“I want legal answer.”
“Yes.”
“Mortgage can be released upon satisfaction.”
“Property title remains Henrik unless transferred.”
“How transfer without him knowing?”
“You can't lawfully.”
“Can I purchase debt, then condition release on deed to Marta?”
“Yes.”
“Why would Henrik agree?”
“Threat of foreclosure.”
Caleb did not like that.
It sounded like force.
He asked another question.
“What if I pay debt and give him enough cash to sign willingly?”
Attorney’s smile widened.
“Now you’re buying stable.”
“For Marta.”
“Yes.”
“That’s worse?”
“No.”
“More expensive.”
Caleb thought.
“How much?”
Attorney shrugged.
“Depends how stupid brother is.”
Caleb understood stupidity often expensive.
Friday, he returned for mules.
Marta was shoeing Jonah.
Caleb stood where she could see him.
She glanced up.
“You're early.”
“By ten minutes.”
“Tragic.”
He watched.
Marta finished.
Then straightened.
Caught him looking.
This time she did not look away.
“Keep staring like that, Mr. North…”
Caleb’s pulse shifted.
Marta removed gloves.
“…and I might think you’re imagining me in your cabin instead of your mules.”
His jaw tightened.
She smiled.
He stepped closer.
Not too close.
“I am.”
Her smile faltered.
“And that’s exactly why I’m trying hard to remember my manners.”
Marta’s breath changed.
No man in Red Creek had ever spoken to her like that.
Not mocking.
Not pitying.
Not pretending.
She took one slow step.
“Careful.”
Caleb’s eyes remained on hers.
“A woman might start wondering what happens when you stop trying.”
He looked as if answer cost him effort.
“I don’t stop trying.”
Marta’s smile faded slightly.
“Good.”
Then Caleb picked up leather envelope from tack table.
“There’s something else.”
Her expression cooled.
“What?”
“I didn't come only for mules.”
“I gathered.”
“This isn’t about that.”
He handed envelope.
Marta opened.
Inside were bank papers.
Her face changed.
She read.
Then looked up.
“What is this?”
“Your brother’s debt.”
“I can see that.”
“Why do you have it?”
“I bought it.”
Silence.
Marta stared.
Caleb continued carefully.
“Bank note.”
“Croft note.”
“Supplier balances tomorrow.”
Her face went white with anger.
“You bought my brother’s debt.”
“Yes.”
“So now you own us.”
“No.”
“Don't lie to me.”
“I’m not.”
She slapped papers against table.
“You come in here two days ago, ask personal questions, watch me work, then buy the rope around our neck?”
“I bought rope to cut it.”
“Same hand holds it.”
Caleb stopped.
She was right.
At least emotionally.
“I should’ve told you.”
“Before?”
“Yes.”
“Then why didn't you?”
“Because I didn't know if bank would sell.”
“That is not answer.”
He took breath.
“Because I thought if I asked, you’d say no.”
Marta laughed bitterly.
“So you ignored answer before I gave it.”
The words hit.
Caleb looked down.
“Yes.”
No defense.
That surprised her enough to interrupt anger.
He continued.
“I was wrong.”
Marta stared.
Men rarely said those words without adding but.
Caleb did not.