Chapter 12
The Old Barn
THE OLD BARN was constructed on the highest point of elevation at the Beaumont Plantation and was no longer in active use. When Patrice took over the plantation from his father, he questioned its location. With so much flat space where a more accessible structure might be built, Patrice never understood his father’s rationale for building on top of a steep hill. Once he was in charge, building a new barn had become Patrice’s first project.
The old barn still had its uses, however, because of the elevation as well as its unusual construction. The tall structure had two staircases—one in the front and one in the back—which led to railed rooftop decks. The decks, separated by a wall upon which a large bell was mounted, provided an unfettered view for miles. During t
