“What does he want?”
“Your signature.”
Of course.
Lucien handed her a folded paper.
Deputy had left it pinned to tree after Lucien refused entry? Better he met Lucien. Let's say Lucien took it.
Sadie unfolded.
The document looked legal.
She read slowly.
It authorized Mayor Horace Cobb to negotiate right-of-way through Miller Pass “on behalf of Sadie Holt, née Miller.”
Her blood went cold.
“He used my married name.”
“Yes.”
“He knew.”
“Yes.”
“About land.”
“Yes.”
Lucien looked grim.
“He always knew.”
Sadie sat.
At bottom:
Consideration to be held in trust for benefit of Oak Haven relief.
Sadie laughed bitterly.
“He wants me to donate it.”
“Not exactly.”
Lucien tapped another clause.
The trust administrator was Horace Cobb.
Sadie looked up.
“How much is railroad offering?”
“Cobb told town four thousand.”
“And real amount?”
“Twenty-eight thousand for initial right-of-way, plus timber removal.”
Her mouth opened.
Twenty-eight thousand dollars might as well have been a kingdom.
“And he planned to give town…”
“Enough to cover relief debt.”
“Which is?”
“Maybe six thousand.”
Sadie stood.
“We’re going back.”
Lucien shook head.
“Not yet.”
“Why?”
“Storm coming.”
“I don’t care.”
“I do.”
“It is my land.”
“Yes.”
“My town.”
“Yes.”
“My decision.”
“Yes.”
“Then stop saying no.”
Lucien stepped closer but not too close.
“Decision can be yours and weather still wins.”
Sadie stared.
He pointed toward window.
Sky had gone white.
Within an hour snow began.
By evening wind screamed against cabin.
Sadie sat near fire furious with mountains.
Lucien sharpened a knife.
She glared.
“Stop doing that.”
He looked.
“What?”
“Being calm.”
“I’m not.”
“You look calm.”
“That is face.”
Sadie almost laughed.
Instead:
“If Cobb gets railroad contract signed before I return…”
“He can’t without your signature.”
“He can forge it.”
“Yes.”
“So?”
“Territorial land office has notice.”
Sadie froze.
“What?”
“I sent copy of deed and statement three weeks ago.”
“You what?”
Lucien set knife down.
“To Helena.”
“Without telling me?”
“Yes.”
She stood.
“Again.”
His expression tightened.
“I had to protect—”
“Do not say protect.”
He stopped.
Sadie’s voice shook.
“Every man in my life decides what I need, then explains afterward.”
Lucien looked ashamed.
Good.
She continued.
“Cobb did it.”
“Reverend did it.”
“You did it.”
“I’m not saying your intentions are same.”
“But effect is.”
“You move pieces.”
“I am piece.”
“No more.”
Lucien said quietly, “You’re right.”