Chapter Six
The magistrate, the federal marshals, and the army men poured over the testimonies and the unnerving autopsy report. Five men shaking their heads at every shred of evidence.
"Any one of the people we subpoenaed has a motive, and if you give me the liberty of an opinion, a reason to have taken this scoundrel out—-"
All the men shook their heads in agreement.
"And yet, we are charged to get justice for even such a man as this."
Again they nodded.
"And we have foreign operatives from Mexico involved. The gold has surfaced there in six different reports."
"There are no bank accounts in Peter Doolin's name that account for such a transfer."
"Or his newspaper or his young wife's"
"And a Pinkerton report that several investigators followed the man at different times—-and one was even in the Cattleman's at the time of the man's disappearance."
"Let's get this started."
The bailiff called Mr. and Mrs. Jarrod Barkley to testify before the panel in the small room. The proceedings were closed to the public.
Jarrod escorted Tessa into the room with a protective arm at the small of her back.
"Please sit down."
They took their seats on the straight wooden chairs.
"We have read your written statements. Are these them and do you attest they are yours?"
They looked over them carefully and signed them in front of the group.
"We have a few questions about them."
Tessa nodded at her husband and then the men across from her.
"Mrs. Barkley, you and your husband were on a hunting trip when Mr. Doolin disappeared. You have quite an ability as a long-distance rifle—uh—woman. We were quite impressed by the wild dog story in Modesto. Saving your sister and the children." The Lieutenant Colonel said kindly.
"Yes sir. My grandfather was a sniper in the army. He taught me when I was young. We hunted together and I enjoyed learning."
All the six men smiled at her.
"What rifles do you have and the ammunition do you currently have?"
She listed two rifles, "they were my grandfather's" and four kind of bullets.
They made notes.
" Mrs. Barkley, are you aware that one of those bullets makes was found in Peter Doolin's body?"
"I was when the sheriff came to check our weapons. He searched the gun closets and the ammunition supply."
"And all the calibers were present in your home?"
"Yes sir."
"Sheriff Merar found the weapon still loaded from the hunt and none of the bullets were in the cartridge in question."
A slight frown crossed her face, "But I thought I used the Whitworth Hexagon to shoot the bear. It was the last time I used the rifle. I got a stag and Jarrod got the last doe that day. He had to track the bear while I stayed with the deer. It took both of us to drag the bear back in shifts to the wagon and some hands helped us load it."
The panel accepted her honest answer.
"Mrs. Barkley, I know this is painful but did you see Peter Doolin the week of his demise."
"Yes, when I was in town getting supplies for the hunt. He said he would expose my child to the ridicule she deserved being a Barkley."
The men shared a look of sympathy, "And what happened?"
"I told him," and she ducked her head, "To go to hell."
The men glanced at Jarrod who was surprised at his wife's confession. They put their eyes back to the papers in respect.
"Jarrod, I assume you didn't know about the encounter in town. Several witnesses came forth with the information."
"No, I was not but Doolin's humiliations had no limit in our home."
Tessa softly cried and Jarrod handed her his handkerchief lovingly. The men were all reaching into their pockets for theirs to offer to her.
"Mr. Barkley, you have stated that you had not seen Mr. Doolin for over two weeks, correct."
"Yes, that is correct."
"Did you shoot the sniper rifle at any time during the week of your trip?"
"No, I prefer my rifle."
"Did you load it for your wife?"
"Yes. Several times."
"Which ammunitions?"
"All three we had. The last time was with the .50-95 Express."
They noted it was the same found at the ranch when they searched.
"A buffalo repeater?"
"Yes, sir."
Tessa was trying to keep her composure but showed confusion again about the caliber.
"I know you have a tenuous relationship with Peter Doolin. The panel understands this. But we must ask you, Did you kill Peter Doolin?"
"No, I did not but I am glad he is dead."
"A fair answer."
"Mr. Barkley, were you with your wife the whole time on the hunting trip? When she shot the bear?"
"Yes. I trailed the bear for her and put another shot into the bear with my sidearm to put it out of his misery. But yes, she could not or I could not have killed Peter Doolin without the other one knowing about it."
The panel exchanged looks and wrote down a note they passed down the row. They all nodded.
The magistrate said, "You are both free to go. Please stay in town or at the ranch in case we have further questions. We are sorry for having to ask you those disturbing questions."
"Thank you," Jarrod nodded and he put his arm around Tessa.
"I will be back with my brothers and mother as their legal counsel."
"As we would expect, Mr. Barkley."
—-&—-
Nick, Heath, Sally, and Victoria were paraded separately before the inquest during the afternoon with Jarrod.
All confirmed they had said things publicly wishing the demise of Peter Doolin. They all re-read their lengthy depositions and signed them.
"Where were you, Mrs. Barkley?"
"At the ranch." with an arched eyebrow daring any of them to dare question her further.
"Where were you, Heath?"
"Near the area, he was found."
"Doing what?"
"Checking out mines"
"Did you see Peter Doolin that week?"
"Not his mangy face."
"You are excused, Mr. Barkley. Please send your wife in, next."
He scowled at them as he walked out.
"Where were you, Mrs. Heath Barkley?"
"At our home or at the big house with my children."
"We are sorry for this line of questioning, but did you threaten Peter Doolin when he revealed Tom Wills and the St John justified shooting by your husband?"
Jarrod put his hand on her arm, "Where is the going?"
"Just to confirm some information we have received."
"It's fine. I will answer. I was in the dress shop and this lady kept making remarks about my family. I tried to ignore her and her friend. I just couldn't. I told her Tom Wills was a vile monster and Peter Doolin was a worst one hiding behind his pen. I said I hoped someone who takes him down as they did Sheriff Wills."
Jarrod spoke up, "She is within her rights of free speech. A hope is not a threat by definition."
Paul, Jarrod's law school buddy and army counsel bit his lip not to smirk, "I will have to remember that one, friend."
They asked Sally a few more questions and released her, "Please stay available for more questions if we have them."
"I will."
"Next, Nick Barkley,"
Jarrod exhaled, "One more, and this should be fireworks. Hopefully, I can contain the damage to a few bright lights and explosions."
Nick sauntered in as the last witness of the day. He was standing tall and eerily mimicked Victoria's arched eyebrow expression of "Do you dare?"
The lieutenant colonel took the first question, "Mr. Barkley thank you for coming. I understand you are recently returned from San Francisco with your wife's indisposed condition."
Nick answered with pure venom, "Yes. No thanks to Doolin. He killed our twin baby as good as if he did it with his own hands. Poisoned words. We are trying to save our remaining child."
All the men looked down at their notes trying to give sympathy to Nick and do their jobs.
"Where were you the week Doolin was missing?"
"Up in the area that he was killed in. Me and Heath. We came home and told Jarrod about the herd of deer moving through."
"Did you have a sniper rifle in the area?"
"Nope. My regular rifle and sidearm."
"Did you see Doolin in the area?"
"No. He woulda regretted it if I did."
"What ammunition do you use?"
"You already went through the stores up at the house."
Jarrod cleared his throat.
Nick rolled his eyes and named off the three kinds he had on him that day.
"And after you came home from the northern part of the ranch?"
"Doc Merar told us he had an appointment for doc in San Francisco—-and we headed out on the train. Heard Doolin was dead from the papers up there."
They asked a few more questions about the road from Stockton that connected to the ranch and the mine—and the river road.
"What are the shortcuts to each of the main roads?"
Nick answered.
"Well gentlemen, I thank you for coming in. Please stay at the ranch or town if we have any further questions."
"Jarrod, you too."
"You will see me tomorrow. I am representing Jacob Kyles."