Page 140 of Ghost

“Ellen, we know Cousin Francis died a long time ago, but...we know that losing a loved one, a family member is hard, no matter how long ago it was,” Martin Royale said.“If there’s anything you’d like us to do, you only need ask.”

Ellen seemed to have pulled herself together somewhat.“Thank you.”She looked around the room to the men in the green uniform, which were nothing more that pants and shirts of the same colour.Mason could see the logo finally.It was a stitched patch with a large oak tree in a dark green on the white patch, and Hobonny in red stitching.

“May I know your names, please?”she asked, her voice low.“I’ve been introduced to Red,” she added quickly.“I’m sorry if I’ve been introduced to you before, but at my age I must admit I sometimes don’t remember things and it has been a long while since I’ve been to Hobonny for any length of time.”

“Ma’am, I’m Stuart Henderson.”

The next one stepped forward.“I am Sam Anderson.”

“I’m William Jones,” He smiled.“Them two are my first cousins.My family have worked here since it was built.”

“How long have you worked here, William?”Ellen asked, a slight smile on her lips.

“Since as long as I can remember, ma’am,” He replied smiling.“There aint’ no place I’d rather be, neither.”

Ellen stood and walked over to him; her arms outstretched.She hugged the man.“It’s good to meet you, cousin.”

William’s mouth fell open, as did most them who didn’t know the family secret.William glanced over to Fred and Martin.“She knows?”

Fred and Martin smiled, nearly all their teeth visible.“Yep, she sure does,” Martin answered for them both.

William looked back at Ellen and slowly smiled.“Now I know why everyone calls you a great lady.Not many people, in your position, would ever admit that.”

“Times have changed,” Ellen said.“We all have our parts to play in this life, and I am not afraid or ashamed to callallof my family, family.”

The next man took a step forward.“I’m Hasha Royale and those are my great-uncles Fred and Martin.

Mason looked over at Francis.Francis was standing just behind Ellen.He was simply beaming at his cousin, Ellen.Most of the people, the living ones, were all blood relatives.From where Mason stood, he was sure that Francis knew all of this already.

“Well, Hasha, I guess that makes us...third cousins?”Ellen’s eyebrows were somewhat creased.“Oh, pish posh,” she said waving her hand in dismissably, “We’re cousins and that’s just all there is to it.How long have you been working here?”

Hasha smiled brightly.“I can’t remember a time I wasn’t working here, even though I’m only 19.Although, I’ve only worked here officially since I was 16 and then only part time.”He looked at his uncles.“I was raised here.Most all my family is here so it only made sense to stay here.The only time I left was to go to college.I have three more years to go.”

“And what are you studying while in college?”Ellen asked.

“Agriculture,” Hasha answered.

“Excellent career, if that is what you are interested in.”Ellen glanced over her shoulder at Francis.“How do you think things are going here at Hobonny?”

Hasha’s brow creased a bit.“I don’t think it’s living up to its full potential, if I’m being honest, ma’am.”

Ellen nodded.“I would like to sit down with you at some point while we’re here and listen to why you think that is and if you have any ideas.Would that be agreeable to you?”

“Oh, yes, ma’am,” Hasha beamed.“I would very much like that.”