Supply entries matched the timber supports Rebecca and Everett had found near the illegal cut. Walter pointed to the initials beside the work order. EM Mercer pushed back his chair. This is the word of a bitter former employee. Walter stopped speaking.
For one dangerous moment, Rebecca thought the old man might fold. Instead, he looked at Edwin. “You still owe me $23.40.” A few men near the wall exchanged glances. Walter continued, “But I didn't ride down here for $23.” His hand flattened over the ledger. “I came because I dug that ditch.” The room became still and I should have spoken sooner.
Rebecca lowered her eyes. Everett watched Walter for another moment, then looked at her. Something passed between them that needed no words. The hearing broke shortly before noon so Commissioner Dyier could examine the upstream evidence personally. People poured into the street.
Rebecca remained inside long enough to help Walter collect his papers. When she finally descended the stairs, Everett was waiting near the hitching rail, not close enough to trap her. Just there. Rebecca stopped on the final step. I should have told you.
Everett looked toward the street. Yes. She had expected him to make it easier. He did not. Rebecca drew a breath.
I thought leaving would keep Mercer from using me against you. Everett's jaw moved once. And did it? No. A horse stamped beside them.
Rebecca looked at him. I was wrong about that. Everett nodded. Then he said, “You found Briggs. I heard his name by accident.
You still went after him.” “Yes.” Another silence. Rebecca's fingers tightened around the handle of her basket. Were you angry? Everett looked down at her. I was.
She waited. Still am some. That almost made her smile. Almost. But you didn't come after me.
No. Why? His answer came quietly. Because you left. Rebecca frowned.
Everett rested one hand on the hitching rail. If I'd ridden into town and hauled you back because I decided I knew better than you, what would that make all those things I said worth? The question struck deeper than accusation would have. Before Rebecca could answer, a voice came from behind them, touching. Edwin Mercer stood outside the land office.
His lawyer had already crossed toward the hotel. Claudia waited near a buggy farther down the street. Mercer did not follow her. Instead, he walked directly toward Everett. Whole valley is getting a fine lesson today.
Everett straightened. Rebecca saw the change immediately. At 6'7, he did not need to threaten anyone. Simply standing upright altered the space around him. Mercer stopped several feet away.
A man owns one of the best spreads beneath the winds, “he said loudly,” and lets a kitchen woman lead him around by the nose. “Conversations along the boardwalk faded. Rebecca saw Harvey outside the blacksmith shop. Franklin stood near the land office door. Nobody moved.