Page 45 of Promise Keeper

"Isn't James Adkins a family name?"

He took a step back. "Yes. You think it's one of my relatives?"

"Could it be your grandfather, or great-grandfather?"

"My grandfather is in an urn on my father's mantle, so I'm fairly certain it's not him. His father is buried in the cemetery in Brookville."

"Your great-grandfather, the original James Adkins, is buried in Brookville?"

"Yeah, but even if he wasn't I don't think it's him."

"Why is that?"

"His middle name didn't start with an A, it was Paul. JPA."

My chest deflated and I closed my eyes. "That stinks."

"Well, I'm sorry my great-gramps's bones weren't scattered around the town, Cameron."

My eyes popped open. "No, that's not what I meant! I'm glad it's not him. That would be terrible to find out. I'm sorry if it sounded that way."

He shook his head. "It's fine. I need to get the shop open. Have a good one."

"I'm sorry," I said. "I really didn't mean it that way."

He waved and smiled before going inside, but didn't say anything. Hopefully, he wouldn't hold it against me.

"Cameron?" he called. "My great-uncle Jason's middle name was Lee."

I didn't want to seem excited, but I was doing the polka on the inside. "Is he in the same cemetery?"

"He might be, but I'm not sure."

I nodded. "Okay. Thanks. I'm sure Ben will be by to talk to you about this, too."

I hustled back to my house next door. I had my phone out and was dialing before I got inside. "Roy! I think it's Will's great-uncle. We're going to the cemetery."

"Is that woman coming with us?"

"I haven't called Johnna yet, but we're a team. You two have to make up and get along."

"I won't talk to her."

"Talking isn't required, just finding a grave."

"I thought them bones weren't in a grave."

"They might have been in a casket at one point. Maybe he was dug up."

"What kind of sick-o digs up a dead man?"

"That's what we're trying to figure out, remember?"

"I want my flask back."

"I'll get your flask back."

"Then I'll go."

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