"Planted," Jonah said instantly. Griggs took the watch. He polished it on his sleeve. Looks like theft to me, Griggs said. Grand larceny.
That is a hanging offense in some counties. He turned to Millie. You are coming with us, girl. And you, Crow, for accessory. He reached for Millie, grabbing her arm hard enough to bruise.
Millie gasped, trying to pull away. Let go of her. Jonah growled. He took a step forward. The four other deputies drew their guns, leveling them at Jonah's chest.
Griggs laughed. "You going to fight us all, hero? Stop it! " Clara's voice rang out. She stood up, moving between Griggs and Millie. She was a small woman, but in that moment, she looked 10 ft tall.
"Let her go, deputy," Clara said. "Or so help me God. I will see you rot. " Griggs sneered. "You have no authority here, doctor. I have the authority of a witness, Clara shouted.
I have examined this woman. I have documented the bruises on her body from when Pritchard's men cornered her in the alley. I have a sworn statement from her regarding the harassment. She pointed a shaking finger at Griggs. If you drag her down this mountain without a proper judge present, I will travel to Denver myself.
I will testify to the federal marshal that you and your sheriff are running a criminal enterprise. I will testify that you planted evidence in front of my eyes. Do you think Pritchard can buy the governor because I went to school with his wife. Griggs hesitated. The threat of the governor and the presence of a respectable witness cracked his confidence.
He looked at the watch, then at Clara's furious face, he released Millie's arm. He shoved her back toward the wall. "This isn't over," Griggs spat. We have the evidence. We will be back with a warrant from the circuit judge.
And when we come back, we are burning this rat trap to the ground. He turned to his men. Let's go. They filed out, leaving the door hanging open, the snow swirling in to cover the broken glass and the spilled beans. As soon as the sound of the horses faded, the energy in the room collapsed.
Millie stood against the wall, her breathing ragged. She looked at the wreckage of their home, the smashed jars, the trampled needles. It was a violation. It was a reminder that no matter how hard they fought, the world could still kick down their door. She didn't scream.
She didn't faint. She slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor, and she began to sob. It wasn't the weeping of sadness. It was the deep, guttural sobbing of exhausted rage. It was the sound of a woman who had been strong for too long and had nothing left.