Precise.
And terrifyingly effortless.
The attorney stopped with a startled gasp.
Silas didn't strike him.
He simply held the man's arm firmly enough to prevent him from advancing.
"Don't touch her."
Graves stared.
Silas released him.
Then stepped back beside Eleanor.
The lawyer rubbed his wrist, his expensive face reddening.
"You have no idea what you're involving yourself in, Boone."
Silas looked at him.
"No."
He glanced toward Eleanor.
Then back at Graves.
"But I know you came into a church and tried to frighten a woman on her wedding day."
Graves straightened his coat.
"Mr. Carrington has powerful friends."
Silas's expression remained unchanged.
"Good for him."
The attorney's jaw tightened.
"He has financial resources sufficient to make your life extremely difficult."
Silas looked toward the congregation.
Then at the pastor.
Then back at Graves.
For a moment, he seemed almost amused.
"Mister, you rode all the way from Boston to tell me wealthy men can cause trouble?"
A few ranchers chuckled.
Silas's smile vanished.
"We've known that in Wyoming for years."
Eleanor stared at him.
For the first time since the doors opened, she felt the terrible pressure in her chest loosen.
Graves looked furious.
He reached into his portfolio again.
"Then perhaps you should know that your bride's father has authorized me to arrange her immediate return."
Silas looked toward Eleanor.
"Do you want to return?"
Her answer came without hesitation.
"No."
He nodded.
Then faced Graves.
"There's your answer."
The attorney laughed coldly.
"She's a daughter of the Whitmore family. She has obligations."
Eleanor spoke.
"I'm twenty-seven years old."
Graves turned.
She looked directly into his eyes.
"I am not a parcel my father can retrieve because he dislikes where I've chosen to live."
Silas's expression softened.
For a moment, he looked at her with something remarkably close to pride.
Then Graves said something that changed everything.
"Very well. Since you refuse to cooperate, perhaps Mr. Boone should examine his own financial obligations."
Silas went still.
"What?"
The attorney removed a second document.
"This is a notice concerning a commercial obligation secured by Boone Ranch."
The church became silent again.
Silas stared at the paper.
Graves continued.
"The lender's interest was recently transferred to a financial institution associated with your bride's father."
Eleanor's heart sank.
She turned toward Silas.