That I'll fail you and the children. You won't. You can't know that. I can. Because I've watched you, Lena.
I've seen how you love these kids, not out of obligation, but genuinely. I've seen you step up when things are hard, not shrink away. Whatever challenges come, we'll face them together. He paused. That's what marriage is.
Facing things together. Before Lena could respond, they heard hoofbeats approaching. Jonas tensed immediately, moving to the window. It's Sheriff Brennan, he said, surprised. And he's got company.
They went outside to find the sheriff dismounting, along with two men Lena didn't recognize. One was older, gray-haired, with the bearing of someone accustomed to authority. The other was younger, dressed in city clothes that marked him as an outsider. Jonas, Miss Crowell. Sheriff Brennan nodded to each of them.
His weathered face was grave. I need to ask you some questions. This here is Judge Harrison from the county seat, and Mr. Philip Walsh, an attorney from Denver. Lena's blood ran cold.
Denver. Where Reed Mercer had connections. Where Daniel's family lived. What's this about, Sheriff? Jonas asked, his voice carefully neutral.
The attorney stepped forward, pulling papers from his satchel. Miss Crowell, I represent the estate of Daniel Crowell. It has come to our attention that you are in possession of certain valuables that rightfully belong to the estate. We're here to recover those items and discuss the matter of restitution. I don't have anything that belongs to Daniel's estate, Lena said, forcing her voice steady.
Everything I took when I left was legally mine. Gifts from my own family, personal items, nothing more. That's not what we've been told. Walsh consulted his papers. According to Mr.
Reed Mercer, who witnessed the dissolution of your marriage, you removed a pearl necklace valued at $500, a set of silver candlesticks worth $300, and various other heirlooms totaling approximately $2,000 in value. That's a lie. Lena's hands clenched into fists. The pearls were from my grandmother. The candlesticks were a wedding gift from my aunt.
Reed Mercer is twisting the truth because I refused his advances. Walsh's expression didn't change. Do you have documentation proving ownership of these items? I No, they were gifts. Family doesn't typically provide receipts for Then, we have a problem.
Mr. Mercer has provided sworn testimony that these items belong to your former husband. In the absence of proof to the contrary, we must assume his testimony is accurate. This is ridiculous, Jonas interjected. You're taking the word of a man who's been stalking Miss Crowell across state lines, who showed up at my property making threats.