This tale, THE CROSS-CUT, by Courtney Ryley Cooper, set in the early twentieth century finds a lonely, grief-stricken young man on the verge of the adventure of a lifetime. When Robert Fairchild's father died, he found himself facing just such a situation. Thornton Fairchild's silence about the years he had spent in Colorado when Robert was a small child haunted Robert as well as his father. With only a hint of where to go to get any answers, Robert sells his possessions and heads for Colorado. What was the secret Thornton had kept for so many years, and why...why did he live in silent fear, waiting for death to come? With a seemingly considerable inheritance, and only a small hint of what the future holds, Robert Fairchild is determined to get answers...but, is he ready for what lies ahead? Is knowing worth the pain that may come with knowing? And, is young Robert ready for unexpected dangers? As Robert labors and struggles to find the truth, his life becomes enriched with unexpected friendships, welcome truths and a loving future.