The Town Laughed at Her Empty Market Stall. One Lonely Cowboy Bought Everything
Chapter 6
Crowe came to Anna’s farm that afternoon.
His carriage stopped beside the gate.
He stepped down wearing a dark coat and silver watch.
“Miss Mercer.”
“Mr. Crowe.”
“I hear your market business is improving.”
Anna said nothing.
Crowe smiled.
“Thomas Hale is generous.”
“He buys goods.”
“He buys your losses.”
Anna frowned.
Crowe stepped closer.
“You should sell your farm.”
“No.”
“You haven’t heard my offer.”
“I don’t need to.”
“You owe money.”
“I don’t.”
“I can prove otherwise.”
Anna’s jaw tightened.
“My father paid his debts.”
Crowe’s smile disappeared.
“Your father died with obligations.”
“Show me the ledger.”
“I don’t need to.”
“Then you don’t have proof.”
Crowe looked at her.
“You’re becoming troublesome.”
Anna stepped closer.
“So was my father?”
His expression hardened.
Then he smiled again.
“Be careful.”
He returned to his carriage.
Thomas had been watching from the tree line.
He rode forward.
“You shouldn’t have faced him alone.”
Anna turned.
“I’m not afraid of him.”
“You should be.”
“Are you?”
Thomas looked toward Crowe’s carriage.
“Yes.”
She was surprised.
“You’re afraid?”
“Of what he’ll do.”
“To me?”
“To anyone standing between him and that river crossing.”
Anna looked at him.
“What do we do?”
Thomas answered:
“We prove your father’s debt was forged.”
