Clara I. A crash from the room next door broke the moment, followed by drunken laughter and singing. The spell shattered and they both turned away, returning to their careful positions on opposite sides of the bed. But something had changed in that moment of connection. The space between them no longer felt like a gulf, but like a bridge waiting to be crossed.
When Clara's breathing eventually deepened into sleep, Ethan found himself listening to the sound, finding an unexpected comfort in her presence. He thought of Margaret, wondering what she would make of this situation. She'd always been the romantic one, believing in fate and destiny and love conquering all. She would probably laugh at the irony of him lying beside a woman he was beginning to respect, maybe even like, while holding himself apart out of loyalty to her memory. You always were too stubborn for your own good, Ethan Walker.
He could almost hear her say, "Stop punishing yourself and that poor woman for being alive." When he finally slept, he dreamed not of Margaret, but of green eyes flecked with gold, and a voice saying, "We," like it was a promise. Morning came too soon, and not soon enough. They dressed with awkward efficiency, careful not to look at each other, both hyper aware of the intimacy they'd shared. Breakfast in the hotel dining room was a silent affair, though not uncomfortably so. It was as if they were both processing something, turning it over in their minds like a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit anywhere yet.
Sam's news when they returned to his office was better than they'd hoped. "Morrison's in serious trouble if this goes before a judge," he said, spreading out additional documents he'd researched. "The territorial laws are clear about usury, and the interest rate he's charging exceeds legal limits. Combined with the date discrepancies and the unclear terms, you have grounds not just to challenge the loan, but potentially to have it declared void. What does that mean exactly?
Clara asked, leaning forward. It means Morrison might have to return any payments already made and cancel the debt entirely. At minimum, a judge would likely order a restructuring of the loan at legal interest rates, which would reduce your payments significantly. He won't let this go to court, Ethan said grimly. Morrison's got too much to lose if word gets out about his practices.
Exactly. Sam smiled like a chess player who just cornered his opponent's king, which means he'll negotiate. I can draw up a letter outlining our findings and our intention to file suit. My guess is he'll offer to restructure rather than risk exposure. Do it, Clara said before Ethan could respond.
When both men looked at her, she flushed but didn't back down. We need to act quickly before he finds another way to corner us. Sam nodded approvingly. I'll have it ready within the hour. You can take it back with you.
Deliver it personally. Sometimes the shock value of immediate action works in our favor. While Sam prepared the documents, Ethan and Clara walked through Denver's streets, stopping at shops for supplies they couldn't get in Silver Creek. Clara paused at a bookshop window, her eyes lighting up at the display. Go ahead, Ethan said.
Look around. We shouldn't spend unnecessarily. Books aren't unnecessary. Margaret always said that. He opened the shop door.
Besides, Sophie's been asking about new stories. They spent an hour in the shop. Clara carefully selecting books for Sophie, fairy tales, and beginning readers, while Ethan watched her animated discussions with the proprietor about different editions and authors. She was in her element here, surrounded by knowledge and stories, and he found himself charmed by her enthusiasm. "You miss it," he observed as they left with their wrapped purchases.