Chapter 15

Back at the house, Joe was seeing his uncle and cousin off. Daniel had absolutely refused to stay after his encounter with Bradley in the hall, and Uncle Samuel had agreed readily when Daniel had started packing. The lone guitar had scared him, and he was ready to go back home.

Joe had tried to argue, but Cynthia had silenced him gently with a hand on his arm and wished the visitors a safe journey before excusing herself to check on her biscuits in the oven.

His wife’s demeanor confused Joe, but he let it rest until his uncle and cousin had left. He then went looking for her and found her in the kitchen with Bradley, they were chatting and laughing as if they were a mother and son.

Joe gave Bradley one look that made him vanish.

“Was that necessary?” Cynthia asked upset.

“Why would you react that way to Uncle Sam and Daniel? You hardly said goodbye.” He asked her furiously.

“Most probably because I couldn’t wait to see the last of them,” Cynthia responded quickly.

“Why? What have they