“Yes.”
“You could be in danger.”
“I already am.”
“I won't let you stay.”
She stepped closer.
“You don't get to decide that.”
“I do if you're my wife.”
She froze.
“So you have decided?”
Silas realized what he had said.
“I—”
“You called me your wife.”
“I meant—”
“I know what you meant.”
Her expression softened.
He reached for her hand.
She allowed him to take it.
His thumb moved over the black glove covering her fingers.
“I don't know what this is,” he said.
“Neither do I.”
“But I know I don't want you leaving.”
She looked at him.
“Then don't ask me to.”
He nodded.
“I won't.”
That evening, they stayed at a hotel.
Separate rooms.
At least at first.
Eleanor stood at her window watching the city lights.
There was a knock.
She turned.
Silas stood outside.
“What is it?”
“I found something.”
He entered.
He placed a small envelope on the table.
“Where did you get that?”
“Bell's old employer.”
Eleanor opened it.
Inside was a handwritten note.
Her father's handwriting.
She read it.
Then read it again.
“What does it say?” Silas asked.
She handed it to him.
He read.
If anything happens to me, the original deed is not in Cheyenne. Shaw believes it is, but I moved it. The truth is with the woman who knows why I left Philadelphia.
Silas looked up.
“Who is that?”
Eleanor's face had gone white.
“My mother's sister.”
“Where?”
“Denver.”
“Then we go to Denver.”
They left at sunrise.
The journey was long.
For two days they traveled south.
The danger increased with every mile.
Twice, they saw the same rider behind them.
The second time, Silas stopped the wagon.
The rider disappeared.
Silas returned to the wagon.
“We're being followed.”
Eleanor nodded.
“I know.”
“You knew?”
“Yes.”
“When?”
“Yesterday.”
He stared at her.
“You didn't tell me.”
“You would have worried.”
“I am worried.”
“I know.”
Silas sat beside her.
“You cannot keep things from me.”
“You do.”
“That is different.”
“How?”
“Because I'm accustomed to danger.”
“And I am not?”
He looked at her.
She was wearing a plain gray traveling dress now.
No sapphire gown.
No pearls.
Her hair was pulled back simply.
But she still looked beautiful.
More beautiful, somehow.
Because now he could see the woman beneath the elegance.
“You're not afraid,” he said.
“I am.”
“Then why keep going?”
“Because my father died believing the truth mattered.”
Silas nodded.
“So did mine.”