Jamison Valley, #1
The Coppersmith Farmhouse
by Devney Perry
Contents
Chapter 3
Overview
Gigi settles into an evening routine at the farmhouse and reaches out to Ben’s longtime caretaker, Brick. Sheriff Jess arrives, revealing he is Brick. After a tense confrontation, Gigi offers Jess Ben’s letter and bequest. Jess initially refuses but, moved by the letter, accepts the $50,000 and departs, deepening their complicated dynamic.
Summary
Gigi unwinds on the farmhouse porch after putting Rowen to bed, reflecting on their new routine and the difficult week at the ER. She resolves to deliver Ben’s final requests: a letter and money for the farmhouse’s caretaker, Brick, whom she texts to arrange a meeting.
Brick replies he will arrive in five minutes. Expecting an older, kind caretaker, Gigi is stunned when Sheriff Jess appears, revealing he is Brick, the man who has maintained the farmhouse for nineteen years. Their mutual dislike flares as Gigi tries to keep the interaction brief and civil.
Gigi offers Jess the $50,000 Ben left as payment for years of upkeep. Jess curtly refuses, insisting he watched over the property out of loyalty to Ben, and pointedly warns Gigi not to ruin the house. Hurt but determined to fulfill Ben’s wishes, Gigi urges Jess to read the letters Ben wrote to each of them.
Jess reads in silence while Gigi waits at the railing. After finishing, Jess changes his mind and accepts the check without further explanation. He leaves without pleasantries, and Gigi, relieved to have honored Ben’s request, returns to watching the sunset, feeling a lingering connection to Ben through the farmhouse.
Who Appears
- Georgia “Gigi” EllarsNarrator; initiates contact with the caretaker, manages tension with Jess, and ensures Ben’s bequest is delivered.
- Jess “Brick” ClearySheriff and longtime caretaker; reveals he is Brick, initially refuses Ben’s money, reads the letter, then accepts the $50,000.
- Ben CoppersmithDeceased friend; his letters and bequest drive the meeting and persuade Jess to accept the money.
- Rowen (Roe) EllarsGigi’s daughter; asleep during events, her grief and adjustment weigh on Gigi’s decisions.