The Mountain Cowboy Appeared Once Every Winter—Until One Woman Followed Him Home
Chapter 5
The next morning, Anna found a hidden compartment beneath Elias’s floorboards.
Inside were letters.
Dozens.
Some were written by farmers.
Others by widows.
Several carried her father’s seal.
Anna read one.
“My land was taken after Mercer claimed my debt was unpaid. I know I paid him. Your father believed me.”
Another:
“They threatened my children.”
Another:
“Mercer has men at the courthouse.”
Anna looked at Elias.
“Why didn’t anyone stop him?”
“Because the magistrate is one of his friends.”
“What about the sheriff?”
“Also his friend.”
“Then what can we do?”
Elias opened a leather case.
Inside was a deed.
“Your father found the original land records.”
Anna read the document.
Her father’s handwriting was written across the bottom.
“This land belongs to the people who cleared it.”
She looked up.
“Where did he get this?”
“From the old colonial registry.”
“Why keep it here?”
“Because Mercer searched your father’s house after his death.”
Anna’s hands trembled.
“My father’s death…”
Elias looked away.
“You think Mercer killed him?”
“I think your father was on his way to expose Mercer.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“No.”
“Elias.”
He turned.
“I don’t know who killed your father.”
Anna stared at him.
“But you suspect.”
“Yes.”
“Who?”
Elias hesitated.
“Someone you trust.”
