He had carried weapons for most of his adult life, but he knew how quickly a confrontation could turn deadly in a wooden cabin with poor visibility and a frightened woman standing nearby.
The men outside hadn't fired.
He intended to keep it that way if possible.
He took the rifle down but did not point it toward the door.
Then he turned toward Clara.
"Go into the pantry."
Her eyes widened.
"Caleb—"
"There's a heavy table against the inside wall. Stay behind it."
She shook her head.
"I'm not leaving you."
He stepped closer.
"Clara."
Something in his voice stopped her.
He wasn't angry.
He was frightened.
Not of the men.
Of losing her.
He placed one broad hand against her cheek.
"Please."
Her lips trembled.
She nodded reluctantly.
Then hurried toward the pantry.
Before entering, she turned.
"Caleb?"
He looked back.
"If they say I stole something..."
He waited.
She swallowed.
"I didn't."
For a moment, he held her gaze.
Then answered quietly, "I believe you."
Her eyes filled.
She disappeared into the pantry.
Caleb turned toward the door.
Another man shouted.
"We'll break it down!"
Caleb raised his voice.
"You break that door, you'll answer for it."
Silence followed.
Then Silas Crowe laughed.
"Still think you're sheriff of the mountains, Hart?"
Caleb's expression hardened.
"I never was."
Crowe spat something unintelligible.
Then another voice spoke.
This one was quieter.
More controlled.
"Mr. Hart, my employer only wants to speak with the woman."
Caleb frowned.
"Your employer can send a letter."
"Miss Whitmore is wanted for questioning concerning stolen property."
Caleb looked toward the pantry.
Clara had pressed herself against the inner wall.
He could hear her breathing.
He turned back.
"Got a warrant?"
A pause.
Then the man answered, "We have authorization."
"From whom?"
"Mr. Gideon Voss."
Caleb felt his stomach tighten.
The name was familiar.
Too familiar.
Gideon Voss owned the Granite Valley Land and Improvement Company, a private enterprise that had spent the previous year purchasing ranches, timber rights, and transportation routes throughout the northern Wyoming settlements.
He was wealthy.
Politically connected.
And known for making generous offers to landowners shortly before discovering reasons they couldn't refuse.
Caleb disliked him.
But he had never connected Voss to Clara.
Until now.
The man outside continued.
"Mr. Voss has legal interests in the property Miss Whitmore removed."
Caleb stared at the door.