"I'll talk to him," Ethan said, heading for the door. "Wait," Clara said. "Let me come with you. This isn't your problem. I'm your wife.
Legally, that makes it very much my problem. She untied her apron, smoothing her hair. Besides, Morrison might be less aggressive with a lady present. Ethan looked like he wanted to argue, but Tom nodded. She's got a point, boss.
Morrison likes to keep up appearances. They walked out together, not touching, but presenting a united front. Morrison sat on his horse like a king surveying his domain, flanked by two men Clara recognized as his enforcers. Men who'd thrown more than one family off their land. "Ethan," Morrison said, tipping his hat mockingly.
"Mrs. Walker, how lovely you look. Marriage clearly agrees with you." "Mr. Morrison," Clara said coolly. "To what do we owe the pleasure?" "Just a routine inspection. Need to make sure my investment is being properly maintained." His piggy eyes swept over the property, cataloging every loose board, every patch of peeling paint. "I see the barn needs repairs, and that fence line is looking shabby." "Nothing that affects the value of the property," Ethan said tightly.
"Oh, but it does." "You see, I've had an offer on this land, a very generous offer from someone who could put it to better use. The ranch isn't for sale. Everything's for sale at the right price. And when you default on your loan, which let's be honest, we both know you will, I'll be happy to facilitate the transfer. Clara stepped forward.
May I see the loan documents, Mr. Morrison? He blinked, clearly not expecting that. I beg your pardon. The loan documents, the original agreement my husband signed. I'd like to review them.
Whatever for, it's hardly a woman's concern. On the contrary, as Ethan's wife, his debts are now mine. I have every right to understand our financial obligations. She held out her hand expectantly. Morrison's face reddened.
I don't carry such documents with me. How convenient. Then I suppose this inspection will have to wait until you can produce them. After all, we wouldn't want any misunderstandings about the terms of the agreement. The terms are simple.
He owes me money. If he can't pay, he loses the ranch. The specific terms, Mr. Morrison. Payment schedules, interest rates, penalties, all the details that I'm sure a businessman of your reputation would have carefully documented. Morrison's eyes narrowed.
You're quite the little lawyer, aren't you? I'm a woman who reads contracts before signing them, a habit I learned from my father. Your father, the doctor? My father, the doctor, who also happened to have a law degree from Harvard. It was true, though her father had never practiced law, preferring medicine.