“You have all the power to distribute the funds, but there is one stipulation of the trust,” he said.
I knew it sounded too easy. Money was never this easy.
“What’s that?” I asked, anticipation growing in my gut.
“You will be required to live on the property for fifteen years and hold the directorship for all of that time. After which, if you chose, you may leave and select a new director.”
“Fifteen years?” I had no intention of leaving Barton Farm now, but how did I know that wouldn’t change for fifteen years?
“That’s the stipulation of the trust. Will you comply?”
“What happens if I don’t?” I asked.
“The trust is null and void. Ms. Cherry was very clear on that.”
I swallowed. If I didn’t agree, the Farm would close. I gripped my hands so tightly my knuckles turned white. “I’ll do it.”
He nodded. “I know Ms. Cherry would be pleased with your decision.”
I knew that too.
© Sara E. Smith
About the Author
Amanda Flower, a multiple Agatha Award–nominated mystery author, started her writing career in elementary school when she read a story she wrote to her sixth grade class and had the class in stitches with her description of being stuck on the top of a Ferris wheel. She knew at that moment she’d found her calling of making people laugh with her words. She also writes mysteries as national bestselling author Isabella Alan. In addition to being an author, Amanda is an academic librarian for a small college near Cleveland. www.amandaflower.com
Acknowledgments
Over a decade ago, I spent one summer working at a living history museum. I made bricks by hand, wove baskets, and spouted off mostly accurate American history to tourists. It was one of the most fun and unusual summers of my life. I promised myself someday I would write a mystery novel inspired by that experience. Without my wonderful readers, that promise would have never come true. Thank you. You are why I keep writing.
I wrote the proposal for this mystery over four years ago. Special thanks to my superhero agent Nicole Resciniti for not giving up on it and finding it a good home. Thanks to Terri Bischoff for providing that home. I’m certain that Midnight Ink is a perfect match for Barton Farm and everyone living in it.
Thanks to my fantastic beta reader Molly Carroll for reminding me to finish my sentences, and to editor Nicole Nugent for her edits and comments.
Hugs to Mariellyn Grace for saving the novel from a fiery end and to Suzy and Roland Green for accompanying me on a research trip to a Civil War reenactment and patiently waiting while I got my photo taken with Honest Abe.
Thank you to my mother, the Reverend Pamela Flower, who encouraged me from the start to write this book and every book. She would have loved the finished product.
Finally, I thank God for restoring my hope.
The Final Reveille: A Living History Museum Mystery Page 26