Mark Hose

Silent Ingredient Mark Hose

Little League baseball games ... aimless walks in the woods ... breakfasts with his fellow retirees. Ben Lapier spends each day doing something, but that's all it is-something to pass the time. Then he overhears his former student discussing a personal matter that is causing her great anxiety. Ben knows he can help, but he won't reveal her secret and risk putting a rift in the social fabric of small-town Bayleene, Georgia. After a sleepless night of debate, he hits on a solution: He will send a note anonymously. That produces more confusion than clarity, so he sends another. And while he's at it, why not help a few of the other young adults as well?The recipients are captivated by the bait. So is Bayleene's rumor mill, which explodes with opinions and outrageous theories. Finally, Ben's stealthy advice produces results, but time is running out-he knows that secrets can only last for so long in this town. What he doesn't know is the startling final result that awaits.