CHAPTER 28
Later that afternoon, Carly had plenty to be
thankful for as she joined her grandfather, Freddie, and Mrs.
Wheeler for Thanksgiving dinner at the Oakley farm. She and Freddie
cleared the table, preparing for pumpkin pie. A loud rumble outside
sent chickens scurrying, while Monroe and Hardtack paced nervously
in their stalls. Dashing to the window, Carly saw Strange Willie
riding down the drive, trailing smoke and dust. As the entire
Thanksgiving party rushed for the front porch, she stopped them
with a wave of her hand.
“Let me go alone,” she pleaded. No one
disagreed. Carly ventured onto the porch. Strange Willie turned the
engine off and waited silently as the girl approached. He held a
blackened tin box in his hand.
“Hi, Willie,” Carly smiled. He returned a nod
