The ranch woman folded her arms.
"How long?"
"That depends on the records and whether the other side cooperates."
"They won't."
"Then we prepare for litigation."
The old woman looked down.
"How much?"
The attorney did not pretend to misunderstand.
"Initial research, title work, survey review, and emergency court filings will cost money. Litigation could become much more expensive."
The ranch woman stared at her hands.
The ranch had experienced two difficult seasons.
Wheat prices had been disappointing.
Feed costs remained high.
Several tractors needed work.
The cattle market had provided some relief, but operating expenses consumed much of the benefit.
She had savings.
She also had debt.
And lawyers were not cheap.
Her daughter spoke.
"We'll help."
The old woman shook her head.
"No."
"Mom."
"I said no."
The attorney remained quiet.
Her daughter turned toward her.
"This is my home too."
"You have a mortgage."
"I know."
"A daughter to raise."
"I know."
"College expenses coming."
Her daughter leaned forward.
"And you have a ranch someone is threatening to cut off from the highway. Stop acting as though accepting help would be a moral failure."
The old woman opened her mouth.
Then closed it.
Her daughter continued.
"Dad spent his whole life teaching us that family meant showing up. What do you think he'd say if you refused to let us show up for you?"
The ranch woman looked away.
The attorney waited.
Finally, the older woman nodded.
"All right."
The daughter squeezed her hand.
The attorney opened a new folder.
"First, I'll send a formal demand that the bank preserve all relevant documents and refrain from obstructing the road while the rights are investigated. We'll request the underlying title materials and any survey reports."
She made a note.
"Second, we'll retain an independent surveyor who specializes in historical boundary reconstruction."
Another note.
"Third, we'll locate the missing 1957 plat."
The ranch woman leaned forward.
"And if the banker brings those concrete blocks back tomorrow?"
"We can seek emergency injunctive relief if the circumstances justify it."
The older woman studied her.
"Will a judge listen?"
"A judge will consider the evidence and the legal standards. I won't promise an outcome before we've done the work."
The ranch woman appreciated that answer.
It was honest.
More honest than anything the banker had said.
The attorney continued.
"One other thing. Don't get into another physical confrontation."
The ranch woman raised an eyebrow.
"I didn't touch him."
"I know. Keep it that way."
"He kicked my father's marker."