Are you accusing Mr. Mercer of misconduct? Judge Harrison spoke for the first time, his voice carrying judicial weight. I'm saying he has ulterior motives for these accusations, Jonas said carefully. Motives or not, the law is clear.
If Miss Crowell cannot prove ownership of the items in question, she may be liable for theft. Walsh turned back to Lena. Where are these items now? Lena's mind raced. She'd sold most of her possessions to fund her journey west.
The pearls had gone to a jeweler in Kansas City, the candlesticks to a pawnbroker in St. Louis. All of it converted to cash that had paid for wagon passage, supplies, the endless expenses of survival. I sold them, she admitted, months ago. I needed the money to live.
So, you've already disposed of stolen property. Walsh made a note. That complicates matters significantly. They weren't stolen. Lena's voice rose.
This is all Reed Mercer's doing. He's using Daniel's family to harass me because I won't because I refuse to She couldn't finish, couldn't bring herself to say the words in front of the sheriff and the judge. Jonas moved closer, a wall of support at her back. What exactly are you here to do, gentlemen? We have a warrant for Miss Crowell's arrest on charges of theft, Judge Harrison said heavily.
She can come voluntarily, or the sheriff can compel her. Either way, she'll need to return to Denver to face these charges. No. The word came out flat, final. She's not going anywhere.
Mr. Hale, I understand your protective instinct, but the law The law is being manipulated by a man with money and connections to persecute a woman who's done nothing wrong. Jonas's voice was steel. I won't stand by and watch it happen. Sheriff Brennan cleared his throat uncomfortably.
Jonas, I know Miss Crowell seems like a good woman, and I got no love for city lawyers coming out here throwing their weight around. But this is a legal matter. I got a warrant signed by a judge. I have to enforce it. Then you'll have to arrest me, too, Jonas said, because I'm not letting you take her.
Pa, what's happening? They all turned to find the children gathered on the porch, Ruthie holding baby Eliza, the others clustered around her with wide, frightened eyes. Samuel stood at the front, his young face set with protective fury. Go inside, kids, Jonas said quietly. They're trying to take Miss Lena, aren't they?
Ruthie's voice shook. We heard. They think she stole things. It's a misunderstanding, Lena managed. I'll sort it out.
How? Maggie's voice was small, broken. How do you sort out lies? The question hung in the air, unanswerable. Judge Harrison's expression softened slightly as he looked at the children.