Lacey answered, “He’s one of my construction site workers.”
Rolling her eyes, Nancy mocked, “The almighty general, working at your construction site? What a joke!”
When the other woman put it that way, Lacey could not help but to laugh at herself.
Indeed, if Lone Wolf really were the almighty general, why would he be moving bricks at her construction site?
She must have been mistaken.
Aaron led the Hinton family to welcome the general.
“The Riverdale Hintons welcome you, General.”
Barely flicking them a glance, Lone Wolf hummed in acknowledgment but otherwise ignored them.
He moved through the crowd, heading for the rows of graves.
Aaron waved his hand at the servants standing off to the side, commanding, “Let the ceremony begin.”
They leapt into action, some playing mournful music while others brought the food offerings to the table set at the front of the graveyard.
The offerings were extravagant to the extreme, with a whole roasted pig and lamb, all sorts of fruit, and wine.
Near the back of the group, Daniel urged Zeke softly, “Let’s go before the general sees us. It would be bad if he decides to question why we’re here.”
Zeke shook his head. “Dad, we can’t leave now. The general’s men have already blocked off the gates. We’ll catch even more unwanted attention by trying to sneak away now.”
“Alright then. I guess we’ll stay a little while longer,” the older man agreed, “But remember, don’t make a sound. Actually, don’t move at all. We mustn’t bring attention to ourselves.”
His family nodded obediently.
Nancy shot Zeke an infuriated look, hissing, “We should have gone just now, but noooo, you just HAD to insist on staying longer. Look at what you’ve done now! We’re in so much trouble.”
Zeke could feel a headache forming. No wonder rumors said Nancy could really hold a grudge - she just would not let things go!
Lone Wolf swept his gaze across the headstones, the Hintons following his eyes. They desperately wanted to know which ancestor of theirs had once saved the life of the almighty general.
Outside the gates of the graveyard, the onlookers were getting excited as well.
“Wow, so one of their ancestors actually saved the life of the almighty general? What luck they have!”
“I wonder which one of them saved the general? Maybe I might even know them!”
“Shh, be quiet. The general is looking for his savior’s tombstone, so we’ll know who it is soon enough.”
After a moment, a disappointed look appeared on the general’s face.
He accused, “Why is my savior not buried here?”
Gulping, Aaron stated tensely, “Not here? That’s impossible. All of our family members are buried here. Sir, there are a lot of graves here; perhaps you can tell me who it is you’re looking for and I can help you search for them?”
“I do not know her name; I only remember how she looks. She is not among any of the photos I see. Are you sure all of the Hinton family members are interred here?”
Aaron nodded firmly. “But of course...”
Abruptly, a voice exclaimed loudly, “I think you’re forgetting someone over here.”
Following the sound of the voice, the Hinton family were furious when they saw the owner.
It was Zeke.
The almighty general was talking to their patriarch; who was he to interrupt them? And in such a cold and disrespectful tone too!
Waves of despair crashed over Daniel and he shuddered. He had repeatedly reminded Zeke not to do anything, yet the younger man had still been unable to restrain himself.
What are we supposed to do if the general decides to hold us accountable?
“Zeke Williams, shut your mouth!” Aaron roared, “You have no right to speak.”
Turning to the general, he continued, “Sir, please don’t be mad. He’s not part of the Hinton family. I’ll throw him out right away!”
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