At least, that was what people in town believed.
Gideon looked toward the rain-darkened window.
“There's an old freight depot on the north road.”
Elena leaned closer.
“Is that where Matthew is?”
“Maybe.”
He studied the drawing.
“Or where he wants me to look.”
He folded the paper.
Then turned toward her.
“Elena, I need you to promise me something.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“I'm listening.”
“If anything happens, you stay away from Rusk.”
Her expression changed.
“Gideon—”
“He's a powerful man. Owns cattle. Freight. Enough bank notes to make half the county nervous.”
She folded her arms.
“And you think I'm incapable of understanding that?”
“No.”
“Then don't talk to me as though I'm a child.”
He looked surprised.
She continued.
“I brought you the watch. I heard what Matthew said. And I know the freight companies in this town because I purchase flour and sugar through them every week.”
Gideon frowned.
Elena leaned forward.
“Rusk's agents supply nearly everything that arrives from the rail depot.”
He nodded.
She continued.
“And my aunt kept the bakery accounts for twenty-seven years.”
For the first time, Gideon became very still.
“What accounts?”
Elena looked toward him.
“Receipts. Delivery books. Credit records. She saved nearly everything.”
She hesitated.
“I've never understood why.”
Gideon stared.
Then glanced toward the watch.
The note mentioned a cattle ledger.
His father.
And a freight station connected to the same man who controlled much of the town's supply business.
For years, Gideon had focused on the mountains.
The lost coat.
The ravine.
The storm.
But perhaps some of the answers had been sitting inside Cedar Hollow all along.
He looked toward Elena.
“Where are your aunt's records?”
“In the bakery storeroom.”
His expression changed.
She smiled faintly.
“And before you tell me to stay out of this, remember something.”
“What?”
“I can read an account book faster than most men in this valley.”
Gideon stared at her.
Then, despite everything, he laughed.
“I believe that.”
Elena's expression softened.
“Good.”
He looked toward the window.
The storm continued.
But the wind had begun to weaken.
They decided to wait until daylight before attempting the road.
Gideon prepared the guest room and insisted Elena take the comfortable bed.
He would sleep beside the fire.
She objected.
He refused to argue.
Finally, she stood in the bedroom doorway holding a candle.
“Gideon?”
He looked up.
“Yes?”
She hesitated.
“When I said you were worthy of love…”