Pete gave Scully an angry look. Scully was getting too free with his mouth. One of these days he was liable to earn himself a good stomping. That would teach him to stay in his proper place. “I’ll handle the old man, don’t you worry yourself about that.”

In truth, Pete had no idea what the reception would be or how he would react to it. He thought he would try being politely formal. That would please his mother and make her easy to handle. It might be unexpected enough to keep the old man off balance as well. If it did not work, military service had taught Pete a few things, like standing up for his rights so long as that stand did not put his life in jeopardy. He knew there was a time to be bold and a time to back away. He could always try boldness if being polite did not disarm Old Colonel.

One of the slaves came out from the barn and stared in surprise. “Marse Pete? Can that be you?”

“Sure as hell is, Jethro.” Pete dismounted and held out the reins for the servant to take. It occurred to him that by order of the Union government Jethro was no longer a slave. It was possible no one had told him, certainly not the colonel. Pete could not imagine Jethro or any other slaves staying around here under the Dawkins thumb if they had an alternative. “Is the colonel up at the house?”

Jethro nodded solemnly. “He stays up there a right smart anymore, since old missus died.”

The news struck Pete hard. The words came painfully and sounded like the croaking of a frog. “Mama’s gone?”

“Taken to her bed last winter and never got up again.”

Scully said, “Damn, Pete, but that’s tough.”

Pete turned and leaned against his horse, trying to get his emotions under control. Maybe the colonel had written him a letter but he had never received it. Or, just as likely, the stubborn old bastard hadn’t even tried.

The first rush of grief passed, and anger took its place. Pete clenched his fist. If his suspicion was correct, he had found one more reason to hate his father.

He turned back to Jethro. “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with the colonel, I suppose?” He hoped there was.

“He’s down in his mind, what with old missus dyin’ and the war bein’ lost. But he’s a strong man. He’ll do a lot better, seein’ as you’ve come home.”

Don’t bet on it, Pete thought. More than likely he’ll throw a conniption fit.