“Riley, I left you the cabin because your sister would only see the money in it,” my father had written. “Adelaide believed women had to fight twice as hard to be respected, and she made me promise to pass that fight down to you.”

“The military taught you discipline, but this land will give you independence,” he concluded. “Don’t sell it. Use it to build something that lasts.”

He mentioned that he’d already spoken with Marcus Finch about the legal protections. I realized my father had built a fortress around this inheritance.

A knock on the door broke my concentration. It was Hank again, this time carrying a heavy tool belt.

“Morning, Captain,” he said with a grin. “Figured you might need some basic tools if you’re planning to stay a while.”

“Got a hammer, some nails, and a good flashlight in here,” he said as he set the belt on the counter. “It isn’t fancy, but it’ll keep the roof over your head.”