Twenty-three dollars was not impossible.
It was also more cash than Clara had ever held at once.
She said:
“I know.”
Nathaniel asked only:
“Is the amount correct?”
Clara hesitated.
“I think so.”
Martha immediately replied:
“It is.”
Nathaniel looked at Clara.
“Do you keep your own account?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because apparently I enjoy suffering.”
That surprised a laugh from him.
Clara did not.
The answer bothered her.
She had trusted Martha’s notebook.
Why?
Because Martha owned the store?
Because numbers written by someone wealthier felt official?
Nathaniel looked toward the Reverend.
“Is there a bank?”
“In Tucson.”
“Not helpful.”
Nathaniel looked back at Clara.
“May I see the account before you make any decision?”
Martha stiffened.
“That is not your concern.”
Nathaniel said:
“I asked Clara.”
Martha went silent.
Clara studied him.
“You know ledgers?”
“I run cattle.”
“So?”
“So cattle spend my money more efficiently than children.”
Elias called:
“We can hear you.”
Nathaniel looked toward him.
“That was intentional.”
The children laughed.
Even Samuel.
Then coughed.
Clara’s attention snapped toward him.
Enough.
She put down the sheet.
“I'll show you the account later.”
Martha protested.