“It’s a pleasure, ma’am. I’m Grover.”
“Pleasure is mine, Grover. Do you have a last name?” she asked, knowing the answer would be no.
“I don’t remember my last name,” he frowned. “I don’t think I was supposed to be here. I was on a ship and then was forced to get on another ship. Things are kind of foggy from there.” Irene nodded.
“Life can happen like that. Things get foggy, and we don’t know why. I think that’s why I’m here, Grover. I believe I’m supposed to try and help you lift the fog.”
“How will you do that, ma’am?”
Irene watched as a big open-bed truck stopped in front of the square. There were campaign signs all over the truck with several people in the back dressed in way too much clothing for the sticky heat of summer.
Music began to play, and people gathered around the back of the truck, and then a man stood on a small lift in the truck. He smiled, a little too hard for Irene’s liking. He waved, a little too enthusiastic for her taste. Then he spoke, and the chills went up her spine.
“Ma’am? Are you alright?”
“I believe I just figured out why I’m here, Grover. I’m about to ruin an entire election campaign.”
CHAPTER TWO
1787
“Do not worry for me, Mother. I will be safe,” said the handsome Creole man. Raised in Saint Lucia, he’d been given every privilege, every opportunity a young man could hope for.
Having attended school and learned a trade, he was a free man with money and an education. Now, he would venture off on his own, making a life for himself in the new world, the colonies first, then on to England, where he hoped to start his own business.
The ship was to take them to New York, board more passengers, and then on to France. He would be in Europe by winter.
“You must be smart about traveling, Grover. You are still a Creole man, a black man, and that is not a good thing to be these days. Be cautious and suspicious of everyone.”
“I am a black man, a French man, and a Spanish man, Mother. Should I be suspicious of all three of those as well?” he smiled. “Creole is the mix of the three, and I am blessed to have that beautiful trio inside of me.”
“I know what it is, Grover, but others will see you only as a black man.”
“You worry too much, Mother. Everything will work itself out. I shall write to you as often as I can. Just remember, it could take months before you receive a letter from me.”
She nodded, wringing her hands at her waist as she twisted the linen handkerchief between her fingers. She and her husband had come to Saint Lucia because she, as a woman of French and African descent, could marry a man who was white and Spanish. The result was a beautiful daughter who hadsuitors from all over the world vying for her attention, and a son who was big, strong, and handsome. He was also too smart for his own good.
“I have to go, Mother,” he said, leaning down and kissing her cheek. She nodded, touching his face, and gave him a shaky smile. Turning, he shook the hand of his father. “Farewell, Father.”
“Farewell, son. Be safe.”
Grover didn’t realize how difficult it would be to say goodbye to them. He had been so excited, so lost in his dreams of going to another place that he didn’t think about what it would feel like to leave everything he’d ever known.
He hugged his sister last, holding her tightly. They were so close, playing together their entire lives, watching out for one another.
“You might be married by the time I see you next,” he smiled.
“Oh, Grover, don’t go!” she pleaded.
“I’ll be home soon, or you can come and see me with your new husband.” He kissed her forehead and smiled. “I love you all.”
They waved at him as he boarded the ship. The sailing vessel was large enough for more than fifty passengers and crew. She was sound, well-traveled, and her crew and captain were experienced.
Grover instantly befriended several of the crew members, hearing stories of the new places that he would see. He learned of the challenges facing New York after the revolution. They heard so little of the news on their little island, he felt out of touch and unaware of the rest of the world. In some ways, thatwas good, but in this case, he needed information about where he was headed and what awaited him.
The first few days, the sea was smooth as glass, the sun shining brightly with warm Caribbean breezes. There wasn’t a cloud in sight, nor any sign of inclement weather.
Three days into the voyage, they were approached by another ship, guns along her deck, ordering her to lower her sails and lay anchor.
