Dangerous Mercy: A Novel by Kathy Herman Page B

knew. They’ll be rewarded one day.”
    “We don’t know much about them, except what I’ve pieced together from the diaries written by Ethan’s great-grandmother Augusta Langley. We know that Josiah was Ethan’s grandfather’s great-grandfather. Neither he nor Abigail kept records of their involvement in the Underground Railroad—at least not that we can find. If it hadn’t been for Noah, we might never have realized what happened here.”
    “Yes, he told me. It’s amazing that the descendant of a slave and the descendant of a slave owner can come together to preserve a slice of history.” Adele put her hand on her heart. “Honestly, it’s a story that should be told on Oprah.”
    Vanessa’s face looked radiant. “Ethan and I are content to tell it to one group of guests at a time. Though a feature writer from the Lafayette newspaper contacted us and wants to do a story sometime this summer. We feel honored to be entrusted with the history and beauty of this family heirloom, and it’s always a privilege to share it.”
    “There’s a lot to tell. And it’s lovely here.”
    “We think so. Even our six-year-old—well, soon to be seven—loves it. Carter’s a ham and likes the attention he gets from the guests. Plus he’s energetic, and it’s nice that he has room to run. We’ve fenced the property, so we don’t worry about alligators. And our yellow Lab, Angel, is with him everywhere he goes and won’t let him near the water. Do you ever miss Woodmore?”
    “Oh, I try not to. I’m grateful to be close to Zoe, Pierce, and little Grace. That big estate was getting to be too much for me. Just keeping good people to run the place was starting to wear me out.”
    Vanessa nodded. “I can see how it might. We finally hired a lady who comes in at eleven to change out the rooms. And a laundry service that does the linens. My role is to prepare the breakfasts, conduct tours, and try to be available for guests. Ethan helps me on evenings and weekends. We hired Noah to be the groundskeeper. As soon as the caretaker house is finished, he’ll move in there. It’s the perfect size for one person and really nice—and private. I think he’s ready to leave Haven House.”
    “He and Murray Hamelin seem to get along well.”
    “Noah likes Murray. In fact, he gets along with all the men at Haven House. But I don’t think either of them likes that Flynn character.” Vanessa arched her eyebrows. “I know I don’t. He came out with Noah one day to help with the fertilizing.”
    “I met Flynn for the first time the other day when he came over with Murray and helped him move furniture in my back bedroom so it could be painted. Isabel doesn’t trust him. I try to see the good in everyone, but he does seem dark.” Adele sighed. “I’ve been praying for him. I haven’t said anything to Murray, but I hope he doesn’t bring him to my house again.”
    “Adele, you should be honest with Murray. I have to think about Carter and my guests. I didn’t have any problem telling Noah I didn’t want to see Flynn out here again. He gives me the creeps.”

CHAPTER 7
     
    The next morning, Adele dialed the number at Haven House. It rang three times, and she started to hang up when she heard a voice.
    “Haven House. This is Father Vince.”
    “This is Adele Woodmore. I was trying to reach Murray before he got started for the day. I do hope I’m not calling too early.”
    “Not at all. The residents are just gathering for breakfast. Let me get him for you. Please hold.…”
    Adele looked out the kitchen window at the small swatch of earth she owned. Visiting Vanessa at Langley Manor had made her long for the beauty of Woodmore, but not for the upkeep. A Carolina wren landed on the bird feeder and puffed out its little chest and began singing. How could something that tiny let out a song that filled the backyard?
    “Good morning, Mrs. Woodmore.”
    “Hello, Murray. I’m glad I caught you before you left. I just