WINTER'S REFUGE

by Kattayl

Every author writes a Curry and Heyes prison story. This is mine.

62. Winter's Refuge Chapter 62

Winter's Refuge

Chapter Sixty-Two

JED 'KID' CURRY

The start of Matt's trial was delayed fifteen minutes so the lawyers could meet with the judge. I was glad because I found bein' in this courthouse was unsettlin'. I was as nervous as I had been for our trial. I kept pacin' and lookin' out the window at the end of the hall. So, I thought about last night and tried to think how much I was goin' to tell Heyes.

Colin had met our train last night. He asked politely to speak to me so after we were settled in the hotel, I met him in the bar downstairs. Chrissy was tired and had fallen asleep. On the train ride she'd grown to accept Karl and knew his room was across the hall and he was there if she needed him.

"Colin, must be important for you to meet our train," I started. He had a table and had ordered me a beer. I didn't really want to drink but did to be polite.

"Got some answers for you from the governor."

He didn't say anymore so I figured I wasn't goin' to like the answers. Removin' a brown envelope from his pocket, he slid it across the table to me. I didn't touch it. If it was bad news, he would have to tell me to my face. I sipped my beer and waited for him to continue.

"Your complete, signed amnesty for the trip to Devil's Hole is in that envelope," he started.

I remained silent and didn't touch the envelope.

"And a signed amnesty for Heyes, only pertaining to the knowledge of Devil's Hole and planning of that trip. He still can't leave Cheyenne County, but there will be no aiding and abetting charges against either of you."

I nodded and took another sip of the beer. I could see my silence was makin' him uncomfortable.

"Heyes and you choose who to take, but the governor wants me to accompany you."

"Gonna be a long-blindfolded ride for you. Ever ride a horse blindfolded? You tend to lose your sense of balance after a while." I knew my tone was harsh, threatenin', but I didn't care. Takin' Colin with me would make the trip harder.

Colin ignored me. "There's a list of Devil's Hole Gang members that we know ran with Mark McWinters. We would like them arrested. If a name isn't on that list, it's your discretion whether to arrest them or not. First priority is freeing the hostages and bringing them out alive. We believe one or more of them are connected with the telegraph operator network Heyes figured out. We need her, yes her, identified and brought back alive."

He stopped and waited to see if I'd open the envelope. I didn't. I picked up my glass but just looked at the liquid.

"Basically, we are giving you a pass to let any or all of your old gang stay in Devil's Hole. You and Heyes didn't take with violence. The governor understands that."

"We'll have US Marshals waiting in a nearby town to take them off of your hands. The rewards of the men you bring in will be given to you to divide among those help you."

I glared. That's the second time now someone thinks I deserve a reward for sendin' men to prison. I was about to growl my refusal, but I heard Heyes in my head. "Take the money and do something good with it."

I watched Colin take another envelope out of his pocket. "The rewards on the men at Brown River." I think he understood how distasteful this was because he quickly added, "Do what you want with it. Split it with the men who helped, except the marshals. They were doing their job."

I was tempted to order a whiskey or two but didn't. I had to be alert and strong tomorrow for my wife.

"Anything else, Colin?"

I saw him take a breath and understood he had dreaded this meetin' as much as I had.

"Any questions, get word to me. Any idea who you'll bring?"

"Up to Heyes but I'm askin' Lom, er Sheriff Trevors."

"Good choice. One more thing."

Silently, I waited for him to add his one more thing. I anticipated this to be somethin' I just couldn't do. That's why he held it to last.

"Er...the governor knows you brought your wife here…and why."

"Yeah…"

"He doesn't want to intrude on what will be a difficult time for her. He doesn't understand why you would allow her to attend her brother's trial. Frankly, neither do I, but I know her to be a strong-willed woman."

I didn't know what he wanted me to say so I said nothin'.

"Anyway, the governor and his wife are extending an invitation to you and your wife to join them for dinner tomorrow night."

"Can't really refuse, can we?"

"He would take it as an insult. He has yet to meet the woman he granted amnesty."

"We'll be there."

My recollection was interrupted by the clerk tellin' the people gathered we could enter the courtroom. We found seats in the fourth row in the center. Mark was brought in shackled hand and foot. Chrissy took a deep breath when she saw him and stood up.

Mark acknowledged her with a quick nod and a half smile. Then he frowned at me. I didn't look away. We were there to show him he was not alone in the world. When me and Heyes were in this very same courtroom, Lom did that for us. It was someone to focus on when the whole world was against us.

Chrissy sat down quickly. She listened intently to the trial, but I couldn't. This room held my real-life nightmare of conviction and sentencin'…condemnin' me and Heyes to hell in two separate prisons for over four years.

Those thoughts took over my mind and the strong fear of those days overwhelmed and paralyzed me. I wanted to run. I needed to run, to escape. But I can't because I see my trial unfold and know what's ahead.

"Jed…Jed!" Chrissy is sittin' next to me hittin' my arm. I grab her hand and start to stand to run. "Jed!" she whispered again, movin' her arm across my chest to keep me seated.

I looked at her and blinked, rememberin' where we were. She learned over and said, "You not on trial. Stop shaking. Pay attention."

My fear must have been apparent. I hope she was the only one that noticed. I sat up straight in the pew and stayed that way even though the wooden back made my back ache. I dreamed of the hot bath we would take together tonight and then remembered we had to go to the governor's mansion for dinner. I had asked if Karl could come. I knew he was here, standin' along the back wall watchin' for anyone interested in me. This would be a place a bounty hunter could assume he could find me. Colin had made it clear that the dinner was just an informal dinner for the four of us. When I told Chrissy, she seemed disinterested, neither excited nor scared.

I paid closer attention to the trial. Matt's lawyer wasn't disputin' that he took part in the robberies. But he did call witnesses from some of the robberies. And they all said the same thing. Matt had tried to stop his brothers from shootin' anyone, even in two of them standin' between Bobby Bell and the intended victim. I saw what he was doin'. He was goin' for life in prison instead of hangin'.

The day ended abruptly when Judge Dominic Lauritson got a message. He read it, slammed down his gavel and announced, "Court adjourned for the day. We will reconvene tomorrow morning at nine." He stood up hurriedly.

The clerk said, "All rise," after the judge had already started out the back door.

Chrissy stayed standin' and caught Matt's eyes when he walked by. This time I know he saw her condition and he glared at me. But the guard roughly pushed him forward.

Chrissy watched until he left the courtroom, then sank back into her seat. I let her rest for a moment before offerin' my hand to help her stand up. "Bath!" she said firmly as we walked back to the hotel.

HEYES

I should have asked the Kid to send me a telegram and let me know how the trial was going. But then I know how it's going. Matt's guilty. There's really no defense. He robbed banks and trains with his brother's Devil's Hole gang. I've found it hard to concentrate today. Hard to stay in the present. I'd rather hide in my mind than remember our trial. I dreamed of the dark cell last night. And this morning it was still close in my thoughts. I need to give Michael his medicine. I can't do that if I'm hiding in my safe place inside my mind.

So, I force myself to see my bedroom when I wake up. I stare at the light of the lamp until I know I'm far from the dark cell. I refuse to think of Matt's trial. I can hear Aunt Diane Frances making breakfast and remember I was going to milk the cow. Maybe there's still time for me to gather the eggs.

"Uncle Heyes." Martha greets me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and I understand that reality is better than hiding in fear in my mind. "Auntie's making flapjacks and Michael's going to sit at the table with us again."

JED 'KID' CURRY

Chrissy dressed with care after her bath. I gave her privacy but had to help her in and out of the tub. I love seeing her round belly, knowin' she's carryin' our baby. She wore the navy-blue ensemble that Beverly provided. She looked beautiful and twirled around as she had done when she tried it on at home. But what she really loved was the hat, shades of navy and a lighter blue with a flower and a feather.

The governor had told us to go in the side gate of the mansion. Probably not a good idea for his image to have two ex-convicts welcomed through his front door.

But I was wrong. The side entrance was as ornate and formal as any entrance hall I'd ever been in. And I could tell this was his private entrance. A butler answered the door quickly as if waitin' for us.

"Mr. Curry, Mrs. Curry welcome. May I take your coat, ma'am? And then I will show you to the parlor."

Chrissy was scared. I could tell but she was hidin' it well. She was also impressed with the height of the ornate ceilin'. I knew she felt out of place. So did I.

We followed the butler down a hall with pictures and I helped Chrissy as we climbed a flight of stairs without a handrail. He opened the door at the top. "The governor's private quarters," he said. He closed the door behind us, and we were alone. Chrissy grabbed my arm.

"Ah, Mr. Curry, and this must be your lovely wife, Christina." The governor strode into the room and directly to me. He shook my hand and took a surprised breath when he realized Chrissy was with child. We knew in the big city of Cheyenne, women in her condition did not leave their house. Maybe we should have turned down the invitation, but I didn't think we had that option.

"Please sit down," he said, takin' her elbow and leadin' her to a tall carved chair with an elaborately embroidered velvet seat and back.

"No, too pretty to sit," Chrissy said.

"What good is a chair if one does not use it to sit," the governor told her with a smile.

"Charles, are our guests here yet?" The governor's wife was his age, probably late fifties, early sixties. Pretty with her hair fixed perfectly in the latest style. I'm terrible guessin' ages. She wore a beautiful light blue suit that made her blue eyes bluer. "Oh good, you're here!" she said warmly.

As we went into the dinin' area, we found an elegant square table set for four with more spoons and forks at each place than I'd ever seen. We had each offered our arms to the ladies, but the governor's wife had hooked Chrissy's arm and led her into the room. The governor dropped back and motioned me to do the same. "Mr. Curry, no business talk tonight. It upsets my wife. Just parlor chatter, as the ladies call it."

So, I didn't know what to say. I don't know how to make small talk, but the governor took over the conversation and had us laughin' with tales of a hound dog that wandered into the mansion and a cat that had been brought in to catch mice and had become the pet of the cook's children.

So, there was little time for me to say anythin'. The two ladies had taken to whisperin' to each other and smilin' so I figured they were talkin' about the new baby.

In a lull in the governor's stories, his wife asked me, "Mr. Curry, your wife says you have two older children."

"Yes, ma'am, a boy and a girl," I answered, rememberin' my manners and not answerin' until I had no food in my mouth.

"How perfect! We only had boys, all grown up now. How old are they?"

"Five." I took a bite of the pecan pie that was served for dessert with an even smaller fork.

"Five and…"

I panicked. My mouth was full. I couldn't answer her question. Chrissy smiled at her new friend. "Just five."

I saw a thought cross the governor's wife's face and she spoke before she thought. "Five? Why five years ago you were in prison, Mr. Curry." It was a statement, not a question, and she covered her mouth as soon as the words escaped her.

Everyone was embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that."

"It's okay, ma'am. It's what you were thinkin','' I assured her. "It ain't a secret. And I'm sure the governor filled you in on my background before he invited us for dinner." I fought the urge to look down in shame. I looked the governor straight in the eyes and tried to smile a little.

"Chrissy in prison, too," she said softly. She didn't need to say anythin' but chose to. "Thank you, Governor, for amnesty." She made sure we were in this together; I was proud of her for speakin' up.

Nobody knew what to say. The governor's wife quickly slid her chair away from Chrissy and was concentratin' on her pie. I reached over and held my wife's hand.

But the governor eased the tension. "You're very welcome, my dear. I should have done it years earlier."

But Chrissy had retreated inside herself and froze for a couple of minutes. The governor looked at me. "Just remember this for our meetin' on Thursday," I told him.

"Chrissy darlin', it's okay. Look there's pie for dessert." I kept up a stream of light conversation until she looked at me. "Pie?"

"Good pie. If you don't finish yours, I will," I teased.

She turned to the lady sittin' not so close as before and who was ignorin' her. "Sorry, I tell you about prison. I think friends should know about each other." She smiled.

And it was the right thing to say. They hugged and started whisperin' again. Chrissy told me later that the governor's wife had told her about growin' up dirt poor on a pig farm. She didn't talk about it because people looked down on that kind of upbringin', but her parents worked hard and their house was full of love.

When we were sayin' our goodbyes, Chrissy took the governor's hand. "Sir, I see my brother before trial ends?" she asked.

The governor looked shocked at the request, but his wife spoke up. "Charles, I think that would be a nice thing to do for our guests. You told me yourself there's no doubt the jurors will find the man guilty. This may be the last chance she has to see him in a very long time."

"Or forever," we each thought silently.

"How can I refuse two such lovely ladies. I'll see what I can do."

ASJ*****ASJ

True to his word, the governor arranged for me and Chrissy to meet with Matt at the lunch break during the trial. In truth, the trial was almost over. All that was left were the lawyers' final arguments. We had to go down to the basement and talk to her brother through his cell bars, but I thought it was a generous gesture on the governor's part. And I wondered if he would have said yes if his wife hadn't intervened. The guards had insisted that Karl accompany us. He did but I couldn't read the blank look set on his face.

The cells were just beyond the closed door of the judge's office. There were guards everywhere. "Need to search you, sir," they told me as we entered the cell block. I could see there was a chair outside Matt's cellblock for Chrissy. I raised my arms and submitted to the search while lookin' into their faces. I think they were used to submission. Well, they weren't goin' to get that from me. I left my gun back in the hotel safe knowin'' it wasn't welcome in the courthouse.

"And er…ma'am…need to search you, too."

Chrissy looked resigned and started to raise her skirts. She knew the rules of a prison.

"No need for that!" Judge Lauritson had come down the stairs and was about to go into his office. "The governor himself vouches for this lady."

The guards looked at the judge in surprise. "Yes, your Honor."

"And give her room to talk to her brother. No one's going anywhere."

"Yes, your Honor."

The guards escorted Chrissy to the chair in front of Matt's cell and backed away. I stood in back of her chair. Matt's first words for me, not his sister.

"Why'd you let her come here? Especially in her condition," he growled.

Chrissy smiled and reached through the bars to touch his arm. The guards advanced a step and stopped.

"Chrissy come with or without husband!" she answered for me.

"Then, it's a good thing he came with you." Matt smiled at her. "You look good. He taking good care of you?"

"Very good care." I could hear the threatenin' tears in her words.

"Chrissy, something I want you to know and believe, no matter what anyone else says," Matt started, lookin' at her then walked the two steps of his cell to stare out the side. "I ain't never killed nobody. Made me sick when the others did."

"I know that, Matt. You could never kill."

"Why did you go back to the gang when you got out of prison?" I asked. If he didn't like the killin', I couldn't figure why he stayed around.

He shook his head, "No where else to go. And I was scared of Mark. I watched him kill Wheat Carlson in cold blood when he was already arrested and in handcuffs. I wanted to leave with Luke when he came and told us he had amnesty, but I was always afraid of Mark." He hung his head.

Chrissy stood and moved to the side of his cell so she could see his face. She reached through the bars again and rubbed his cheek. "I know. Mark evil, but you gentle."

"I never killed nobody. Even lost my little finger because I stopped Mark from killing a man riding down the road. Got caught in his rifle. Man didn't do anything. Mark just wanted to try out his new gun." I heard the sadness in his voice as he slipped his hand out to Chrissy.

"I believe you. You have good heart, bad brothers."

He laughed. "Not your fault. You tried hard to keep us in line."

She moved back to her chair, and he came to face her. I could see her emotions were startin' to overwhelm her. So, I spoke up, "You're an uncle now. Niece and a nephew, Martha and Michael."

"Martha after ma. She'd like that."

One of the guards coughed and I recognized that signal from my visits with Heyes in prison.

"Chrissy, I love you. Sorry, I couldn't make you proud."

She was cryin' now. "I love you too, Matt. You make me proud. You never kill."

The guards were right behind us to escort us out. The judge was standin' by his open door. I tried to remember if I'd seen him enter his office or was he standin' there listenin'? Well, no one had said anythin' incriminatin'. He nodded to Chrissy as she went by on my arm.

We were astonished when the governor's wife and their butler met us at the top of the stairs. Instead of a greetin', they rushed us to a bench near the far end of the hall, talkin' all the way. "I knew you wouldn't have time for a proper lunch and Chrissy shouldn't miss a meal in her condition." The governor's wife lowered her voice and winked when she said the last. Her butler came forward with a box of food. Leavin' the food, he took the cups out of it and disappeared.

"I didn't know what agrees with you, dear, so I brought meat sandwiches and cheese and some apples. What would you like?" She was out of breath when she finished talkin'.

"Thank you, ma'am," I told her, knowin' that tears were catchin' up with Chrissy. "That was very kind."

"Nonsense! As your wife would say, that's what friends do."

The butler returned from somewhere we later learned was the governor's office in the buildin', with cups of hot coffee. The ladies chatted and ate. I gobbled a sandwich and walked to the window. I looked up out of it. There was snow on the peaks of the mountains. The sun reflected brightly off of it. I hoped Matt wouldn't hang. I said a silent prayer then realized that meant I was condemnin' him to a life in prison. No matter how bright the sun shone off of the snow, this was a day that would sadden my wife's heart…and mine.

ASJ*****ASJ

Chrissy had just what she needed, a diversion. Turned out they shared a first name, Christina, but the governor's wife preferred to be called Tina. And her presence here, with lunch and chit chat, calmed Chrissy. The lunch break was over all too soon and I saw Chrissy's face cloud over. Miss Tina saw it, too, and gave her a big hug.

The closing speeches were short. The prosecutor spoke loud and fast and ranted about all the robberies Matt had been a part of. He told about the people shot and killed in those robberies and bellowed about how Matt, like his brothers, was an evil man, a killer. Chrissy sat up straighter with his words. Her face showed no emotion, but she wasn't escapin' into her mind like I was afraid she would. She just reached over and grabbed my hand and put her other hand on her belly.

Matt's solicitor did just what I thought. He didn't dispute Matt's involvement in any of the robberies. He fought to convince the jury and the judge that Matt was not a killer. That he stopped his brothers from killin' some innocent people. I can read people but the men on the jury each had a good poker face. I saw no emotion. Or maybe I did and didn't want to acknowledge them.

The break for the jury to deliberate was short, less than an hour. We had been advised not to go far and were surprised when Judge Lauritson's clerk asked us to come go to his office.

"Chrissy darlin' no go." She crossed her arms and refused to move.

The clerk who had extended the invitation looked confused. "I was told to bring you both to his chambers during the break." He looked at me for help.

"He did stop the guards from searchin' you."

"You think we go?" I could hear the fear in her voice. I didn't blame her. She must have memories of her trial here, too. Mine keeps runnin' through my thoughts no matter how I try to push it away.

"Yes."

She froze for a moment before turnin' to the clerk. "Why see us?"

"I don't know, ma'am. I was just sent to get you." His tone was pleadin'.

"We go. Which way?"

The judge stood when we entered his chambers. "Mr. Curry, Mrs. Curry, welcome."

Chrissy was glarin' at the man.

"Please sit down. May I offer you a cup of tea?" he asked. He sounded nervous to me.

"Mrs. Curry, I wanted to speak with you and offer my apologies. I've wanted to talk to you for a long time. Your trial has haunted me for years."

"Good." Chrissy sat down and crossed her arms on top of her belly. And I realized what was goin' on here. This man had been the judge in Chrissy's trial. He was tryin' to apologize for somethin' but she was havin' none of it.

"I didn't want to sentence you to prison but there were laws that I must obey. You refused to testify on your own behalf, knowing you would have to give up the location of Devil's Hole…and your brothers. And you wouldn't state if you were married to Curry or Heyes because you would have had to give up the location of the man you were not married to. You are a brave woman, a strong woman. I respected you more than you can know. I tried everything to keep you out of prison."

I could tell Chrissy was confused. She went inside herself and froze. The judge became upset. "Mrs. Curry, are you alright? Mrs. Curry?"

"You're lookin' at what prison did to her, Judge." I know my voice was harsh. I wanted it to be. He felt lingerin' guilt about Chrissy's trial and I wanted him to keep on feelin' it. I wished that it would keep him awake nights.

"I've read her prison file…including your valiant rescue. Thank the Lord, you were on time." He sounded sincere.

I had nothin' to say, and Chrissy was still starin' blankly at an empty wall. If the silence made him uncomfortable, I couldn't tell.

"I wanted to apologize and let her know her trial still haunts me. I bent to the will of the politicians and the public that wanted someone convicted, anyone. That has never happened since and will never happen again."

Slowly, Chrissy moved her head to look at him. She reached out and held my arm tightly. "Good." Her blank expression changed to anger then a controlled temper.

"Mr. Curry, I have reviewed your prison record, too, very impressive."

"Nothin' impressive about prison except survivin'."

"Yes, of course." I could tell this conversation hadn't gone in the direction he had anticipated. But he didn't seem upset about it.

"Mrs. Curry, I wanted to tell you what you already know. Your brother is guilty of robbing trains and banks over a number of years. There is no doubt that the jury will find your brother quilty."

"Yes, we know." Chrissy was herself again.

"I overheard your visit with your brother. I'm sorry you didn't have more time with him. While Matthew McWinters will be guilty, his sentencing is up to me. Your conversation with him, and your belief in him, convinced me that he's no killer. I will not sentence him to hang; I will give him life in prison."

"Oh!" Chrissy said, but the single syllable carried so much emotion.

"Thank you," I said awkwardly.

"Now, if I have read this jury correctly, we have about twenty minutes before they come back with a verdict. Would you like to visit with your brother again until then? You cannot tell what I told you about his sentence, though."

"Yes, sir."

I shook his hand when we left, still tryin' to decide if I liked this man or not.

Matt asked me again if I was takin' care of Chrissy. I assured him that I loved her more than life itself. He thanked me.

I let Chrissy talk to Matt alone then. I have no idea what they talked about, but Chrissy was more at peace when we were called to go back into the courtroom. As we walked up the stairs she whispered, "I do not tell him sentence. Told him we visit him in three months." She grinned with a twinkle in her eyes.

ASJ*****ASJ

The governor and his wife invited us to dinner again, but Chrissy truly is exhausted, physically and mentally. When I told the messenger that we would need to refuse, he was taken aback. I guess not many people turn the governor down.

Karl escorted us back to the hotel. I had watched him search men for a threat the last few days. It made me nervous. I can watch out for myself. He looks like there is somethin' he wants to tell me privately. We walked at Chrissy's speed…right now that was slow.

"You want me to order you a bath, darlin'?" I asked her as we walked slowly to our hotel. She was leanin' heavily on me, and I had a steadin' arm around her waist.

"No, tired. Tired inside," she said leanin' her head against me.

When we got to the hotel lobby, she sat down to rest before goin' upstairs to our room. I was worried about her. Today had taken a lot of strength, physical strength, mental strength, and emotional strength. I was proud of how well she had done. She amazed me and I told her so.

While she rested, I checked at the desk for messages. Karl came with me. There was a telegram from Ken sayin' Heyes and him would be on the mornin' train and all was good at the ranch. I felt a flood of relief.

"Mr. Curry, just wanted to tell you I was notified that one of us Marshals has made contact with one of the men Warden Fitzjohn paid to kill you. We hope to have that threat nullified within the next few days."

"Well, I'm not sure what that means, but thank you. You leavin' tonight?"

"Yes, sir, as soon as the two of you are settled for the night. Are you eating dinner in the hotel restaurant?" he asked.

I looked over at Chrissy in the fancy lobby chair. Her eyes were closed, and I wasn't sure if she was sleepin' or not. Karl looked at her, too.

"That's a real fine lady you married, Mr. Curry."

I smiled and nodded. "The best. I'll probably just get somethin' from the hotel restaurant and eat in the room." I would encourage Chrissy to eat some of mine but I'm not sure she can stay awake long enough to do that. But then the hotel doors were thrown open and I saw the governor's bodyguards enter followed by the man himself and his wife. She went immediately to Chrissy.

"Oh, sweetie, your exhausted." Chrissy's eyes flew open in surprise, but Miss Tina kept talkin'. "It was rude of us to ask you to dinner after the day you've had so we brought dinner to you." Her butler had taken the room key from my hand and was goin' upstairs with two men carryin' platters of food.

The governor slapped me on the back. "Best sentence under the circumstances," he said seriously. "You look as tired as your wife, Mr. Curry." I tried not to react to the pain his slap caused.

"Need to help her upstairs," I said.

"I'll wait in the bar. Want to join me? Tina wanted to make sure you both ate. You know my wife doesn't make friends easily, thinks all the women are trying to get a favor or a promotion for their husband through her. But Mrs. Curry, she likes. I hope they keep in touch."

"I'm sure they will," I answered, thinkin' how complicated it could be if Chrissy and his wife stayed friends. "Pass on the drink, though. Need to get Chrissy to bed."

When I got her to the stairs, I picked her up in my arms and carried her up and to our room. I was aware of the people starin'.

"That was so romantic!" The governor's wife said as she held our room door open for me. I sat Chrissy on the side of the bed. She was awake enough to marvel at the food, dishes and candlesticks set up on our little room table.

"Tina, so pretty," Chrissy said cryin'. I think she was cryin'' from exhaustion but her friend came over and hugged her.

"Just wanted to do something for you two. Just leave everything and the hotel staff will return it tomorrow."

"Thank you, ma'am. It smells real good."

ASJ*****ASJ

I was so tired I couldn't sleep. Matt's trial was over. Everyone was telling me that life in prison was the best outcome. But was it? I worried into the night. What would it be like to know that you were never gettin' out of prison? Not in twenty years, not until you die? That's enough to drive a man crazy…or turn a gentle man mean.