AUDEAMUS
Chapter 3
Raven's Grove was fresh with the brief fall of rain that had descended on the valley earlier that day. The drops hung heavy on leaves and grass. Mud flew around April's hooves as she spurted through the forest on the main road.
Bella Swan soared.
She could finally breathe once more. She was free.
There was nothing like the woods to bring her out of her gloomy existence and into another world. As the main road grew wider, she took off to the left as she always had. The forest was thick, and, in the distance, there was a soft green glow; particles danced in the thin beams of the sun that managed to penetrate the thick forest roof. The mysterious world that attracted her now welcomed her. She was heading for her own paradise—The Embrace.
The days had grown warmer as summer progressed with a staggering rate. She passed the still lake and stopped April. In the distance, she saw the Durun Mountains; a vast mountain range that was the backdrop to Adelton Hall, clustering behind the medieval white castle as if almost swallowing it. Its base was engulfed by the tall pine trees that climbed up the mountains from Raven's Grove. A stream that grew in the mountains descended and flowed out in this lake. It looked refreshing and she decided to head toward it.
Bella decided that The Embrace could wait for her. The clear forest lake sparkled, and no gemstone nor gold could compare to the glittering water that flowed freely before her. Indeed, nothing could compare to the untamed force of nature. She discarded the longer outer layer of her gown and cast it aside, letting the air filtrate through the thin material of her white muslin underdress. The hem was stained with dirt and Bella sighed. She was in for another reprimand. She figured that there was little else her mother or father could be angry with, so she removed her boots and lifted the hem of her skirt.
Bella had bathed many times in that very lake. This would be the first time that she would feel the cool water brush against her naked feet this year. Her skin had waited for this moment the whole winter.
The soft grass by the riverbank tickled her feet as she walked to the water. The first foot in sent a shiver through her as the shock of the cold water alerted her system, sending a spurt of adrenaline. When the second foot stepped in, she delighted in the freshness the clean water brought. The rays of the sun illuminated her face and cast their warmth on her. Bella turned her face to meet them and closed her eyes, standing there in a moment of pure ecstasy. She listened to the forest, to its melody, the chant that had grown so familiar to her. The sweet sound of birdsong and swaying grass washed over like a comforting blanket. The fragrance of earth and blossoms hung effortlessly in the air.
But then something brought her out of her peace. Something was not right. The young woman was so alerted to every little aspect of the woods that she learned to notice when it grew too quiet. The birdsong had died down, April was alarmed as well—her ears flickering about, trying to find the source of the disturbance.
Someone had entered her little paradise.
Her eyes widened, and she turned around with the quickness of a viper. She wondered if it was a wild animal having stumbled upon her and her horse. Her heart rate elevated as she feared it to be a wolf or perhaps a boar. She stood with her dress gathered about her thigs, knee-deep in water, exposed, and utterly defenseless. When Bella turned to the riverbank she saw a rider in a deep hood wearing shabby clothes.
April had stepped away from him; her ears alert to whoever he was. Bella stood frozen in place as he dismounted his frail-looking horse. The poor thing was at the brink of starvation. Its fur was matted and dirty. It looked to be a mixture of gray and brown, but she wondered if it was not white under all that dirt. Its head hung low toward the ground, the horse too tired to hold it up. She could spot the ribs protruding under the heavy saddle.
The rider walked to the riverbank, leading his horse and letting it quench its thirst. He seemed to be noticing her but said nothing. The woman standing in the muslin dress with bare arms and revealing her legs would not leave him alone with her gaze. Her mouth was set firm as if she was waiting for him to charge at her. After such a drawn-out tension he spoke.
"My horse was thirsty," he said matter-of-factly as he motioned to the wretched animal who would not stop drinking. Bella still stared at him. She grew wary when he would not show his face. The voice from within the hood sounded tired, very tired. His clothes were torn in some places, the material rough and worn. The trousers had patches of dirt on the knees and the blue shirt was ridden with stains as well. Two fingers of the left glove that he wore were missing, the bare fingers peeking out of the holes. The cape he'd thrown over his shoulders had several holes in it, the material a dark maroon that had faded from too many washes.
"Indeed," she finally said sheepishly, feeling the situation grow awkward and even tenser. Bella could not stop her mouth from forming the following words. "It seems it might be more than water he craves, however," she said, pointing at the thin wretch.
The hood moved, she thought he might have tilted his head at such words. Bella grew more frustrated that she could not see his face.
"Perhaps," and then he motioned to April. "Then perhaps your horse could do with a little less in her belly," he answered flatly. Bella grew flustered at such words. How dare this man insult her little April!
"Are you calling my mare fat, sir?" she asked, biting her tongue, not wanting an insult to escape her. When he chuckled, Bella's ire rose.
"Your mare does not seem to take offense," he said in a jolly voice, pointing at her horse. April did not help Bella's case as she was happily munching away at the juicy grass.
"Indeed not, but I do!" she said, grabbing at her gown and wading toward the man who patiently sat down on a rock, watching as she neared him.
"Maybe you should be more careful with your step, lest you fall," he said with such amusement in his voice that Bella had to stop and furrow her brow. But she continued onward, not letting his tasteless comments bother her.
"Maybe you should mind your own business," she huffed as she stepped on the river bank. He watched her with what she could only describe to be a laidback glee and curiosity reflecting in his body language.
"Well, you began by insulting my horse," he said, the muffled tone never losing that amusement it had held. She detected a faint accent but could not place it. He spoke well enough, not harsh like the farmers or workers that she would spot at Lucy's.
She started putting on her boots, fighting against the blush that crept over her cheeks and her reddening ears.
"I merely made a statement, I never meant to insult your horse as you meant to insult mine!" she said as she grabbed her overcoat.
"Are you going already?" he asked. The man lounged against a nearby tree trunk, placing his hands behind his head, contemplating her from within his hood.
"I most certainly am, this riverbank has suddenly grown too crowded for me," she snapped. Bella mounted April and set off in a canter. It was only a few minutes after having ridden away that she heard an amused laughter dance through the trees. It only made her square her jaw and urge April to ride faster.
"Dory, do you think April is fat?" Bella asked mindlessly as she played with the wooden spoon, twirling it around in her hands. Night had fallen and after supper, she had journeyed down to the kitchens for some apple juice before bed as per usual. Her mouth was in a thin line as she remembered how that man had insulted her sweet little girl.
Dory, tired from a hard day's work, helped the kitchen maids clear up the final accumulated food and kitchen appliances before heading to bed.
"What?" she asked as Bella put away the spoon. The other maids paid her little heed.
"I asked if you think April, my horse, is fat," she repeated, now staring the older woman straight on.
Bella looked so wretched over the question that a slight chuckle escaped the short woman. "Where on earth does this question stem from?" she asked in a smiling voice as she cleaned up the last of the flour of the countertop.
"Nowhere," Bella muttered. But she could not ignore that amused laugh as she had ridden away earlier that day. How it had vexed her!
"I would be lying if I told you that April did not have a few pounds to lose. She does enjoy munching away at whatever she can get. Perhaps you are spoiling her," Dory said with such a force of truthfulness that it evoked a groan in Bella. If there was something she both detested and admired in Dory it was her blatant honesty.
"Really?" Bella asked in a dismayed manner.
"She looks to be carryin' a foal!" one of the kitchen maids joined in. Bella sent her a glare and then rested her head in her hands.
The hooded man had been right. But Bella would never admit that to herself. In the morning, she would speak with Robert, the stablemaster. They would have to ration April's intake of food. She was certain her mare would not be happy about that.
The following days lacked much to speak of. Bella tried time and again to see Jacob. She had sent a letter to Lord Masen, wondering if he'd had word yet from this Mr. Johnson—if he would come. Three days later, Bella received a note asking if she would not come to their townhouse in the newer part of Hayes. Bella did so gladly, hoping to receive some good news.
April's ears were turned back as she was being saddled. Her bloated belly had diminished in size and the white mare did not look as big as she once had in only the course of a week. Bella smirked; if she ever saw that hooded man she would never admit to putting her mare on a regimen because of what he had said to her.
April had been in a foul mood ever since her food intake had been limited. But she could not remain angry with her mistress. It was usually the stablemaster that felt the full weight of the horse's ire.
They went that early morning to the Masens in a slow canter. Bella could not ignore how her stomach jumped with anticipation. She had seen Mr. Ridge several times during the week, as had other concerned townspeople. He had built a case in favor of Jacob and his father—if a trial could be held. It all depended on what Carlisle Masen had to say. If they did not get the judge they wished for, little could be done for the father and the son.
Bella had often wondered just who had saved Mr. Black and with what reason. She understood the difficulty of the situation. By saving Mr. Black he had both spared yet condemned him. Billy Black had been spared an execution, retaining his life—but he was now a fugitive from the law. Captain Forster must not have sent Jacob Black to be executed because he knew he had the eyes of the townspeople on him. It made the young woman feel better, to know that the captain still worried about popular opinion, to some degree.
The townhouse stood as elegant as she had left it. Bella tied April to the same black iron fence and went to knock on the black door. The same dark-haired butler opened it and he offered her a charming smile as he motioned for her to step in.
"His lordship is expecting you," the man said as she followed him up the stairs. Bella wondered why Carlisle had not just told her what he needed to say in a letter.
She was shown to the same small parlor. It looked more complete now, more furniture had been brought in as well as a small piano that stood elegantly in one corner. Carlisle sat in one chair and spoke with a short man who stood by the windows, his back turned to the door.
"My lord, sir," Joseph said, alerting them to their presence. "I have brought Miss Swan." He stepped aside and ushered the woman in. Bella caught sight of Esmeralda as well. She did not know there would be such a crowd.
Carlisle got up with a charming smile. "Miss Swan, please, join us!" he said. She took his good mood as a positive sign. The man by the windows turned around. He had a thick head of red, curly hair. His midsection was a bit round, showing this man knew how to enjoy a good meal, no doubt. His eyes were small and she could not see their color from where she stood. His hair was cropped, as was the growing fashion—still, few ventured far as to actually doing it. Only the younger generations had grown the courage to take such a step.
Bella walked up and curtsied. Carlisle started with the introductions right away. "Miss Swan, allow me the pleasure of presenting you Henry Johnson of Safeira. Mr. Johnson, this is the young woman I've been speaking of," Carlisle started. Bella stared at the man and felt her heart rate soar. Mr. Johnson was here? So fast? She snuck a glance at Carlisle and could not believe how fast he'd managed to get the judge to Hayes.
"A pleasure to make your acquaintance," she said with a curtsy.
He bowed, she saw him eye her slightly. He had, like so many others, reacted at her name, but not said more about it. Bella happened to share a name with an important historical figure in Angloa, and she continuously cursed her own mother for having given her the name Isabella. It was also the reason she preferred to be called by 'Bella'.
"The pleasure is mine, miss," he responded. His eyes were as black as the wings of a raven.
"Dear Isabella!" Esmeralda said and went over to direct her to sit next to her. "Carlisle has been telling me all about what you want to do. It is a very noble thing," the older woman commended.
Bella blushed at the compliment. "It is only what most of Hayes wants to do, my lady. Few have the ability to do more than speak out against the unjust treatment of the Black family," she said, not wanting to take the full weight of the compliment.
"But you actively sought out my husband and bade him contact Mr. Johnson."
"How did you know to contact me?" Mr. Johnson asked in a curious manner. He'd sat down with the rest of them and joined in on the conversation.
Bella bit her tongue. She could not tell the judge the truth—at least not the whole truth. If the people present ever found out that someone using a pseudonym had directed them to contact Mr. Johnson, suspicion would arise. If said person was who she suspected—the same man who had saved Mr. Black—then she was certain both the Masens and Mr. Johnson would soon distance themselves from the case and from Mr. Black.
"Mr. Ridge has heard a lot about you from acquaintances that travel here from Safeira on a regular basis," she lied, hoping they would not see through it.
But Mr. Johnson seemed flattered at such a compliment and never once questioned her honesty. "Then I shall be most eager to make his acquaintance in the future," Mr. Johnson smiled.
Bella made a mental note to speak with Lucas Ridge and inform him of her little white lie before introducing him to Mr. Johnson.
But now that the judge was here, Bella was at ease. She was certain Jacob would be released as soon as possible and his father acquitted of any charges.
"Before anything else, I should speak with this Captain Forster. I need to be informed of the crimes of both accused men," he started. Bella was about to interrupt him, saying that Billy and Jacob had committed no crimes.
"I understand you are against this, but the law is the law. If we want to do this right, we have to go through the right procedures. From what I understand, Mr. Black and his son have little to fear."
But what Bella feared was what lies Captain Forster would tell Mr. Johnson about the men he had condemned.
She felt as if having spent hours there until she finally left. Esmeralda Masen accompanied her to the door where the butler, Joseph, stood holding it open for her. April looked in a sour mood at her mistress, angered that she had taken so long.
"I hope you will stop by again. Our children are to arrive from Safeira any day now," she said with expectancy.
"Indeed?"
"All except the middle son. Edward is still in England, I believe. But he should arrive later this summer," Esmeralda assured her, with a look of pride.
"You must miss him." It did not escape Bella that Esmeralda's eyes would light up as soon as she spoke of her son.
"I have not seen him in years," the Baroness confessed. "When Carlisle and I accompanied him to the ship that was to take him to the port in Plymouth, he was but a boy in our eyes, only just having turned eighteen. That was more than six years ago. The time seems to have stood still while he's been gone."
"I am eager to meet this son who has you up in such high spirits. And I am also eager to know the man of whom you all speak so highly of," Bella said with a charming smile.
"As am I for you to meet him," Esmeralda said. "Do stop by later this week if you've nothing else planned. Your charming mother is welcomed as well, of course."
Bella noticed that Esmeralda did not mention her father. But she understood why. Charles Swan could get too carried away at times, as he had at dinner. He had little tact and finesse when it came to these things. While Bella expressed a genuine interest to befriend Esmeralda Masen and her family further, Charles Swan had other things in mind when he spoke of said family.
"I shall indeed, my lady. I bid you a good day," Bella ensured her, saying her goodbyes to both the lady of the house and the butler.
The town saw the sun rise and settle several times without any news as to Mr. Black and his rescuer. Jacob Black found himself in a miserable state; his contempt for Captain Forster growing to new heights.
Completing the first fortnight of his incarceration, he was awakened one morning by the rattling sound of keys. He figured it to be Sgt. Thompson with the same sorry excuse for a meal. He wondered how the sergeant could keep such a massive belly with such horrible food. The young man wrinkled his nose in anticipation of the impending meal.
But what walked in through those gates was not what he had been expecting at all. A man, middle-aged and with thin black hair, stepped into his cell, his countenance somewhat familiar to Jacob. He dressed in dark, formal clothing. Jacob wondered if he was yet another poor soul to fall victim to Captain Forster's schemes. But when he spotted the stack of papers in his left arm, he figured this was not a prisoner.
"Mr. Black," the man said in a drawl, looking at him over his spectacles.
Jacob hastily got up from the flimsy cot and stood at full height, towering over the shorter and thinner man.
"Aye," he responded, his black eyes narrowing in suspicion. Perhaps this was another one of Captain Forster's tricks.
"My name is Lucas Ridge. I am sure we've met in town on some formal occasion sometime. I've come here on the request of a friend of yours," he smiled.
"A friend?" Jacob wondered.
"Are you not acquainted with Miss Isabella Swan?" he asked as he furrowed his brow in slight confusion.
Jacob's mouth fell open in disbelief at hearing Bella's name. "I…am," was all he could say. Jacob's stomach dropped, he did not wish for her to be involved in this. It was dangerous enough as it was. "You are come here to help me?" he asked in a hopeful tone. Anything to get him out of that cold and blasted cell would be an improvement to his current predicament.
"By some feat or miracle, she has managed to get the attention of a much-celebrated judge, come here all the way from Safeira. Your case has stirred quite the attention it seems, Mr. Black," Mr. Ridge said, sitting down on the flimsy stool by the iron door.
Jacob's brows only knitted together further. Since when did Bella Swan have the connections to bring a judge all the way from Safeira?
"As I understand it, a trial has not yet been set. Captain Forster feels certain conditions should be met before doing so," the lawyer continued. "Mr. Johnson has sent me to go over some proceedings and formalities. He wants this to be a fair and just trial," he finished.
Jacob felt his hope dwindle. "What conditions?" he asked, sinking down on the cot in defeat.
"I understand how you must feel, Mr. Black. Your situation is indeed a tricky one. I do not agree with Captain Forster's treatment of you—most of Hayes agrees Forster has manhandled both you and your father. Holding you here is, what I believe, to be a message to both your father and the man who rescued him. But both the captain and the judge have agreed that a trial cannot be held until your father returns."
"If my father returns, Captain Forster will execute him," Jacob spat. He hoped Billy Black would keep his wit and stay away from Hayes. Whoever the stranger was that had saved him, he hoped he would keep his father away from danger.
Mr. Ridge's lips turned into a thin line. "Another thing I've greatly come to disagree with Captain Forster on," Mr. Ridge said. "Let it be known, Mr. Black, that as soon as this trial takes place, I would not be surprised if Captain Forster did not fall under some sort of investigation. The way he has personally manhandled the law and bent it to his own will in this town is sickening.
"Who would dare such a feat?" Jacob stared at the silent man. "Surely not you, Mr. Ridge?" The slight pause served enough to answer his question.
"Someone has to do it," Lucas began, his steely eyes set in determination. "Someone should have done it long ago." The half-moon spectacles slid down his nose before being ceremoniously pushed back up again.
Jacob laced his fingers together and let his head slump down in a gesture of defeat. "And why now? This has been going on for far too long for you to just now decide to do something about it."
"Because," Mr. Ridge inched forward. "I want to show that the law can put away scoundrels like Captain Forster," he whispered, afraid to be heard by the nearby soldiers. "This man who rescued your father took the law into his own hands. We do not need daredevils and rebels at a time like this. Those ideals are dangerous."
"Perhaps, but you cannot argue with the results," Jacob said while pressing his lips together. He lifted his face to meet that of Mr. Ridge's. The long strands of black hair fell into his visage.
"What results? Your father is a fugitive and you are incarcerated," Lucas muttered as he wrinkled his nose.
"But he is alive! Whatever law you speak of, whatever justice it might contain, it has not shown itself to me or to Hayes. In fact, I think Angloa itself has not seen Lady Justice do much for the last few years."
"Such speech is dangerous, Mr. Black," Lucas sighed. "Very dangerous in times like these."
"The man who saved my father took the matter into his own hands, aye. He helped my father because he could. Listen to me, Mr. Ridge. There is more hanging on this trial than just my freedom. If you fail, you will have shown that the king's law contains no justice—that it can be led around by those fit to manipulate it for their own good."
"That is why both I and Mr. Johnson aim to get you out of here and to reprimand Captain Forster," Mr. Ridge said. He started looking through the stack of paper he had and took out a plume and some ink.
"Now, shall we begin? I need your statement and a total retelling of the last few days leading up to your incarceration," he started with renewed energy, ready to take notes.
Jacob let out an audible sigh as he decided there was little he could do. He was thankful that Miss Swan wanted him free, but he held little hopes.
"Well, it all began when Lord Newton decided taxes should be raised… again."
The iron door to his cell squeaked open and Jacob sat up promptly. He had been given better treatment during the last few days ever since Mr. Ridge had turned into his attorney. Sgt. Thompson was the one who saw to it that Jacob now had three full meals instead of the usual one and that he be given warmer blankets for the chilly nights.
He ignored his aching limbs as the silhouette of a woman stepped into the filthy cell. Jacob frowned as he wondered who would be allowed access to him. At first, he thought it to be his aunt, but the woman before him was taller and not as stocky. As his eyes adjusted, he saw the clear smiling brown eyes and heart-shaped face of Bella Swan smile down at him.
"Miss Swan—Bella?" he uttered in disbelief, moving to stand.
She turned to the guard and pressed a small meat-pie into his hands. "Thank you, Corporal," she smiled. "I understood you would see reason in the end," she blinked. The corporal, a short, robust man, ignored her, his mouth watering at the sight of the pie. He left them alone, no doubt finding a solitary corner where he could munch on the delicacy.
"Had it been the sergeant I fear the number of pies I brought would only have taken me as far as the courtyard," she laughed, moving to sit by the cot.
"What are you doing here? How on earth did you manage to get in?" Jacob uttered, looking around, afraid that Forster would see her.
"Why, Mr. Black, I am happy to see you too," she answered tartly with pronounced politeness, thus mimicking him. "I did not bribe my way in here, if that is what you think. Mr. Ridge and Mr. Johnson have managed to soften our dear Captain Forster. He is allowing you visitors now," she said, brushing a stray lock of hair away from her face. Jacob took in her appearance for the first time. Then a smirk touched her features. "But the pies did indeed help," she chuckled.
He wondered if it was not she who had spent the night in a cell. Her hair was loose, the curls flying off wild in all directions. Here and there he saw some small leaves—probably missed by her as she had hastily brushed her fingers through her hair to look more presentable. Her maroon riding habit had grass stains on it and was wrinkled in some places.
Jacob was, nevertheless, happy to see a familiar and friendly face for once. "I am grateful for all your help, Bella," he said as he relaxed on the cot.
Her face lit up at his words and the motion was as charming as anything to him. Jacob suspected the young woman did not know herself how beautiful she could be if she really wanted to.
"The moment Mr. Ridge told me you could have visitors, I took the opportunity to see how you were doing. I suspect more of your family will be coming soon to see you as well."
"I see," Jacob answered. But before he could go any further, Bella cut him off shyly.
"We have known each other for a long time, Jacob. You shouldn't think it strange that I went to such lengths to get you these accommodations. And I want you to know that half of the town was up in arms over how you and your father were treated. Besides, I care very much for your father and felt it my responsibility to do what I could for his son. I hope you will not find my intrusion blatant and unwelcoming."
"Unwelcoming? You are in jest, surely! I thought to be done for until Mr. Ridge came like sent from heaven!"
"Then you have faith that you will be released?" she asked as she reached inside her pouch, offering him some meat pies as well. Jacob reached for them and with little hesitation, he started munching away at one of them. He was happy to be eating food with flavor once more.
"I have faith that you might speak with Mr. Ridge and Mr. Johnson to convince them of solving this in another way."
"In another way?" She stared at him dumbfounded as he downed the pie. Bella ignored his wretched state—the wrinkled shirt, the long hair out of its confinements, the rough cot upon which he sat. Jacob had seen better days and she hoped he would soon be out.
"I am not as naïve as some, Bella. I know for a fact that whatever trial me and my father end up in, Captain Forster will do his utmost to see that we do not escape his clutches—one way or another."
"But Jacob, surely you do not think Captain Forster capable of—"
"Oh, I do indeed. You are protected from seeing such things. But Captain Forster is capable of more horrendous things than you or your fine friends could ever imagine. Bringing over a judge here will not bring about much change. The only man who has gone up against him and gotten away is the same man who rescued my father. He was sensible enough to hide his identity. Look at what Forster did to my father the moment he escaped: he attacked his family."
"Such talk is dangerous," Bella hissed, looking around.
"Your Mr. Ridge said the same," he answered in an unnerved tone. "Listen, I am beyond grateful for your help and your presence here. I have not seen a friendly face for a week, at least. But I do not wish you to be more involved. Get away from all this, I beg you," he pleaded with a cold demeanor.
"I… no one knows it was I who sought out Lord Carlisle to send word to Mr. Johnson."
"Good, let it remain that way." Jacob stared at the hay-covered floor of his cell, seemingly coming to terms with his current situation. "I hope my father is sensible enough to stay away," he said after a long pause. Bella stared at him and despaired that Jacob would hold so little hope.
"I will return tomorrow with some more pies, Jacob," she said after finding no words to comfort him with.
His smile caused a flush to creep up her throat. But it never fully bloomed across her cheeks. "Thank you, Bella," he said with a stiff smile. Despite his situation, he had no wish for their long friendship to turn sour.
"Very well then," she smiled back. Bella left the rest of the meat pies with him. "I would eat those before the sergeant comes by. Dory's meat pies are his favorites, after all."
"I do not know what you two have been speaking of, Mr. Ridge, but he seems completely out of spirits." Bella was sitting by the window, looking out over the square. She stared at the closed doors of the garrison, where she had just come from. Mr. Ridge's office was even messier now, if that was possible. He was preparing for a coming trial.
"What is your true plan here? Mr. Black is right, in some regards. You cannot just waltz in and have a trial like that—Captain Forster has accused them of a rather heinous crime."
"Indeed, you are right. But proving both Mr. Black and his son innocent of this crime has shown to be rather easy. A lot of people have been more than glad to testify to their characters. But I fear that as soon as they are let out of prison and Mr. Johnson returns to Safeira, Captain Forster will come up with a new accusation and place them in his cells once more. We need to sort out the root of the problem," Lucas said, reading through some of his intangible scribbles and wrinkling his nose. "Not even I can read this, and I wrote it," he murmured to himself, tossing the piece of paper aside.
"You aim to deal with Captain Forster?" Bella asked in a horrified tone. "Surely not, Mr. Ridge!" she exclaimed, turning away from the window and finding him on his fours. Lucas was searching through the stacks of paper on the floor, hoping to find some document of sorts. He looked at a wrinkled paper, pushing the hair fallen into his eyes away and pushing his spectacles up his nose while his eyes squinted.
"Lord Masen asked as much of me and I agree with him. If we could prove Captain Forster's unsavory acts during the last few months, it would be enough to sentence him for years in prison and strip him of his rank—perhaps even hang him."
"Captain Forster is fickle, Mr. Ridge. I would tread carefully here," Bella warned. "I do not know of everything he has done, but if what Jacob implied is true, then Forster might be involved in more than we know of and unearthing such dealings might put you in danger."
"I have confidence in the law, Miss Swan. Mr. Johnson is a just judge and if all goes well, Hayes might see the end of such men like Forster. We all know he has been misusing his power ever since arriving here." Ridge's shoulder's slumped. "I do miss Captain Clarke. A pity, that whole ordeal," he sighed.
"But there are so many more men like Forster out there. You might just be replacing him with someone worse. And there are more like him in Hayes or Angloa to be sure."
"But using the law to take him down will send a message."
Bella understood his reasoning as well as Jacob's. She was torn between both. She only knew Forster to be overly strict when it came to enforcing the law on the people of Hayes. But she now suspected he was guilty of much more. After all, he had constructed false charges against Billy Black just because the man openly spoken against him and wounded his pride. She wondered what else the sly captain had done.
"In any case, I know little of these matters, Mr. Ridge. But I advise you not to tread lightly on this," Bella offered.
Lucas gave her a boyish grin. There was hope and youthful eagerness in his eyes. "I am ready for a challenge, Miss Swan," he said, suspecting she was about to leave. "Be a dear and close the door on your way out," he said after her as she started leaving without any other words to offer.
Bella felt the door weigh heavy as it enclosed Lucas Ridge in his office. She knew her involvement was already more than what was accepted. If Charles Swan found out about it, she would not see the light of day until the end of summer, at least. Bella decided there was little else she could do except for visiting Jacob whenever she got the chance.
She untied April's reins from the railing of the house and mounted her horse, letting the slimmer mare take her home in a slow trot.
A/N: Thank you to those who read the last chapter. I hope you will have enjoyed this one as well.
Cheers,
Isabelle