Chapter Fourteen

The school board members were all sitting in the front of the school room, while Peter sat behind the teacher's desk when Nick and Faith walked in, followed by Jarrod, his mother, Widow Marks and Hank Miles, and a few other people who had been more than willing to come with them. One look at the very surprised look on her brother's face and Faith wanted to bust up laughing. It was obvious that, for whatever reason, he had not expected her to show up with so much support. Unfortunately, it didn't stop him from behaving like a childish moron.

Peter stood up and raised his voice, as if he meant to push them around. "What is the meaning of this? This meeting isn't exactly open to the public!"

Again, Faith wanted to laugh. The looks that came onto the school board members faces when Peter stood up and spoke were priceless. It was obvious they knew full well she had the right to bring witnesses to dispute his charges.

"You sir," Jarrod stated as he took on the stance he always did when he was trying a case, and at the moment, as far as he was concerned, they might as well be in an actual court of law, "have slandered your sister's good name. We intend to prove that to the school board. After which," Jarrod's eyes hardened even more and a tone that screamed he was serious, "you will either leave California or face a lawsuit." He then handed a file Keith Peterson, telling the man that he and the other board members were free to look through it if they wished.

Peter couldn't believe his ears. No one had ever dared threaten him with such audacity or action He went to reply only the silver haired Guy Adams stopped him. "Your sister has every right to ask Jarrod and the others to come with her. As I stated when you first came to us," the man's own eyes took on a somewhat harsh glare, "I find your accusations hard to believe. Now sit down!"

Mr. Adam's voice held a definite tone of authority, one not to be reckoned with. Faith was sure her sides were going to split wide open from her silent laughter as Peter mumbled something incoherent and sat down. Jarrod then addressed the school board. "Before any of you start questioning Miss Mitchell, or anyone else, know this…I will remain here for the entire meeting. However, one or two of our guests will have to leave early due to other obligations."

Mr. Gray nodded his head, as did the other board members. The silver haired gentleman then waited until Jarrod was seated to speak to Faith. The first thing he asked was about the charge that she'd entertained men in her home. The whole time he was talking, Peter looked rather uncomfortable as not only was his sister glaring at him, but everyone with her was as well.

"I do not entertain men in my home!" Faith had to fight to control the volume of her voice. "Just ask anyone with me. The only man to ever step in my home was Nick Barkley there, and his niece and nephew were with him." She went on to explain why Peter insisted on saying such a thing and even showed them the bracelet.

Unbeknownst to Peter, Mr. Adams had been the one to sell the bracelet to Audra in the first place. That being the case, he was shocked when the gentleman turned on him and told him exactly where Miss Barkley had purchased the gift and why. Afterwards, Mr. Adams looked back at Faith feeling sure the school board was going to get more proof that the good reverend was up in the night.
"I assume you can explain the saloon visits?"

Before she could answer, Mr. Miles stood up. "Sir, may I answer that question?"

Mr. Adam and the other board members all looked at each other and, after nodding to each other, Mr. Adams told the man to proceed.

"Miss Mitchell has only set foot in my establishment once." He then went on to give the exact extent of his illness and the fact that the young schoolteacher had been in the company of the Widow Marks. "I don't think helping a sick man is showing low standards, even if that sick man lives in the back of a saloon, nor is it a crime." He then had the good Widow stand up and verified what he had said. The two of them excused themselves as they both needed to get back to work.

Victoria then stood up and asked to have some time. When it was granted to her she told of the trips Miss Mitchell had made with her to the orphanage. "Besides, even if she hadn't been with me on those days," Victoria voice was ice cold as she spoke, "ask anyone here…Faith Mitchell would never patronize a saloon on a regular basis. And, as just stated, would have a good reason if she did enter one." Murmurs of agreement rumbled through the people present.

"What about…" Peter started talking only to be cut off by Mr. Adams, who was not happy about his time being wasted.

"NO! I've had it!" Mr. Adams barked as Mr. Peterson handed the file back to Jarrod, and then apologized to those who had spoken and the ones who had not yet spoke before turning back to Peter, "I can't believe for a moment you didn't know about all this! I don't know what your motivation is, except maybe jealousy over your sister's popularity, but this meeting is over!" He stood up and looked at Faith, apologizing that she and those with her had had to deal with such accusations. He then excused himself, as did the other board members. Faith's friends excused themselves also, leaving Peter to face the music.

"Now, REVEREND Mitchell," Jarrod walked up to Peter, who was now looking as if he wanted to crawl into a hole, "as I stated before, you will leave this state and take your lies with you or face a lawsuit for slandering your sister's good name!" His eyes were on fire as he talked and his voice could have split the desk Peter sat behind in two as he talked.

Peter paled, as even he could tell that the famous Stockton attorney was serious. He quickly stood up, excused himself and hurried out of the school house saying he'd be on the next train out of Stockton.

"You were too easy on him!" Nick scowled as he watched the door slam shut behind Peter Mitchell.

"Who said I was through?" Jarrod started beaming as looks of confusions came onto Nick and Faith's face. "I'm going to my office and writing to certain church leaders. I think they might be interested in what dear Reverend Mitchell has been up to. Now," Jarrod said as he headed for the door, "I'll leave you two alone."

Nick and Faith were both grinning from ear to ear as they thought about the trouble Peter would be in once his superiors got a hold of him. Nick then pulled Faith into his arms. "I know they said your job was secure, only I don't suppose you'd be willing to quit after the school year."

Faith, who felt like she had finally started breathing again, felt her heart skip a beat. There was only one reason she could think of that would cause Nick to ask such a thing. "Well," she smiled coyly as she ran her arms up his back. "That all depends on why I would be quitting."

Nick started lowering his head as he smiled wide. "I would like my wife working alongside me on the ranch. That is, if you'll have me."

"Of course, I'll have you." Faith whispered just before he started kissing her. As much as she'd learned to like teaching, Faith had no problem with Nick's proposal whatsoever.