He went through the barn and the livestock records and the fencing with Thomas. He went through the household accounts and the school records and the medical history of the children with Clare. He spent 45 minutes going through the documentation box alone. He asked Clare one question during that 45 minutes. Did you assemble this Jacob and I?
She said with his father's records looked at her. How long have you been in this house? He said 3 months. She said. He looked back at the documents.
The household financial management improved significantly approximately 3 months ago, he said in the neutral tone of an observer noting a fact. Yes, Clare said. Ayes turned a page. Good work, he said, and kept reading. It was the professional equivalent of high praise and Clare received it in the same register it was offered.
After his assessment, Ayer sat with Thomas on the porch for 15 minutes. Clareire stayed inside, but she was in the kitchen with the window open. Not because she was eavesdropping, but because she was right there and the window was open. She heard heirs say, "Strong property, viable operation. Someone wants you to think otherwise."
She heard Thomas say quietly. I know. My report will reflect what I found, Ay said. Which is a functioning ranch and a functional family. Nothing more and nothing less.
That's all I need. Thomas said he left before noon. Thomas came inside. He stood in the kitchen doorway. He said it was a strong property.
He said, "I heard." Clareire said. Thomas looked at her. You heard. The window was open.
She said. He almost smiled. Almost. Two days. He said, "Two days."
She confirmed. Sunday was quiet in the specific way that days are quiet when something is coming. The children felt it. Children always felt the quality of adult tension even when it was carefully managed like they had antenna for it and they compensated in their particular ways. Lily played the music box three times.