Mara had been thinking this since the tracks on the south ridge. Yes. Then we need to think about what that looks like. He looked at Orson. How many men does he usually move with when he's doing something he doesn't want witnesses to?
Four to six, Orson said. Sometimes more if the situation's complicated. He's got a man named Cutter who runs his enforcement work big. Doesn't talk much. Does what he's told without asking why, which is exactly the kind of man Ror keeps close."I know, cutter,"Gideon said.
Orson raised an eyebrow slightly."You've met once, 2 years ago, when Ror sent him to make the second offer on my land. Gideon's jaw moved briefly.""He was polite about it. I was less polite. Cutter doesn't come politely the second time,"Orson said."I didn't think he would."Mara looked between them. Tell me about the layout from their perspective.
If they're coming from the south ridge, what do they before they the cabin? Gideon turned to her. The fact that she'd asked that specific question, not will we be safe or what should I do, but a tactical question about sightelines and approach did something to his expression that she noticed without naming. He explained it clearly without condescension, without simplifying it for her. The gap between the cottonwoods to the west where a man on horseback could come through without being seen from the main window.
The angle of the porch which gave a person standing on it a longer sight line south than a person inside the cabin looking through glass. The way sound moved across frozen ground differently than across mud further more clearly which was an advantage if you were listening and a disadvantage if you were moving. She asked questions. He answered them. Orson added things twice and held his tongue the other times.
By the time they finished, the fire had burned down to orange coals, and it was late enough that the cold had settled deep into the walls. Orson went to his bed roll near the far wall. Gideon banked the stove. Mara stayed at the table. After a moment, Gideon came back and sat across from her, not because there was more to discuss, but apparently because he'd noticed she was still sitting there and had decided not to ignore it.
You should sleep, he said. I know, she said. I will. He waited. I keep thinking, she said about the families.
The ones Orson said came to Whitlock. She looked at the oil cloth packet. If my deed unlocks this, if the whole thing comes apart, the families who lost land. Some of them might get it back. She paused.