Chapter 46
Silas had taken the ledger because he feared it.
That meant he believed the evidence could stop him.
And if he feared one piece of evidence—
Henrietta looked toward the desk against the wall.
The old foreclosure notice was no longer beneath her blouse. Earlier that morning, she had placed it in the desk with the trust papers and transfer receipt.
Her gaze rested there.
Calvin noticed.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
“That look is never nothing.”
Henrietta went to the desk.
She opened the top drawer.
The papers were there.
She touched them.
Then, without turning, she asked, “How long would it take him to reach town?”
Mercer considered. “In this weather? An hour if he rides like a fool.”
“He rides like a man who thinks tomorrow belongs to him.”
“That usually produces foolishness.”
Calvin watched her. “What are you thinking?”
“That Silas did not come here merely to taunt us.”
“No.”
“He came because he wanted to see what we had.”
Mercer nodded.
Henrietta touched the foreclosure notice. “Now he knows.”
Calvin’s expression darkened.
“Then he’ll try to destroy the rest.”
No one spoke.
The wind pressed against the cabin.
Henrietta closed the drawer.
Mercer looked toward the road.
“I’ll go to the deputy.”
Calvin said, “Now?”
“Now.”
“You said the road—”
“I am aware of what I said. I am also aware that if Vane reaches town first, the deputy may hear a very polished story before he hears ours.”
Henrietta turned. “Take the letter.”
Mercer hesitated.
“Take it,” she repeated. “Calvin’s father trusted you with it. The deputy knows you.”
Mercer folded the pages and returned them to the envelope.
“What about the foreclosure notice?”
“I’ll keep it here.”
Calvin frowned. “Why?”
“Because if Silas stops Mercer, I do not want every piece of evidence traveling in one coat.”
Mercer gave her an approving look.
Calvin gave her a worried one.
She pretended not to see it.
Mercer buttoned his coat and pulled on his gloves. Before leaving, he stood over Calvin and pointed one thick finger at him.
“You do not stand.”
Calvin stared back.
“I mean it.”
“I heard you.”
“You heard me before and tried anyway.”
“I was motivated.”
“Remain unmotivated.”
Mercer looked at Henrietta. “If he rises, hit him.”
“With what?”
“Anything durable.”
Calvin muttered something obscene.
Mercer opened the door and disappeared into the white.
Henrietta barred it behind him.
For the first time since Silas entered, the cabin became quiet.