Chapter 24
Rock Creek, Nebraska
June 1872
Lara burst into the small jailhouse with Joaquin's name on her lips. Her urgency was evident as she rushed past Kid's desk toward the cell where Joaquin Vasquez was locked up. She heard the excitement of the town as word reached her that the murderer and fugitive Joaquin Vasquez had been apprehended by their devoted Marshal.
"Well now I guess you two do know each other after all," Kid remarked, raising an eyebrow as Lara approached.
"Lara," Joaquin greeted her cautiously, pulling her close with care to avoid the cold metal bars crushing her.
"Marshal," Lara turned, her eyes brimming with tears. "I know you don't believe me, but he's innocent. Please."
Kid held up the wanted poster, his expression grave. "Says here he murdered Laralie Alba."
"No, no," Lara's voice wavered with distress.
"If Laralie Alba is dead, then who are you?" Kid questioned, his tone firm.
"She was my mother's sister. I'm Laralie Alba Monroe," she confessed.
"Monroe?" Kid's frown deepened with suspicion.
Lara explained, her breaths coming in rapid succession. "You know why I don't use my father's name, but my family's name instead. But I swear to you, Marshal, Joaquin didn't kill my Aunt. My—"
"Lara!" Joaquin's voice cut through her plea. "Cállate, no puedes decirles."
"If you two know something, I can help you." Kid offered, placing a reassuring hand on Lara's arm, his demeanor shifting to one of concern. "If you trust me."
Lara's heart pounded in her chest as she stood between Joaquin and the stern gaze of Marshal McCloud. She knew that the truth had to come out, that she couldn't keep hiding behind the lies of the past forever. But the fear of what revealing the truth might bring.
"Please, Marshal," Lara pleaded, her voice trembling with emotion. "Joaquin didn't kill my aunt. He's innocent."
"Laralie, por favor," Joaquin pleaded. "No le diga."
"Joaquin, I can't let you—" Lara began, her voice full of anguish.
"Estoy cansado de correr," Joaquin confessed, a sad smile crossing his face as he reached out to twirl a stray piece of hair tumbling down her shoulder. "It is for the best."
"No, I will not let you die for what he did." Lara's sobs wracked her body, but his words silenced her tongue.
'I'm weary of running'
His words pierced her heart. She was tiered also, but it was the soul shattering truth and the sudden understanding that she was indeed, not in control of anything, despite the illusion she had crafted over the years.
The painful truth was that not everyone would survive this. Someone had to pay. For years the threat to wipe out everyone she loved including her own life kept her in line. She bought time with the lies. Lies that allowed her father to murder thousands of innocent people. The silent realization now deafened her.