The Ties That Bind
PT.14
Matt rose early to meet the stage. He wanted the chance to greet the Judge, figuring he'd have the chance to fill him in on what had gone on and that it would make the proceedings as short as possible. He'd known Judge Bookings for what seemed like forever. Just as he'd finished his coffee with John, the stage pulled down Main Street.
"Ah, look here, Matt. Stage is early. Maybe that's a good sign?"
The two men walked out in time to meet the stage, watching the folks unload. Suddenly, both looked at one another with a surprised look on their face, expecting to see Judge Brookings, but not.
Instead, stepping down was another man. "Hello, Gentlemen!. My name is Sherman, Judge Walter Sherman. I was asked to come in place of Judge Brookings. His schedule was a bit full, so here I am." Now looking at John, 'You would be Sheriff Daly I presume?"
Nodding, "Yes, Sir. And this is Marshal Matt Dillon."
"Marshal? Heard quite a lot about you my dear man."
"Glad to meet you, Judge."
"Gentlemen, I'd like to get settled in then we can sit and talk about this hearing. I understand Marshal you are somewhat connected to the parties involved?"
"Well, yes ."
"Hmmm, interesting. I'll see you two shortly." He said, walking away.
Matt and John just looked at one another. Matt was now rethinking his theory. He'd known Judge Brookings and knew he could talk to him and make him see things from his point of view. But this Judge Sherman? What would happen here, no telling.
After getting settled, Judge Sherman walked into the café, sat down and ordered breakfast. Kitty and Mary were sitting across the room.
"Momma, we will be leaving soon, won't we?"
"Sweetheart, Matt says we have to wait for this judge to arrive and hear everything that happened so they can file an official report and close this whole mess."
"But, Momma, they can't arrest you, can they? You were just …"
Now placing a hand on Mary's arm and shaking her head. "Ssshhh, don't you worry, Matt and the Sheriff will take care of everything. You trust Matt, don't you?"
Furrowing her brow, "Yes, of course. He would never let anything happen to you."
"Well then," patting her arm, "nothing to worry about." Smiling at her.
Just then, Matt entered the café. "Ah, there you are. There's my girls."
"Join us, cowboy?"
As he pulled up a chair, "Kit, there's something I need to tell you."
"Oh?"
"Yeah. Remember I said that Judge Brookings was coming in on the stage?"
"Uh huh." Now tilting her head.
"Well, it seems Brookings had a full schedule so they sent someone else."
Now raising her brow. "Oh, Matt. Are you thinking there will be…"
Quickly, he shook his head. "No, now, Kit. I'm not saying anything will happen different. It's just I don't know this Judge." As Matt looked passed Kitty, he spotted Sherman. Sherman returned the glance.
Sherman rose from his seat and approached their table. "Marshal Dillon?"
"Judge Sherman, this is Miss Kitty Russell and Miss Mary Russell."
"Ladies, nice to make your acquaintance."
"Judge, same here." Kitty responded.
"Nice to meet you, Sir." Mary replied.
"Marshal, when you have a free moment, I'd like to get together with you and the Sheriff. I'd like to clear this whole thing up as soon as possible."
"I agree, Judge. I'll meet you over at the hotel if you'd like. I'll bring John."
"Fine. That works for me." Sherman tipped his hat. "Ladies." He then walked away.
Matt turned to Kitty and Mary. "Kit, I'll see you two in a bit."
"Matt..."
"Kitty, don't worry."
"But..."
"Kit Honey, I'll take care of everything. Don't worry." As he walked away, even though she tried not to let Mary see it, he could read the worry wash across her face.
Meeting up with John Daly then heading for the hotel to join Sherman, the three met in Sherman's room. "Gentlemen, I've read some of your report. I must say it's been an interesting read, to say the least. Marshal…"
"Judge call me, Matt, please."
"Ok, Matt. The young lady I met in the café. Am I right in assuming she is the young lady in the report? And Miss Russell, the woman accused of the shooting? And then there is a Mrs. Moore, who also says she shot Mr. Graham?"
"Yeah, but, Judge, we're not quite sure about her story and how it fits in here." John added.
"Why's that, Sheriff?"
"Well, when Matt and I arrived at the root cellar, Mrs. Moore was outside of the cellar walking up as we got there. So it seems unlikely."
"Okay, I see what you mean. Well, would she have a motive to shoot Mr. Graham?"
Matt and John looked at one another, knowing the whole story.
"Matt do you want the honors?" Daly asked.
"Gentlemen? Is there something here I need to know?"
"Actually yes, Judge. Maybe we should start from the beginning. Maybe you should sit back and relax.
Graham Farm
Letty was up and dressing when Margaretha opened her door. "Letty, breakfast is ready." As she opened the door she could see the battered and bruised body of her daughter. It was not that she didn't know this had happened before, but over the years she had closed her eyes to it and pretended it didn't or wasn't happening because it was Joseph's way and then Cecil's way.
"Oh, Letty. Letty GirI, I'm… I'm…"
"No, Ma, don't. It's ok. I'll be ok. It's over now. We'll be okay now. We will take care of each other."
"But Letty, I can't lose you. You shouldn't have told that Sherriff."
"But Ma, I just told the truth and I couldn't let Pa hurt her, them. Hadn't he don't enough harm?"
Thinking hard, Margaretha stared off. "Yes, child. Yes, that's how I feel too. But you can't be punished for…"
"No, Ma, it's okay."
"No, Letty girl, you can't be punished for something you…"
"Ma, stop. It will be okay. You'll see. Marshal Dillon will take care of everything. Let's eat before everything gets cold.
TBC