“See that line of pine trees along the eastern slope?”
I nodded.
“And that rock formation above the creek?”
“Yes.”
“And the meadow beyond the old barn?”
“Of course.”
She turned.
“Thomas owned everything between those landmarks.
Four hundred and twelve acres.”
For a moment, I couldn’t speak.
“That’s impossible.”
“It’s recorded at the county office.”
I looked toward the mountains.
Four hundred and twelve acres.
The cabin I’d thought was falling apart wasn’t merely a renovated house.
It was the center of an enormous mountain estate.
“Why didn’t he tell me?”
Miriam sighed.
“That’s something you’ll have to ask Eleanor.”
“Was the land valuable?”
“Depends who you ask.”
She glanced toward the northern ridge.
“To the right people, very.”
That afternoon, Eleanor Ward called me.
I told her everything Miriam had said.
Eleanor wasn’t surprised.
“Thomas instructed me to allow you a few days to settle before discussing the full estate.”
