Thinking of his days working for Luke’s father’s bank, Theodore couldn’t help but remember the man who had changed his life. Rafael was dead and gone now many years, but his influence had made Theodore a better man. Or at least a more knowledgeable one. Learning to adjust the books to help themselves to hundreds of thousands of dollars had enriched Theodore’s life in more than one way. Of course, it had robbed him of a friend when Rafael had been found out.

He truly missed Rafael, and he couldn’t say that of any other person in his life. Being reunited with his parents had only proven that he’d been wise to leave in the first place. Although, to his credit, he had given them a perfect performance. Father had even laughed at one of Theodore’s stories a few nights earlier. But no one had ever shown such complete acceptance of Theodore as Rafael Clarington, and none probably ever would. His friend had taken their secret arrangements to the grave and saved Theo from a life in prison. Who could ask for a better friend?

“And Lucas Carson is the reason you’re gone,” Theodore muttered. If not for Luke’s prying and seemingly magical ability to look at a book of numbers and see errors, Rafael would never have been caught.

Theodore frowned. Lucas Carson had caused him more grief than he even knew. He’d lost his home and felt the need to leave a good job, all because of that man. Worse still, he’d lost a good friend. It was all Carson’s fault, and Theodore would see to it that he paid for it. When these new numbers wreaked havoc on the rail line—perhaps even caused deadly accidents—Lucas Carson’s reputation would be ruined. Especially when Theodore willingly testified that Lucas had altered the drawings.

He would build a network of good support in the Superior men and win their railroad for them. Then, if all else failed, they would at least be in his debt. He smiled. “I like the sound of that. Don’t you, Rafael?”

The next day after Luke left for work, JT posed a question. “Glory, what are we gonna get Luke for Christmas?”

She stopped drying the dishes and turned to her little brother. “I’ve been thinking about that, but I’m not sure. I don’t have time to make him anything, unless I make some candy.”

“What about a compass? I know they cost money, but they’re really important. I remember when Papa gave me my first compass and taught me how to use it.”

Gloriana nodded. “I’ve heard it said, ‘A man needs only a Bible and a compass to always go the right direction.’”

“Well, Luke’s got a Bible, so now he just needs a compass.”

“A compass might be a very good gift for Luke. I don’t know what they cost, but I’ll look when I’m out shopping.”

JT seemed pleased with himself. “It’s going to be a good Christmas, isn’t it, Gloriana?”