Cowboy Found a Widow and Her Son Sleeping in His Stable. He Made One Quiet Decision
Chapter 10
The final page was sewn into the lining of Anna’s shawl.
She had carried it for weeks without knowing exactly what it meant.
Caleb discovered it after returning home.
The page contained a list of land deeds.
But one name stood out.
Samuel Whitmore.
His father had secretly transferred ownership of the Whitmore property to his son.
The ranch was worth a fortune.
Silas had murdered Thomas because he wanted Samuel’s inheritance.
Anna stared at the document.
“So that’s why.”
Caleb nodded.
“And there’s more.”
At the bottom was another signature.
The sheriff’s.
The sheriff had known.
He had helped Silas cover the murder.
Caleb looked toward town.
“We can’t stay here.”
Anna shook her head.
“No.”
“We leave tonight.”
She looked at him.
“Where?”
Caleb hesitated.
Then he said:
“Anywhere you want.”
Anna’s eyes filled with tears.
“What about your ranch?”
Caleb looked around the room.
For years, it had been home.
But suddenly it felt empty.
“My ranch isn’t a place.”
He looked at Samuel.
“It’s whoever I’m protecting.”
Anna understood.
They packed.
But before they could leave, a knock came at the door.
The sheriff stood outside.
His face was pale.
“I came to warn you.”
Caleb raised his rifle.
“You’re too late.”
The sheriff shook his head.
“No. You don’t understand.”
He handed Caleb a letter.
“Silas escaped.”
Caleb opened it.
Only one sentence was written.
If I can’t have the boy’s land, I’ll take the boy.
Samuel was standing behind them.
He had heard everything.
