Eighteen Years After Ray Abandoned Him on a Dirt Road, Thomas Found His Mother’s Letter

“I asked you here because I want this put to rest,” Ray said.

He tore a piece of bread in two.

“No lawyers, no court, no neighbors gossiping.”

“You’ve already had me served,” I said.

“That was a misunderstanding.” Ray rubbed the back of his neck, then reached for his water.

“I got worked up.

Pete got worked up.

We can put all that behind us.”