But now, if he attempted to seize the document case, copies and records would already be beyond his reach.
Caleb helped arrange her seat.
Then he looked toward the man.
Graves stared back.
Neither spoke.
For a moment, Caleb's old instincts urged him to confront the stranger.
To demand an explanation.
To make him stop following.
Then Eleanor touched his arm.
“Leave him.”
Caleb looked toward her.
She smiled faintly.
“He can tell Solomon whatever he likes.”
The mountain man frowned.
“What do you want him to say?”
Eleanor looked toward the road.
“That the widow he thought he could frighten is no longer alone.”
Caleb stared.
Then smiled.
They continued toward Denver.
The city was larger than Eleanor remembered.
By 1887, Denver had become a busy center of commerce, rail traffic, mining investment, and law. Buildings rose beside crowded streets, and wagons moved between warehouses, hotels, shops, and offices while pedestrians hurried through the cold afternoon.
Caleb looked overwhelmed.
For nineteen years, his world had consisted largely of mountains, animals, a cabin, and occasional trading journeys.
Now he was surrounded by more people than he'd seen in months.
Eleanor noticed his discomfort.
She reached for his hand.
He looked toward her.
“Too many people,” he admitted.
She smiled gently.
“I know.”
He glanced toward a passing carriage.
“I don't like how close everyone drives.”
Eleanor laughed.
“Neither do I.”
For a moment, his expression softened.
Then they continued.
Martin Pierce had arranged suitable lodging in advance after receiving her letter. The boardinghouse had a ground-floor suite with a wide entrance and enough space for Eleanor's reinforced furniture.
The proprietor, Mrs. Agnes Bellamy, greeted them without fuss.
She examined the arrangements carefully, asked whether anything needed adjustment, and helped coordinate the necessary assistance.
Eleanor was relieved.
Travel had been exhausting, and she knew she needed rest before beginning the legal work.
Caleb seemed reluctant to leave her side.
But Eleanor encouraged him to meet Martin Pierce while she recovered from the journey.
He hesitated.
“Are you sure?”
She smiled.
“Caleb, I'll be in a comfortable room with a locked door and a perfectly respectable landlady.”
He looked unconvinced.
She raised an eyebrow.
“Are you worried about me or about navigating Denver without me?”
He blushed.
For a moment, she laughed.
Then he admitted, “Both.”
Eleanor took his hand.
“Go speak with our attorney. Come back and tell me what he says.”
He nodded.