That's a lie, Tom said, having just arrived. They were trying to force their way into the house. Mrs. O'Brien hit one with a skillet when he grabbed Miss Sophie. A violent household indeed, Morrison said smoothly. I'm sure the judge will be interested to hear about the dangerous environment young Sophie is being raised in.
Perhaps the child would be better off in more civilized care. The threat was clear. Clara felt Ethan tense beside her, saw his hand move toward his gun. She caught his wrist, squeezing gently. "Sheriff Bradley," she said, stepping forward.
"You're a fair man. Will you take statements from all witnesses, not just Mr. Morrison's men?" The sheriff looked uncomfortable, but nodded. That would be proper, ma'am. Then please come inside. Mrs. O'Brien can tell you exactly what happened.
The next hour was tense with Molly providing her account while Morrison's face grew progressively redder. The housekeeper was unshakable in her testimony, and even Morrison's attempts to twist her words failed. "The man put his hands on Miss Sophie," Molly stated firmly, tried to carry her off when she wouldn't tell him where her papa kept his papers. "Any mother would have done what I did, and what Mrs. Walker would have done if she'd been here. She's not the child's mother.
Morrison snapped. She is now. Sophie piped up, surprising everyone. Papa married her, so she's my mother now. Maybe not my first mother, but my now mother.
Clara's eyes filled with tears. She quickly blinked away. Ethan's hand found hers squeezing briefly in acknowledgement of the moment. Sheriff Bradley closed his notebook. Seems to me this was a misunderstanding that got out of hand.
No charges will be filed on either side. Morrison's face purpled. This is outrageous. I demand You demand nothing on my ranch, Ethan said quietly, dangerously. You've had your investigation, Sheriff.
Now I'll thank you all to leave. Morrison leaned forward in his saddle. You have 30 days, Walker. 30 days to pay in full or I'll take this ranch piece by piece. And your little lawyer friend in Denver can't help you with that.
After they left, Clara found herself shaking. Ethan guided her to a chair, pressing a glass of whiskey into her hands. "Drink," he ordered gently. "I don't usually eat today you do." The liquor burned, but it stopped the trembling. Sophie climbed into her lap, something she'd never done before, and Clara held her close.