Wade Rivers — C.J. Petit

Wade stood in the dark street and watched his home being eaten by the raging flames. It was as if it was a horrible nightmare because it couldn't really be happening. He knew his parents had been trapped in their room where the fire had started, but there was nothing he could have done to help.He didn't feel the town marshal's hand on his shoulder as he watched the fire brigade fight to keep the fire contained to his parents' house. All he ever knew and cared about was gone and he didn't know what would become of him now. He didn't care.But within a month, he had been placed with a couple making the long journey to Oregon where he was to be adopted by his uncle and aunt. He had even begged to be sent to an orphanage, but to no avail. In a few months, he'd be in Oregon and be treated like a servant by his hated uncle.He'd get his wish and never see his uncle or aunt. A near-fatal accident would lead him to an entirely different life that would make him an entirely different and better man.