THE DEVIL'S TROVE
by
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“With the legal aspects aside, I must tell you the story of my great-great grandmother, Genny.”
“Now you understand why it is a game as well as a personal matter with me. The venture is dangerous and not without some hardships. I’ve been long-winded,” he apologized, “but if you are willing, it should net us a small fortune.
“I would rather have your help, Jessica, more than anyone I know because you are a charmer and I enjoy being with you. Will you be my partner for one fourth of the profits and the fun of it?”
“First, I have to tell you that I loved the story of Genny’s life. It’s sad, but beautiful and I understand your personal feelings about the trove. It doesn’t make any difference whether I believe it is the same trove or not, but yes,
“One last thing concerning our exciting adventure, Jessica, is that we’ll be together for weeks and months in unfamiliar situations. How do you feel about that and about our friendship, considering the difference in our ages?”
Jessica smiled. “Come to my room tonight and we will discuss it.”
***
That night
“Aha, look who is the romantic.”
“Jessica, you are a lovely woman and a little light will only make you more beautiful.”
She knew his words came from the heart, and she loved this man. She moved to him.
The night was cool; the darkness was soft and quiet, and only the glimmer and flutter of the candle’s flame witnessed their loving embrace. Jessica offered her warm, smooth lips for his kiss, parting them just enough for
Light was just beginning to filter into the eastern skies, only a suggestion at first, as if the sun perhaps was resisting the new day. Then a soft, rosy glow seeped into the first light. By the time
Dressed in his western garb and carrying his big-knob walking stick,
A bread lady, with front and back baskets filled with fresh loaves of bread, peddled her bicycle past him, treating him to a smile and a nod of the head, and wishing
His walk soon completed,
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About the Book
1820. Genny braves an Atlantic voyage from Europe secure in the knowledge that her uncle has planned a prosperous, new life for her. Instead, her future becomes chaos as everything changes. A century and a half later, Chad, Genny’s descendant, struggles to make a new life for himself after his wife’s death. His lonely explorations along the banks of the Mississippi draw him to an unexpected connection with Genny. Old family stories surfacing gradually in his mind solidify that connection and Chad begins a challenging, perhaps illegal, attempt to fulfill Genny’s dream. How can he, all alone, accomplish the task she sets for him? Three fascinating women become Chad’s partners on the dangerous trail he decides to follow. With their help he hopes to carry out Genny’s plan; however, two amazing surprises along the way bring even more change into his life. Will he and his partners be able to escape the cunning adventurers who are tailing them, or will the difficulties of their dangerous journey be more than they can overcome?
About the Author
David Aldridge grew up in southwestern
He spent summers during college assisting on the family farm and working for an engineering company. After graduation, he worked for many years with a large paper company, retiring as a forest engineer. He holds a patent on equipment designed to reduce the cost of land clearing.
His hobbies include bread baking, making jewelry, and fashioning unique walking sticks.
The author and his wife enjoy traveling in the United States and abroad as they research for his novels.