Daniel said nothing.
The judge continued.
โI've decided to offer you an opportunity.โ
He gestured toward Victor.
โMr. Caldwell believes my daughter needs a husband who understands the value of discipline.โ
Daniel looked toward the fire.
He already knew where the conversation was heading.
The judge smiled.
โYou'll marry Elizabeth tomorrow.โ
Daniel stared.
For a moment, the room became silent.
Then he answered.
โNo, sir.โ
Victor stopped smiling.
The judge's eyes narrowed.
โExcuse me?โ
Daniel stood straight.
โMiss Hawthorne hasn't asked me to marry her.โ
Victor laughed loudly.
The judge looked irritated.
โI'm asking.โ
Daniel met his eyes.
โWith respect, sir, a marriage isn't an ordinary work assignment.โ
The judge's expression became cold.
โYou think you're in a position to refuse my generosity?โ
Daniel took a slow breath.
He wanted to tell the man exactly what he thought of his generosity.
He wanted to drag the old survey maps from his satchel and ask how many families had been ruined by deals presented as favors.
But he remained controlled.
โI'm saying she should decide for herself.โ
Victor stepped forward.
โYou insolent stable rat.โ
Daniel didn't move.
The judge raised one hand.
Victor stopped.
For several seconds, Hawthorne studied Daniel.
Then he smiled.
โYou misunderstand your circumstances.โ
He opened a drawer.
Removed a folded document.
And placed it on the desk.
Daniel glanced down.
It was a dismissal notice.
The judge continued.
โIf you refuse, your employment ends tonight. I'll also make certain the ranch owners who know me understand that you're an unreliable man.โ
Daniel felt his chest tighten.
He could survive unemployment.
He'd done it before.
But he knew how easily the judge could damage his ability to work in the region.
More importantly, he knew that leaving would put him farther from the land records he needed.
The judge leaned forward.
โThink carefully.โ
Daniel looked directly into his eyes.