Theodore stroked his chin and smiled. His father had always told him to be patient in life’s trials and God would present a solution. Carson was going to Duluth—a place Theo knew quite well, having grown up there. And his folks were still there, which would provide him with free living arrangements. Now, if his luck held, Theo would get the job. Most likely Carson wouldn’t remember his name as one of dozens of bank employees so many years ago, but if he did, Theo would simply use it to his advantage, reminding Carson that he had worked for his father and had been highly praised as one of the best employees.

Theo glanced around the hovel that he called home. “Things are finally looking up, Rafael. Soon we’ll have our revenge, and Lucas Carson will know what it feels like to truly suffer.”

Chapter 4

“Aren’t you tired yet of not speaking to Papa?” Gloriana asked her little brother.

“I’m mad at him. He punished me extra hard,” JT replied.

The entire ordeal had left a feeling of heaviness over the house, and Gloriana was determined to put an end to it.

“JT, it’s Papa’s job to correct you when you do wrong. You know it was wrong to carve on that school desk.”

“But I didn’t carve on all of them, so it’s not fair that he’s making me work on all of the desks. He’s just being mean.” JT finished his milk. “I’m ready to go to school now.”

Gloriana knelt beside him. “Do you remember how Mama always said we shouldn’t let our anger go on and on? You’ve been angry at Papa for three days now, and it needs to end. The Bible says we need to forgive one another. Papa loves you and has only given you this punishment to teach you not to do it again.”

“I didn’t need him to punish me. Mr. Nelson whupped me, and that made me figure not to carve on the desk again.”

Gloriana brushed back his blond curls. “You’re a good boy when you want to be, and you have such a kind heart. I want you to think about making up with Papa when he gets home tonight. Ask God to help you do the right thing. It’s really hurting Papa.”

“Good, ’cause he really hurt me.”

She frowned. “Jeremiah Thomas, I’ve never heard you talk like this. You’re being plain mean-spirited. I think you’d better spend some time praying about your heart.” She got to her feet. “I love you, but I certainly don’t like the way you’re acting.”

JT looked upset at this. He jumped off the chair and wrapped his arms around her. “Don’t stop likin’ me, Glory. You’re all I got.”