And he knew that attempting to fight three armed men while Matthew struggled with an injured leg could make everything worse.
He nodded reluctantly.
“We stay within calling distance.”
Elena smiled faintly.
“Agreed.”
Gideon touched her cheek.
“Don't be brave simply to prove something.”
Her expression softened.
“I won't.”
She placed her hand over his.
“And you don't have to carry every danger alone.”
For a brief moment, he rested his forehead against hers.
Then he turned toward Matthew.
“Come on.”
The younger man gripped his brother's shoulder.
Together, they moved toward the rear passage.
Elena took a slow breath.
Then stepped toward the loading entrance.
The wagon stood outside beneath a gray winter sky.
Snow lined the road.
The horses shifted restlessly.
She climbed onto the broad platform Gideon had prepared, settled securely, and placed the sealed document packet beside her.
Then she waited.
Elias Rusk rode directly toward the warehouse.
He looked surprised when he saw her.
“Miss Whitmore.”
Elena smiled politely.
“Mr. Rusk.”
He glanced toward the building.
“I didn't realize your bakery deliveries extended this far north.”
“They don't.”
His expression tightened.
“Then what brings you here?”
She tilted her head.
“An interest in old accounts.”
Rusk stopped smiling.
For several seconds, he studied her.
Then dismounted.
He was a distinguished-looking man in his late fifties, with silver hair, a carefully trimmed mustache, and expensive riding clothes.
His face was handsome.
His voice polished.
And his manners were those of a man accustomed to being welcomed wherever he went.
But his eyes were cold.
“Miss Whitmore, I believe there's been an unfortunate misunderstanding.”
Elena folded her hands.
“About?”
“Some records your aunt preserved.”
She nodded.
“Yes.”
He stepped closer.
“Those papers concern private commercial matters.”
She studied him.
“Then I suppose your company has the proper originals.”
Rusk smiled.
“Of course.”
“Good.”
Elena reached for the wagon reins.
“Then you won't mind if an attorney examines the copies.”
The smile vanished.
“An attorney?”
She nodded.
“Several records have already been sent for review.”
Rusk became motionless.
For the first time, Elena saw genuine fear beneath his polished expression.
Then he laughed.
“Miss Whitmore, I think you're allowing Gideon Hale to draw you into one of his delusions.”
Elena stared.
Rusk continued.
“The poor man has never recovered from his brother's death.”
She felt anger rising.
“He's suffered terribly.”
“Yes.”
Rusk smiled sympathetically.
“And suffering can affect judgment.”