The coincidence troubled him.
But he refused to accuse anyone before establishing what happened.
He returned to the ranch.
Spoke with Owen.
Then rode into town to report the incident.
Eleanor watched him prepare.
His jaw was tight.
His movements controlled.
But she could see the anger beneath them.
She approached.
"Silas."
He looked up.
"Yes?"
"Don't ride after anyone alone."
He sighed.
"Eleanor."
She stepped closer.
"I mean it."
He studied her.
For a moment, he seemed ready to argue.
Then he nodded.
"All right."
She looked relieved.
He smiled faintly.
"You think I'm that reckless?"
She raised one eyebrow.
"I've known you long enough to know you sometimes mistake stubbornness for courage."
He laughed.
Then his expression softened.
"Fair enough."
He kissed her forehead.
"I'll be careful."
She nodded.
But after he left, she couldn't stop thinking about the gate.
Horace had threatened the ranch.
The debt was coming due.
And now cattle had disappeared near property connected to his associates.
Perhaps the incidents were unrelated.
Perhaps thieves simply chose a vulnerable pasture.
But Eleanor had learned that when several events favored the same powerful person, it was worth asking whether they shared a cause.
She went to the kitchen table.
Opened the accounts.
Then began examining recent invoices and delivery records.
By evening, she found something unusual.
A feed supplier had suddenly demanded shorter payment terms.
Another business declined an order it had previously accepted.
And a cattle buyer who discussed a substantial spring contract with Silas had postponed the agreement without explanation.
The events might have legitimate reasons.
But together, they threatened the ranch's ability to manage the April payment.
Eleanor made notes.
Then compared dates.
The changes began shortly after Graves interrupted the wedding.
Her stomach tightened.
When Silas returned, she showed him the records.
He read them.
Then looked toward her.
"You're saying somebody's putting pressure on the businesses we depend on."
"I'm saying several relationships changed at the same time."
She pointed toward the pages.
"We need to find out why."
Silas studied her.
For a moment, pride mixed with concern.
Then he nodded.