Master Forrester!

He looked at him with a pretentious stare. His tolerance for Mr. Gaffney was short-lived, but manners were expected from all the students at Boy’s Village. Bad decorum was unacceptable. Good morning, Mr. Gaffney. I’m almost ready for breakfast, sir.

I’m glad to hear that. I received a correspondence from your father. I will respond to his letter by week’s end. Dale Baylor stood quietly checking out the room. You can escort Master Dale to the eating area.

Forrester was thinking of Rachel. He so desired to see her. The piercing sound of Gaffney’s voice started creeping into his thoughts.

Master Forrester!

Yes, sir.

Put on the outerwear your father paid for. The wind is brisk. I saw you yesterday dashing across the grass without a proper topcoat. Master Dale!

Yes, sir.

There are two beds to choose from. Mr. Gaffney slammed the door shut. The entire room shook. Forrester hated when he did that.

Dale was slightly taller than Forrester. They eyeballed each other for at least five minutes before a word was uttered. I guess I’m supposed to sleep on one of those beds over there?

I guess you’re right.

Do you have a name?

Maybe.

You are a little smart-ass!

Mostly.

Have you been here long?

Two weeks.

Are you on scholarship?

Damn, this kid is nosy, Forrester thought. Yeah, it’s called the Mirth Davidson four-year program, not to exceed past that.

So you are a wise guy?

Nope! You are just damn nosy.

I needed to make sure you weren’t a scholarship kid. They steal all of the time. This is my second school. My parents took me out of the first one. I fought, mostly. The little bastards were always taking my stuff.

Look, I’m not big on small talk. I don’t steal. My name is Forrester Davidson. If you want to eat, then we need to leave now.

Works for me.

Chapter 5

The dining hall was in the basement of the old church. Most of the students used the outside entrance; otherwise, you had to walk through the sanctuary. None of the boys wanted to do that unless they felt like hearing biblical verses. Nobody wanted to walk into Fathers Gimbal or Timothy. Forrester remembered the last time he had dealings, and of all the many things, Father Gimbal said to him, Master Forrester, faith is a belief that you have not yet seen. Books are the nicest and consistent things. Try reading them sometimes. Trick your brain into learning.

Forrester walked next to Dale, checking him out, not really sure if he liked him. Yet something about Dale was interesting. Today’s breakfast was different. It wasn’t the usual oatmeal and tea. This morning, hot bread and eggs were on the plates of many. Forrester walked quickly to the table closest to the fireplace. It was the warmest spot. He was determined to lay claim. Like him, the other students were new to Boy’s Village. Most of them appeared to be scared, never having been this far away from home.

You seem to know your way around, said Dale.

Let’s just say I pay close attention.

Mr. Gaffney told me about another boy staying with us.

You need to claim the better bed. There was a kid that stayed with me for two days before they sent him home. He whined, mostly, and peed on himself, usually. I was glad when he left. It took two days to get rid of the urine smell.

A look of shock appeared on Dale’s face. Damn, how common! Will you tell me which bed, Forrester?

The one closest to the door. You don’t pee, do you?

At least not in the bed! Dale cleaned up his mess quickly and left Forrester real-time fast. He had to lay claim to the better mattress. Forrester so liked the solitude. Being alone gave him more time to think. He thought about Rachel often. Bronte School for Girls was in the neighboring county. Forrester was planning how he would see her again.

Master Forrester!

Damn, what does he want now? Yes, sir.

Mr. Gaffney walked over to the table. Robert Michaels followed close behind.

I know this kid. He’s from the neighborhood. I remember him. He tried to be a hard rock until Beatlemeyer kicked his ass, he thought. Forrester didn’t want Mr. Gaffney to know he knew Robert. There were rules at Boy’s Village about friends sharing rooms.

This is your lucky day. As of now, all of your roomies are here. I need for you to walk Master Robert over to the bungalow.

Yes, sir. Forrester smiled as he thought about Robert lying on the pee mattress.

So you dumbed up? asked Robert.

I had to. They don’t allow neighborhood kids to room together.

So what’s your angle?

I don’t have one yet.

My dad shipped both me and Beth out of the house. Guess where she goes to school?

Bronte School for Girls?

Yeah, buddy! Rachel and my sister are roommates.

Let me take you over to our place. You need to meet the new guy.

Is he on point?

I guess so. I don’t know much about him yet. When can we take a trip?

Beth is going to let me know how they run stuff over there. I won’t make a move without you.

You better not.

Hey! I forgot to mention. One of those Dante sisters is a Ma Lady.

Forrester took a deep breath. He felt as if someone had just punched him right in the stomach. Forrester was thinking back on how many times he had been with Rachel. He thought they had been careful.

Forrester, did you catch what I said?

I got what you said. Look, we need to leave before Father Timothy comes. And besides, you need to meet the new guy.

Chapter 6

Dale was a neat-freak. The room was immaculate when Robert and Forrester walked inside. The temperature was dropping, and Dale had stacked enough wood to last for three days. His bed was closest to the coat closet. Dale’s trunk was the largest. Three pairs of black boots were on top next to his shoe-shining kit. He had properly organized his stuff. Forrester was impressed. A unified male made for a good roomie.

Mr. Gaffney had dropped off six wool blankets and a stack of freshly ironed flat sheets. There was a box of white linen paper with matching envelopes. Dale sat quietly at his desk, writing. On the right side of him were three envelopes already addressed. Robert sat down on the empty bed. He began fashioning his area to suit him. He pulled from his bag six books, mostly the classics, and three journals. His grandmother gifted him with a brand new Bible wrapped in a red silk cloth. He was an avid reader. Forrester sat on his bed and took off his boots. His feet seemed tired. He put on a pair of socks his mother had knitted and lay down.

Chapter 7

Eight weeks went by fast. The guys were excited, standing in formation next to an old bus. They were patiently waiting to be driven to their first dance. Bronte School for Girls was having a social event. The students from Boy’s Village were handsomely dressed. They wore black wool pants, starched white shirts, and letterman sweaters to match, with the exception of Forrester, Dale, and Robert. They smuggled out the school silk vest that Robert’s grandmother had crafted. They wanted a different appeal from the rest.

You wrote your sister, right?

Stop sweating me, Forrester. My sister told Rachel. They know we are coming. And besides, if things don’t pan out, there is more than enough fish in the sea. Can you dig?

Shut up! I just need to see her.

* * *

Dale and Robert were teasing Vernon. He was a tall, giant white boy from Michigan who proclaimed to have more than one girlfriend. As they walked closer to the entrance, Vernon quickly stepped to the side and went to the back of the line. Forrester looked at his fellow brothers. They were so excited. This was the first time for many of them to ever be around a pretty girl—being on a date, so to speak. The girls were wearing a little makeup. They stood lined up against the wall wearing white gloves, waving at the guys as they entered the building. Forrester stepped to the side. He wasn’t ready to face Rachel. Something about today just didn’t feel right to him.

Robert finally saw his sister. They embraced each other. She started rubbing his head. Betty wasn’t used to seeing him with shorter hair. How often do you take a bath? Mom and Dad could never get you to take a bath.

Shut up, Betty! It’s good to finally see you.

Where is he, Robert?

Where is who?

Stop pulling my chain! You know, Forrester.

Robert looked over at Dale. He was having a conversation with pretty Joan. Forrester was nowhere to be found. Damn, where in the hell is he? Walk with me, Betty.

Mary Ellis looked at Robert with her dark beady eyes. She was one of the chaperones. Ms. Ellis, this is my brother Robert. He’s on the dean’s list.

Robert looked at her with a smirky grin. I’m her brother, trust you me. There is no hanky-panky going on between us.

Shut up before you get me in trouble, Robert.

Forrester was sitting outside on the steps, throwing rocks. Robert just looked at him, shaking his head. Hey, Davidson, what’s your angle?

Forrester looked at Betty. She was a skinny little girl with shoulder-length brown hair. He stood up and walked toward her.

Hey, Forrester! Why are you outside?

Hey yourself! Where is Rachel?

Betty knew he would ask. All she could say was what Rachel told her to say. Forrester, Rachel is staying at Saint Ann’s Infant Home. I guess I don’t need to tell you why. She’s been there for the last three months. I’m not sure when she’s coming back.

Forrester started kicking dirt. Was I ever told anything? I haven’t seen her in months.

Her father was here two days ago. He was meeting with Mrs. Dansby, and she wasn’t happy.

Forrester didn’t give a damn about Mr. Dante. He was a pompous old man who needed to die as far as he was concerned. I hear music. It’s time to cut a rug, Robert. Forrester was embarrassed; his heart dropped to the ground. He was excited over this girl for such a long time, only now to be told a whole lot of nothing. Forrester was going to show Rachel. There was a boatload of pretty girls to choose from. Now it’s time to go deep fishing. Hey, Betty, do you have any girlfriends I should know about?

She had this crazy look on her face. Rachel bragged about stringing him along. Forrester was now looking to move on. Her plan had backfired. Oh no! He is more than serious. It’s only a matter of time before some girl scoops him up. He is dreamy with all that dark brown curly hair. What will I say in my next letter? she thought. What about Rachel? she softly whispered.

She doesn’t seem to care, so why should I?

I thought you were head over heels?

Let’s just say I was asleep, but I just woke up.

Robert and Forrester were the most popular boys at the gala. Dale was dancing with Joan and sometimes even Fran. He couldn’t figure out which one he liked the most. The guys pirouetted with countless girls. The jitterbug was Forrester’s favorite move. The subject of Rachel never came up again. Forrester wasn’t sure how to measure the situation with her moving forward. His mother would receive a letter from him by week’s end. She would be the one to fix it. As of now, Rachel was deleted from his mind.

Chapter 8

The dead of night was cold and dark. The guys ran as fast as they could to their bungalow. Everything was nice and warm when they walked inside. Forrester was glad he had reminded them before they left to stack the wood and set the flame to burn slowly. The guys were pleased. Tonight was a grand time. They each were walking around with gleeful expressions as they dressed for bed. Each one met a girl with a whole lot to say, something they could bite off and chew on.

Mr. Gaffney was checking around making sure each boy was accounted for. Laughter from all directions dropped down to soft giggles. Mr. Gaffney’s footsteps could be heard in front of the door. Forrester pointed to the oil lamp. Dale turned it down so the flame would burn low. Robert picked up his Bible as if he were reading. The door opened abruptly. They so hated that. The warmth in the room was slowly being replaced with frigid air. Forrester pulled the blanket over his head. Dale turned on his side. Robert kept gazing at his Bible. They knew not to speak unless they were spoken to. Mr. Gaffney nodded as he walked out the room.

Robert sat up slightly; he was the closest to the door. He’s gone.

Forrester said with a quiet voice, No, not yet. Check the window first. Wait for his light to go completely out.

Dale moved the curtain back just enough to glance at Gaffney’s window. It’s clear now the flame went down.

Forrester did not flinch. He was writing his mother. The situation with Rachel wasn’t clear-cut. He closed the letter inside his book and gave the guys his undivided attention.

Hey, daddy-o! What’s with you? asked Robert.

Forrester looked at him shaking his head no. I like Ellen.

Dale began clearing his throat. I like Joan.

You two got reeled in real fast.

It doesn’t take a whole lot to see quality in a girl, said Forrester.

There will be another dance at the end of the month, and I’m going. Joan promised to write me a letter each week. Dale smiled.

You guys are caving in too quick. I’m not ready for all that happy stuff yet. Got a whole lifetime to listen to women whining. I am going to see the world, experience more than one! You guys act like little virgins. Robert laughed.

Call it what you want. I’m going to bed. Father Gimbal will be looking us in the face before the sun rises, said Dale.

The guys fell asleep except Forrester. He wanted to finish writing. The letter had to be in Mr. Kern’s hands before his first class. The pit of his stomach tightened each time he thought about the baby that might be his.

Chapter 9

A semblance of spring was coming slowly. The morning air wasn’t as brisk. Beatrice was baking apple pies. She planned to sew, mostly. Mirth and the boy’s knees were peeking through the patches she crafted. A letter from Forrester sat on top of the table. This one was addressed to her and not his father. She liked when he wrote her. There would be things written for her eyes only. Beatrice finally sat in her chair to read.

My Dearest Mama,

May this letter find you in the best of health. I can see the smile on your face as you read down the page. The smell of apple pie travels all the way from your kitchen to Washington, DC. Uncle Jonathan visits with me once weekly. He shares so many stories about my grandfather Harvey Davidson. It’s a pity I didn’t get to meet him. Listening to all the many tales has me full of wonderment. My time is growing short. Mr. Gaffney will be looking for me first thing tomorrow morning. My patience with him is the size of a pea. Not really sure how to say this. Mirth Davidson would just tell me to spit it out and so I shall. It’s my belief that I’ve fathered a child. Not really sure what to do. Please help me solve this puzzle. Rachel spent some time at Saint Ann’s Infant Home. She never once wrote me. I haven’t seen her since I left for school. In my gut, I just know. Tell my father she has abandoned me, I not her. I met a nice girl whom I favor. I cannot wait for you to meet her. Mama, please understand I will not disgrace the Davidson name. The child needs a proper life that only I can give it. These are my closing remarks. Please find out for me. Write me back as fast as the wind can carry this letter.

Best Regards,

Forrester Davidson

Beatrice knew. Mothers always know. Mirth walked inside the house. He couldn’t wait to eat. The sight of Beatrice left him puzzled. He knew something was wrong. She wanted to talk. Top of the morning, Beatrice. I left Joey in the garden. As soon as he smells the apple pie, his outside chores will be left in haste. His boots will be placed by the door next to mine. Joey will walk inside with his toes showing. The boy needs some new socks.

I agree. They have been mended twice before. Please sit next to me. Forrester has written. We need to talk, Mirth.

And so I shall. You have a look I am not used to seeing. Is the boy having trouble with his studies?

He is no longer a boy, Mirth.

Men take care of themselves. Forrester eats only because I say he can unless that’s changed. He is still my boy.

Oh, I beg to differ. Forrester has fathered a baby. We need to find that child.

You don’t say, Beatrice. How did he do that? Beatrice looked at Mirth and burst out laughing. I was just spitting my words out. When did the boy have time?

Boys seem to find the time, Mirth. I am told Rachel is the mother.

She is the Ma Lady?

That’s all foolish talk. We need to take the morning train. There’s a baby to find. She was staying at Saint Ann’s Infant Home. There is a Davidson child we need to claim.

That’s a mouthful. Well, it seems to me Dante has an ass-kicking awaiting him. He kept that under lock and key.

Mirth Davidson, such foolish talk. You are a legal man. Who will honor the law when you are locked up in chains?

Our time is growing short. We need to prepare for the morning train.

Chapter 10

Beatrice tossed and turned during the night. She was worried about the long-lost child that Forrester fathered. Mr. Dante should have told them. They were more than capable of taking care of the little one. Beatrice gave up the fight. Sleep would come to her on the