“It’s been ten years,” Pritchard said over his shoulder, “since this town strung up my father, burned my home, stole my family’s land and livelihood, tried to murder me, and did who-knows-what to my ma and sister. I ain’t gonna take any guff from anyone in Atherton. Not today.”

Ditch looked anxiously at Paul, who returned the concerned look. The only consolation Ditch took in Pritchard’s darkening mood was that he had yet to see the familiar shadow descend upon his friend’s face.

They reached the schoolhouse just as the children were being released from classes for the day. Pritchard, Ditch, and Paul all recognized their former teachers, Rodney and Alice Nettles, standing in the schoolyard.

Idelle spotted them as they approached.

At first, she was alarmed. Three men, all apparent strangers, one very large, were approaching the school at a fast walk. She watched them with apprehension as they came closer.

Suddenly, recognition struck her. Idelle dropped her book and ran into Pritchard’s arms. He picked her up and held her tightly as she let out ten years of worry, grief, and fear.

“Samuel,” she sobbed. “Oh, Samuel. You’ve come home.”

“I’m here, Idelle,” he said. “And I ain’t never gonna leave you again.”

She looked up at him with her crystal blue eyes, brimming with tears. “Promise?”

“I swear it.”

After a long minute, she stepped away from Pritchard’s embrace, collected herself, and faced Ditch.

“Hello, Idelle,” he said, his voice cracking. He could hardly believe that the stunning young woman standing before him was the same little girl he’d last seen behind the school’s woodpile a decade ago.

“You came back, Ditch,” she said, her eyes lighting up, “just like you promised.”

“I didn’t forget,” he said.

She couldn’t resist, and gave him a fierce hug. She thought Ditch was even more handsome, with his dark hair and eyes, than she’d remembered in her dreams.

“You recollect my brother, Paul,” he said, flustered and not knowing what else to say.

“Of course,” Idelle said, finally detaching herself from Ditch and shaking Paul’s hand. “It’s good to see you again.”

The Nettleses watched the reunion with hesitation. They recognized all three men, having taught them as children, and were uneasy about what their unannounced arrival, after so long an absence, foreboded.

“Where’s Mama?” Pritchard asked.

Idelle looked down at her feet. “You know where she is.”

“How could I know?” he protested, but knew Idelle was right. “I haven’t been back home since the morning after Pa was killed.”

“Mama lives at the Atherton Arms Hotel,” she said.

“She’s Shipley’s wife, ain’t she?” Pritchard said.

“You know she is,” Idelle said. “It’s the reason you’re not dead.”

Ditch watched the shadow creep over Pritchard again. “That ain’t the reason,” he said softly.