Avery entered the hallway with two visitors.
One was Nathaniel Brooks, the lawyer from Richmond.
The other was a county official who had agreed to witness a statement about Margaret’s alleged death and inheritance.
Their arrival did not guarantee justice for Daniel, but it interrupted Richard’s attempt to isolate him.
Brooks spoke clearly enough for everyone to hear.
“Colonel Blackwood, I represent Margaret Vale in a dispute over her declared death and the disposal of her estate.”
Richard stared at him.
“Margaret Vale is dead.”
Brooks opened his case.
“Then you may wish to explain why she signed this statement before witnesses last week.”
He held up a paper bearing Margaret’s name.
Richard said nothing.
Catherine gripped the edge of a chair.
Daniel saw the first visible crack in the colonel’s certainty.
It was not defeat.
Richard had money, allies, and men willing to obey him.
But the story he had controlled was no longer his alone.
Brooks continued.
“We also request preservation of the records connected to her purported funeral.”
Richard began to protest.
The official explained that destroying contested documents could have consequences in the property proceedings.
Daniel understood the limitations.
These men could insist on documents about an inheritance while remaining indifferent to the people held beneath the mill.
Even so, their presence forced Richard to respond in front of witnesses.
Catherine turned toward Daniel.
“Leave,” she said quietly.
“You have work outside.”
Richard’s face darkened.
Daniel looked from one person to another, then stepped toward the door.
Silas hesitated.
With Brooks watching, the overseer could not seize him without attracting questions.
Daniel walked out of the parlor into the bright hall.
Only after reaching the yard did he allow himself to breathe.
He knew the colonel would retaliate when the visitors left.
He had hours, perhaps less, to move his friends and escape.
Chapter 23: The Night of Departure
Isaiah had prepared the wagon behind the forge before Daniel reached him.
Hannah stood beside the horses with Samuel wrapped in a blanket.
The child was frightened but quiet.
He had been told they were going to visit people who could help them find a safer life.
Daniel did not tell him the road might be dangerous.
The adults understood enough without putting the burden into a child’s mouth.
“Brooks is at the house,” Daniel told Isaiah.
“Richard knows Margaret is alive.”
Isaiah looked toward the great house.
“Then we leave tonight.”
“We have to.”
