News of a missing slave flies like brush fire. When I heard the news, my heart dropped to my knees. Missus used her bell and gathered everybody in the yard, up near the back door. She laid her hands on top of her big pregnant belly and said, “If you know Charlotte’s whereabouts, you are duty bound to tell me.” Not a peep from anybody. Missus cast her eyes on me. “Hetty? Where is your mother?” I shrugged and acted stumped. “I don’t know, missus. Wish I did know.”
