“The person who checked the figures you didn't.”
He turned back toward the sheriff. “Don't listen to her.”
The sheriff studied the paper more carefully. A line that should have identified the court contained only a vague reference to company authority. He folded it and kept it.
“I'll have the judge examine that,” he said.
The leader's smile vanished. He reached toward the reins of the sled horse, attempting to turn the team toward the woods. The mountain man caught his wrist and pushed it away. A second rider kicked at the sled's side rail, but the guide drove his own horse between them and forced him back.
“Enough!” the sheriff shouted, his weapon held ready but not fired. “There are witnesses on this road and more coming from camp. Nobody is taking this woman anywhere without lawful authority.”
The leader scanned the faces around him. The first wife sat upright despite her exhaustion. The woman in blue kept the ledger secured beneath her shawl. The mountain man stood beside the sled, visibly struggling to restrain his anger.
Then the sound of approaching horses rose from the lower road. The deputy had returned with several freight workers. The leader understood that he could no longer carry off a witness unnoticed.
He backed his horse away. “This isn't finished.”
“It will be finished in court,” the sheriff answered.
The riders retreated. The sheriff recorded their descriptions, and the party continued homeward with the evidence intact.
It was nearly dark when they returned to the settlement. The physician examined the first wife and the wounded messenger. The sheriff secured the books in a locked chest and took sworn statements from everyone who had witnessed the confrontation. The circuit judge was expected after the roads reopened.
For the first time in seven years, the mountain man slept beneath a roof without keeping his rifle within reach. But he did not sleep beside the woman in blue. She took the guest room, exactly as she had asked.
Before extinguishing the lamp, he stopped outside her doorway.
“Can I bring you anything?”
She looked up from the notes she was organizing. “The truth tomorrow, as well as tonight.”
He nodded. “You'll have it.”
She studied him. “And if a court decides our wedding was not lawful?”