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Wade. “Honestly, Abrianna, it’s not like I live in a cave somewhere. Just because I’m not always hanging around here doesn’t mean I don’t know about things. Besides, I helped with the move here and know that the Booths live just down the street. I’ve encountered you and Mrs. Booth on many occasions.”
    â€œGood. I’m glad you recall them. Sometimes it’s been my experience that men are less observant about such things. I don’t understand if it’s because they have a great deal on their minds or they simply don’t care.” She looked at Militine. “Remember,I was mentioning the other day how Kolbein has trouble remembering the names of the young ladies here at the school and how that really surprised me? After all, he is a lawyer and you would think such a duty would require a good memory. Of course, Aunt Selma says it’s probably because he came to us by way of Chicago. She’s absolutely certain that town is full of degenerates and ninnies, although Kolbein truly seems to be neither.”
    â€œAbrianna, please!” Wade’s exasperated tone made it clear he’d reached the limit of his patience.
    â€œI apologize.” She offered Wade a sympathetic smile. “I am given to the details, you know. Anyway, as you all may know, Lenore and Kolbein both come from money. And both have tender hearts when it comes to helping those in need. I have managed to convince Lenore that, with proper funding, I could extend considerable help to the poor of Seattle.”
    â€œIn what way?” Wade’s expression showed great concern.
    Militine held her breath. With Abrianna a person could never be certain as to what would come next, but no doubt it wouldn’t be a simple matter.
    â€œLenore is giving me a substantial sum of money so I can rent a little building down near the wharf. It is quite close to where you work on the boats, Thane.” She hurried on, not waiting for any comment or protest, as was Abrianna’s fashion. Militine had come to expect this as much as the others and didn’t try to stop her.
    â€œI have already spoken to the owner. He will allow us to paint it and fix it up in order that I might run a food house for the poor. Given its location, the old sailors will find it quite convenient, and it won’t be that far removed from the more destitute parts of town. Those folks might also find it easy to locate. All that is required is some cleaning and mending.
    â€œThat’s where you three come in. I will need help preparingthe place, and then, of course, I know my aunts would feel better if I could have one or both of you men present when I’m actually there feeding the poor.”
    â€œIs that what they said?” Wade fixed her with a stern look. “Or is that what you’re hoping will be the case?”
    Abrianna had the decency to squirm a bit in her chair. Militine had seen the young woman manipulate situations and cajole people to accomplish most anything she desired, but she didn’t seem to be able to push Wade around.
    â€œI feel confident,” the redhead began, “that your presence will assure them of my safety. They truly trust you, Wade. You, too, Thane, and I figure you both have to eat lunch just like the rest. I plan to serve only the noon meal, you see. And—”
    â€œAbrianna.” Wade’s tone was one of an insistent father with a child.
    Militine smiled at Abrianna’s reaction. She crossed her arms against her chest and sat back in the chair. “All right. I haven’t told them yet. I wanted to make sure I had your support first. If I don’t have your help, then I’ll need to find someone else, and given the fact that Pastor Klingle has just died and his funeral will be the focus of our attention for this week, I wanted to secure your assistance before things got out of hand.”
    For a moment silence fell on the room, something most