Finally, he looked up.
"Mr. Boone."
Silas leaned forward.
"Yes?"
"The new holder of this debt cannot simply invent obligations that aren't in the instrument."
Silas nodded.
"That's what my wife suspected."
Shaw glanced toward Eleanor.
A faint smile appeared.
"Your wife reads contracts carefully."
She returned the smile.
"I've had unfortunate reasons to learn."
The attorney nodded.
Then continued.
"The note remains payable according to its terms. The creditor may enforce lawful rights if you fail to meet them, but any attempt to use the debt as an excuse to demand your wife's return is another matter entirely."
Silas's jaw tightened.
"So what do we do?"
"First, determine precisely who holds the note and through what valid assignment. Second, make a realistic repayment or refinancing plan. Third, preserve all threatening correspondence."
Eleanor nodded.
Shaw continued.
"I would also avoid making public accusations about the Carrington matter until competent counsel can examine the documents and, if possible, speak with Mrs. Carrington herself."
"Beatrice," Eleanor said softly.
The lawyer looked toward her.
"Yes."
She leaned forward.
"She's alive. At least, she was when those papers were written."
Shaw studied her.
Then nodded.
"We should find out her present circumstances."
He examined Edmund's letter.
His expression became serious.
"This is troubling."
Eleanor swallowed.
"Can it help?"
"Potentially. But context, authenticity, the legal proceedings concerning her capacity, and the payments will all matter."
He placed it carefully aside.
Then looked toward Eleanor.
"Mrs. Boone, you should also understand that the Carrington family may continue accusing you of taking property without permission."
She nodded.
"I know."
"That claim needs to be answered honestly, not simply dismissed because the underlying conduct appears wrong."
"I understand."
Shaw studied her.
For a moment, he seemed satisfied.
Then he turned toward Silas.
"I would recommend securing a lawyer in Massachusetts who has no business connection to either family."
Silas nodded.
"Can you arrange it?"
"I can make inquiries."
They discussed fees.
Eleanor grew increasingly worried as the numbers accumulated.
The ranch already owed a substantial sum.
Now they were considering additional legal expenses.
Silas noticed.
When Shaw stepped into the adjoining room to retrieve another document, he leaned toward her.
"What's wrong?"
Eleanor whispered, "This will cost you money."
Silas gave a faint smile.
"Most things do."
She shook her head.
"I mean it."
"So do I."
Her eyes filled.