Chapter Six
The Widow Jones' funeral brought out most of the town. The service was standing room only for the men folk. Ladies huddled together on the pews. Jarrod and Nick escorted Victoria to the coffin for her regards and to an empty seat. Jarrod went several rows back and took Davina's arm. He stood next to her by a makeshift bench. Nick and Heath stood on the wall near Victoria.
The widow and her late husband were founding members of Reverend Stacy's church and he stood in front with his Bible. Next to him on the side was Brother Jehu consoling the family.
"How did he manage that?" Jarrod wondered aloud. Davina cocked her head at him in confusion.
Reverend Stacy greeted the crowd, read the eulogy and gave a brief comforting sermon on the resurrection day. The congregation sang "I will fly away" and "When the roll is called up yonder," her favorite songs.
"Brother Jehu will close us in prayer then we will walk to the graveside."
The young preacher raised his hand and exclaimed, "Praise God for saints like the Widow Jones. She was fearless. Marching into that alley liken to Zion. Praise the Lord. Her work is done but ours is now beginning. Let us take the mantle of faith and cover ourselves in good works. Fighting the good fight for our families." and several more minutes of descriptions that Jarrod tuned out.
He was annoyed that the young man used the funeral to incite the citizens more, especially since the killers had not been found, "This is not the time." He muttered. Davina frowned at him.
He looked down as a scolded boy and checked his watch piece for the time. He was anxious to get out of the funeral and back to work on the case. His mind was running with all kinds of suppositions since his conversation with Miller.
An hour later, Jarrod finally got his wish and exited the churchyard with Davina.
"Jarrod, would it be presumptuous of you to ask for a cup of coffee or such. I have barely seen you since San Francisco."
"Of course my dear. I have been on the posse and working on this case for three days now. Coffee sounds good," with a drop of whiskey crossed his mind.
They walked back to his office and asked Esther to bring in coffee. The door closed and Jarrod leaned down for a kiss. She willingly returned it.
"I missed you, Jarrod."
"Me too, Davina."
Esther knocked and brought in the coffee. Davina poured a cup for them and they sat down in the matching arm chairs.
"Jarrod, have you any idea on the awful men?"
"No, they were not rogue. I believe they were paid ruffians to scare the protestors."
"From the casino and hotel?"
"Not sure. I have talked to the contractor for the hotel who is in town. He was a witness to the men."
"I hope you run this hotel out of town. Evil, just pure evil."
Jarrod found himself feeling conflicted. He had too many questions about Brother Jhu, Miller, a casino coming to Stockton, the need for another hotel, the mayor and town council—-so he just sipped on his coffee. He had not discussed controversial topics before with Davina. He wasn't sure if she would be willing yet for his honest questions.
"Don't you agree, Jarrod? We don't need any more vice in our city."
He sighed, "Well it's complicated for me."
She frowned, "How?"
"Stockton needs another hotel. The Cattleman's can't take all the people who pass through here. I am in favor of a well-financed hotel operation."
"But these people killed Widow Jones and hurt that old baker?" she said with horror.
"And if they did, proven in a court of law, they will be prosecuted. But time will tell."
"But who else?"
"That's a very good question and one I am pondering."
"Hmphf"
He sipped his coffee again and decided to continue," And Brother Jehu. I am not in full acceptance of his preaching."
"Really? Love, justice, mercy?"
"Those I live by, Davina. I would hope you knew that."
She reddened, "Of course I do. I am sorry and I would never hope to offend."
"The temperance society and legislating morality. It won't work."
"Why?"
"Look in the Old Testament. All the rules. The Israelites couldn't live by them. It took Jesus to show the people he desired a heart change—-not just external laws."
She looked perplexed, "I haven't thought of it that way."
"I deal with the unsavory all the time. There are laws against robbery and still people steal. It is man's heart that is the problem. Not more laws."
She furrowed her brow, "you aren't meaning to have no laws to prevent crime?"
"Of course not, I have prosecuted men to hang and sent to San Quentin. Society must be protected. But on choices that men may make—" he hesitated and went on, "Like gambling and drinking alcohol, a man is accountable to himself and his family."
"Oh Jarrod, this is about the vineyard. I am so sorry. I thought I explained my Father and I know wine to be different. Jesus drank wine himself. Medicinally and in moderation. It's ok to drink one glass of wine. "
"Moderation is the key to both. If I sit at a poker game and bet five dollars, I must have self-control to decide how long to play and how much I can lose. I must as a man get up and walk away. No law can legislate that."
She looked aghast, "Do you want a casino?"
"I am torn. A safe place to gamble—-taking it out of the alleys with reputable dealers. Money going into the tax coffers for improvements to water and sewer and roads. A place to relax."
His face registered her surprise.
"Yes, I have been to casinos and I will again."
"Oh,"
"But I am concerned with the administration of the casino—-its leadership and the types that may be drawn to it. If I were on council, I would not vote until I had those answers."
She nodded and bit her lip, "Thank you for explaining. That makes sense."
He took a deep breath, "Moderation remember. In all things. Davina, I drink spirits. Often. I realize I haven't drank in front of you—-but still I drink. Not to the point of drunkenness which is a sin."
Davina looked sad, "And what does your family say, of such?"
Jarrod sidestepped, "All would say drunkenness is a sin."
"Do they drink?"
"Yes," he finally answered.
"And what does your mother say?"
"Davina, she occasionally drinks too," he said with hesitation knowing he wasn't divulging a family secret. No one who knew Victoria didn't know that. The thought of tossing back whiskey with his Mother several times crossed his mind. "That doesn't need to come out."
"Oh, I guess time has passed quickly. I need to go check on my Aunt."
"Let me take you."
"No, I need some fresh air,"
He kissed her on the cheek, "Davina, we can talk again."
"Of course."
And she shut the door to his office.
He poured a scotch and sat back in his office chair and rubbed his temples.
"Well that went better than expected. I still have a chance and at least now there are no secrets."
