To Begin

In the fall of 1880, four friends from a small Kentucky town decide that the wonderment of a big city is on the agenda and embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. For one of them, it will be the end. 

When a mysterious gentleman named Raymond Throckmort enters their lives, he sets into motion events that will span generations. They hope he is the one with the answers they seek. 

“Mr. Throckmort,” Molly asked, “are we still going to make the deal you proposed earlier?” 

“Of course, we can make the deal, Molly.” 

She thought there would be smoke and fire of some sort when they agreed to the swap. She was a little frightened for a moment, too, thinking maybe Throckmort would take her life on the spot - as in right now, here! 

But Throckmort merely said, “It is done.” 

Molly didn’t know what to do or think. 

“That’s all there is to it, Mr. Throckmort?” 

“That’s it, Molly. It’s that simple. What, did you expect, smoke and fire or some such ridiculous thing?”