"Marshals, you can holster your guns, " he ordered. "Which one of you
is Daniel Ryan? " "I am, Your Honor." The judge motioned him to the
bench. "You sure cut it awfully close getting here, " he remarked.
Daniel didn't offer any excuses or explanations. "Yes, Your Honor, we
did."
"I happen to know a great deal about you, son, because I make it my
business to find out everything I can about men like you, and I have
only one thing to say. It's an honor and a privilege to finally meet
you." Daniel didn't know what to say in response. The judge had
already turned his attention to Cole. "What's your name, Marshal? "
"Cole Clayborne." Rafferty nodded. "I've heard a tale or two about
you as well. Of course, I know the stories can't possibly be true. "
"I'm sure they aren't, Your Honor, " Cole answered, wondering why the
man wasn't getting to the urgent matter at hand. Cole kept glancing at
Daniel to make sure he was still in control. He noticed the way Daniel
was watching Bell, and knew that wasn't a good sign.
The judge rose to address his assembly. "All right now. I've given
you enough time to soothe your ruffled feathers and settle down. From
this point on, I don't want to hear one peep out of any of you. If I
do, I swear I'll order these fine marshals to escort you out the front
doors." Silence resulted from his firm decree. Rafferty turned to
Jessica and sat back. "Young lady, who are you? " "My name is Jessica
Summers."
"State your business with this court." She took a step closer to the
center of the bench and looked up at the judge.
"I witnessedţ" "I'm your witness, " Rebecca screamed.
"I'm telling the truth, " Jessica insisted.
"She's lying, Judge, " Rebecca countered. "I was there." Heads turned
back and forth from one side of the courtroom to the other as
accusations were volleyed. Daniel crossed behind Jessica and handed
the judge a paper.
Rafferty noted the seal at the bottom of the sheet, read the contents,
and nodded. "Well . . . well . . . " Shaking with rage, Jessica was
irrationally determined to make Rebecca tell the truth. First, she
knew, she would have to make the woman lose her control.
"Move back, Jessica, " Cole ordered when she took a step forward.
Jessica quickly did as he ordered, but didn't take her attention off
the woman she was determined to destroy.
"Cuff that prisoner, Sheriff, " Daniel ordered.
"It was you, " Jessica shouted. "You set the fire. You tried to kill
my son. You hurt Grace. You shot Marshal Cooper. Surprise,
RebeccaţCooper didn't die. Oh, yes, he's alive and well, " she
taunted. "And quite able to recall who he saw and what happened. The
judge is reading all about it right now. Cooper wrote a nice long
letter." The news staggered Rebecca. She collapsed against the back
of her chair and stared at Donald, imploring him with her eyes to help
her.
Donald was thoroughly enjoying himself. There was a hint of a smile on
his face as he sat there with his head tilted ever so slightly to the