He couldn't simply demand access.
The ledger might contain the accounting entries and correspondence needed to trace the disputed transactions, but he had no legal authority to search a private house.
And the current judge would never voluntarily assist the son of the woman who accused him of wrongdoing.
Daniel needed information.
So he took a job at the estate.
He told himself he would listen, observe, and seek lawful evidence that could justify a formal demand for records.
He didn't intend to enter locked rooms or steal documents.
He wasn't foolish enough to think improperly obtained papers would necessarily help his case.
But he could learn who maintained the estate accounts.
Which former employees still lived nearby.
And whether the disputed property was about to change hands again.
That last question had become urgent.
Rumors suggested Judge Hawthorne and the Caldwell family were negotiating an arrangement involving northern grazing land and valuable water access.
Morrow Bend lay directly in the area being discussed.
If the land became part of a complicated railroad or development transaction, tracing the original claims could become even more difficult.
Daniel arrived just as the negotiations intensified.
For six months, he watched.
He repaired fences while surveyors visited the estate.
Led horses to the stable while businessmen discussed maps.
And listened as Victor Caldwell spoke about obtaining control of the creek crossing north of Silver Creek.
He heard enough to suspect that Morrow Bend was central to the proposed arrangement.
Then he saw Elizabeth.
At first, she was simply the judge's daughter.
A beautiful young woman who crossed the courtyard wearing elegant dresses, spoke politely to the household staff, and occasionally visited the stable to see her mare.
Daniel avoided her.
He didn't want to become entangled in the family.
But Elizabeth didn't treat him like the other wealthy residents did.
The first time they spoke, he was repairing a broken gate near the riding paddock.