A line on a map that could be moved if the right person was paid enough.
Caleb studied the papers carefully.
One entry referred to a deposit paid to a surveyor. Another mentioned a proposed right-of-way agreement. Several more recorded expenses associated with local merchants whose names Caleb recognized.
Martha watched his expression change as he read.
"You know these men?"
"Some."
He pointed toward one name.
"This fellow offered to buy part of my lower pasture last spring. Said he wanted to raise cattle."
Martha leaned closer.
"Was he connected to your brother?"
Caleb shook his head slowly.
"I didn't think so."
He looked toward the page again.
"Now I'm not certain."
For several minutes, they sat in silence.
Then Martha asked something that made Caleb pause.
"How would Harlan know I came here?"
He looked up.
She continued.
"I answered your advertisement through the matrimonial agency. I didn't write to him. I didn't tell anyone connected to his company where I was going."
Caleb frowned.
He considered the question.
Then he asked whether she'd received any correspondence from the agency after leaving Missouri.
She nodded.
"A confirmation letter. It told me where to board the stagecoach and how to reach Bitter Creek."
"Who signed it?"
"A clerk named Miss Norton."
Caleb looked thoughtful.
Martha continued.
"She seemed kind. We spoke several times before I left. She said your advertisement was unusual because you were willing to accept a woman who valued work over appearances."
Caleb lowered his eyes.
He remembered writing those words.
He also remembered how badly he'd failed to honor them.
Martha noticed his expression.
She reached toward the papers.
"Mr. Montgomery, I didn't know—"
He shook his head.
"You've done nothing wrong."
She paused.
Caleb continued.
"If Harlan has been involved, I want to know how. But I won't assume the worst about everyone connected to that agency."
Martha nodded.
For the first time, she felt as though they were investigating a problem together rather than defending themselves against one another.
It was a small difference.
But it mattered.
Caleb suggested that they preserve the papers carefully and wait until the road was safe before traveling to Bitter Creek. He knew a few people there who could help verify the names and businesses listed in the accounts. He also wanted to examine the proposed road route before the weather improved enough for surveyors to return.
Martha listened.
Then she asked whether he intended to confront Harlan.
Caleb was quiet.
Finally, he said, "Not without understanding what he's doing."
She looked relieved.
Caleb continued.
"I spent years regretting how I handled things with him when I was younger. I confronted him with anger when I should've taken the evidence to someone who could examine it."
Martha looked toward him.
"This time, I want the truth to stand on something stronger than my temper."
She nodded.