The folding chairs in Luther Hogan’s meeting hall were arranged in a half-moon, the scent of burnt coffee and old pine boards lingering in the air. A ceiling fan hummed lazily overhead, stirring the August heat just enough to keep the room from going still. Luther—broad-shouldered, sun-lined face, and the kind of eyes that could size up a man’s soul in one look—shifted his weight against the lectern.

“Welcome back, everyone. And a special welcome to our new visitor, Anna.” He ...