Dust rose behind him as he approached the farmhouse.
Claire was carrying a bucket toward the barn when he stepped out.
She stopped.
Wade smiled broadly.
"Morning, sweetheart."
She didn't smile back.
"Morning."
He glanced toward the isolated holding area.
"How's that thousand-dollar disaster?"
"Receiving proper care."
"Still alive?"
"Yes."
Wade chuckled.
"Well, that's something."
Claire set down the bucket.
"Did you need something?"
Wade looked toward the barn.
"I heard you've been asking questions about the bull's history."
Claire studied him.
"Have I?"
He laughed.
"Small county. People talk."
"That they do."
He stepped closer.
"I might be able to help."
Claire waited.
Wade adjusted his hat.
"I've been involved with a lot of livestock partnerships over the years. Some animals move around more than people realize."
Claire nodded.
"That's true."
"Records get misplaced. Businesses change hands. Things happen."
She looked at him.
"What are you trying to tell me?"
He smiled.
"That an old brand doesn't necessarily mean much."
Claire remained silent.
Wade continued.
"Even if that animal came from your grandfather's herd, he was probably sold legally a long time ago."
"Maybe."
"So there's no reason to get excited."
"I haven't said I'm excited."
He chuckled.
"Always did have your grandfather's stubbornness."
Claire glanced toward his truck.
Then back at him.
"Wade, why are you here?"
He reached into his jacket.
He removed a checkbook.
Claire stared.
"I'll make this easy," he said.
He wrote a figure.
Then tore out the check.
"Ten thousand dollars."
Claire looked at it.
"For what?"
"The bull."
She stared at him.
"You laughed at me for buying him."
Wade shrugged.
"I've changed my mind."
"Why?"
"Maybe I was wrong about his potential."
Claire studied his face.
The offer made no sense.
The animal remained under veterinary care.
Its future health was uncertain.
The infestation had not disappeared.
And Wade had never been a man who offered ten times the purchase price of an animal out of kindness.
She shook her head.
"No."
Wade's smile faded.
"Twenty thousand."
Claire blinked.
He reached for the checkbook again.
"Twenty-five."
She stepped backward.
"Stop."
Wade looked irritated.
"What?"
"You're not buying him."
He laughed.
"Don't be ridiculous. You paid one thousand dollars."
"That doesn't mean he's for sale."
"Everything has a price."
Claire stared.
"Not everything."
Wade's face hardened.
"You're making another mistake."
She looked directly into his eyes.