Sheriff, perhaps we could delay enforcement of the warrant for a few days. Give Miss Crowell time to arrange her affairs, secure legal representation, and give her time to run, Walsh interjected sharply. Your Honor, with all respect, this woman has already demonstrated a pattern of fleeing from consequences. We need to take her into custody now. She's not running anywhere, Jonas said through gritted teeth.
She's getting married on Saturday, to me, in front of the whole community. Does that sound like someone planning to flee? This gave the attorney pause. He exchanged glances with Judge Harrison. Married?
The judge studied Jonas, then Lena. This isn't some scheme to avoid prosecution, is it? It's a scheme to build a life, Lena said, finding her voice. I came here looking for a fresh start. I found a man who needed help with his children, who offered me shelter when I had nowhere to go.
We're getting married because we choose each other, because we fit, not to avoid anything. Nevertheless, the timing is convenient. Walsh's tone dripped skepticism. The timing is what it is, Jonas shot back, and it doesn't change the fact that these charges are baseless. If you want to take her into custody, you'll have to go through me, and then through half this community, because we don't take kindly to people being railroaded by rich men with grudges.
Sheriff Brennan sighed heavily. Jonas, don't make this harder than it needs to be. I'm making it exactly as hard as it needs to be. Jonas's jaw set stubbornly. Tom, you've known me how long? 15 years?
Have you ever known me to harbor a criminal? To support someone who is genuinely in the wrong? The sheriff shifted uncomfortably. No, but Then trust me now. Lena Crowell is innocent.
She's being targeted by a man who can't accept that she rejected him. Everything else is window dressing. Judge Harrison was quiet for a long moment, studying the scene before him. The protective man, the frightened woman, the children watching with desperate hope. Against my better judgment, he said slowly, I'm going to delay this warrant for 1 week.
Miss Crowell will remain in your custody, Mr. Hale. She is not to leave the county. If she runs, you'll be held responsible. She won't run, Jonas said firmly.
Furthermore, she needs to secure legal counsel immediately. These charges are serious, and they won't disappear just because you don't like them. The judge turned to Lena. Do you understand the gravity of your situation, Miss Crowell? Yes, Your Honor.
Then I suggest you spend the next week preparing a defense. Because when you appear before me, you'll need more than protestations of innocence. You'll need proof. Walsh looked ready to argue, but the judge silenced him with a look. One week, counselor.
If you can't make your case stronger in that time, perhaps it's not as strong as you think. They left, Walsh radiating displeasure, the sheriff apologetic, the judge inscrutable. Lena watched them ride away, her whole body trembling with reaction. The moment they were out of sight, her knees gave out. Jonas caught her, holding her steady as she fought for breath.