I DO NOT OWN HATFIELDS AND MCCOYS
Pike County, Kentucky. February, 1881.
About a week later, the McCoy family, including lawyer Perry Kline was gathered at Randall's home to discuss the predicament that they were in.
"You see what's happened to my son in law." Randall brooded. "Taken by force from his home...first by that bastard Preston, then by the damn Hatfields!"
"I obtained a directive from Judge Tobias Wagner instructing the sheriff to recapture and take Jedidiah into his lawful custody." Perry explained as he held out a piece of paper.
"The law ain't worth jack shit." Tolbert remarked.
"Jed was kidnapped illegal, so why can't we kidnap him back the same way?" Pharmer asked.
"No, Hatfields have him guarded. If you try to take him, it will give Devil Anse the excuse he needs to massacre you like a pack of injuns."
"Sweet Jesus..." Sally sighed as she hung her head.
"Jim, you go with Perry to Pikeville and get this letter to sheriff Maynard." Randall said as he stormed out, grabbed his hat and moved to saddle his horse.
"You ain't thinking o' going over there?" Calvin asked as Ol' Randall readied his steed.
"If I come alone, he'll do me no harm." He replied. As Randall made to leave, Perry Cline saddled his own horse.
"I'll join you." he insisted. "I think I may have a remedy for this unpleasant situation, if Mr. Hatfield will agree to it." Randall and Perry rode off, leaving the McCoy clan fearing for their safety.
West Virginia.
Devil Anse POV
Cap Hatfield was keeping a lookout for Preston and his posse when he saw Randall McCoy and Perry Cline riding up to the Hatfield home.
"Pa, pa." Cap shouted as he ran into the house. "McCoy's here." A few seconds later, Devil Anse Hatfield came out onto the porch.
"I come unharmed, to ask fer my son in law." Randall explained as he dismounted his horse.
"Yer Son in law, done killed Billie Jo Preston's father. Jed stabbed him over and over and over again." Devil Anse replied.
"There were circumstances."
"I am aware of the circumstances, Johnse's been harping in my ear every day."
"Then you know that Uriah Preston raped Jed's sister and ruined her reputation." Mr. McCoy said. "She took her own life because of him. Whatever he received, he damn well deserved it!"
"If I may interject, Mr. Hatfield." Perry interjected, standing between the two men. "We came with a solution that may pacify all partie involved."
"And that would be?" Mr. Hatfield asked.
"Naturally, Jedidiah can not return to Nashville. The wealth and political power that the Prestons wield would make a fair trial inconceivable. Therefore, what I suggest is that we hold a bench trial, presided over by your brother: the honorable judge Valentine Hatfield." The Hatfields were astonished at the idea.
"You would trust my brother to hold a McCoy's life in his hands?" Hatfield asked as Perry shrugged.
"I would prefer a Hatfield to a judge that resides in the Preston's pocket." He clarified.
"Very well then, we will hold your trial." Anse relented, hoping to be done with the business once and for all.
"Can I see my son in law?" McCoy pleaded. Devil Anse nodded as he was led over to the barn.
Jed and Cottontop had been playing a match of marbles when Ol' Randall was led in.
"Randall!" Jed exclaimed as the McCoy patriarch went over and embraced him.
"How do ya fair?" Randall asked as Jed shrugged.
"As well as I can be, I spect." he replied. "Are the Hatfields gonna turn me loose?"
"Perry Cline arranged for a bench trial, he's hoping that the Hatfields may be fairer with you then the Prestons." Jed nodded as he looked into Randall's eyes.
"Randall, if this trial don't go well, make sure Alifair and the baby know that I loved 'em more than anything in the world." Jed pleaded. "That's all I care about." Randall started to tear up as he took Jed's hands in his and began to pray.
"Heavenly father, spare my son and smite his enemies." Mr. McCoy prayed as he began to tear up at the thought of losing Jed and the pain it would cause Alifair and their baby. "I beg of you, soften the hearts of the wicked Hatfields. Have mercy, lord Jesus." Jed held Randall's hands as they prayed together, himself fearing that the noose might be waiting for him in the Hatfield's court.
WILL JUDGE HATFIELD RULE FOR OR AGAINST JED? REVIEWS NEEDED AND APPRECIATED.