Chapter 58

“This volume contains the property appraiser’s maps of all the parcels around yours,” he said. “Did you say the cabin was to the west of your land?”

“Yes, sir, we’re pretty sure it was somewhere in that vicinity.”

Starling flipped a few pages in the volume, then studied the open page closely. Here’s where the plantation house sits,” he said, and pointed at the drawing. His finger traced other images on the page. “It looks like there are only three small parcels to the west of you. The rest of that area is farmland owned by Hamilton Jordan. Have you met him?”

“I’m familiar with the name, but we haven’t met. He’s sort of an absentee landowner, isn’t he?”

“That’s true. Mr. Jordan lives in Pennsylvania. He has a small airstrip on his property, so he can fly in to inspect it whenever he likes.”

“That would take quite a few of his acres out of production, wouldn’t it?” Carlton said.