Colorado Springs.
This morning I walked out of the office and thought about how gorgeous of a day it was outside. I greeted Amelia and she told me about the grand opening for her store. I asked how things went with Frank and her father last night after I left and she told me that things seemed okay.
“He came to my office last night after Logan left... asked me where the jail was.”
“Oh lawd, he wanted to get somebody, I told him what glass eye did.”
“So he was after him. Kinda feel sorry for him though.”
“Sorry for who?”
“Glass eye.”
“Really? But he was cruel to you... here, and at the saloon.”
“Yeah, but just like a child they do thangs cuz they hurtin on the inside and just need a little liking to them. Once a person see you good then how can they be mean.”
“I don’t know, Amelia...” I shook my head.
“I was thanking of making him some food today, taken him a plate if sheriff won’t mind, every living thang need to eat.”
“Well you have a warmer heart than I when it comes to those types..”
“That’s what ma taught me, as you see I don’t get it from pa.”
“Well I’ll let you get back to preparing for your grand opening.”
We said goodbye and I headed back to the office. A couple of hours later I was in front of the sheriff’s office and saw Kataya. I asked him if the sheriff was in but she said he wasn’t. I asked her how married life was and she said she was doing well. I knocked on the door and saw Chels come out and she asked me if I had any food. I said that I did and walked in to give bread to her. I saw the man in the cell with the glass eye and remembered Amelia’s testimony.
“I’ve heard about him,” I said.
“Have you...then maybe you can shed some light on why he is here.”
“Well let’s see... He asked Amelia for money and threatened to come back the next day to ask for money again, kept asking her about her business in an intruding fashion... Then the next day he shot up the saloon and tried to rob it, then resisted arrest against the sherif and another man. Guess he pulled out a gun on the sheriff too. Amelia told me that he told everyone to get on the ground; the mayor and sheriff pulled out guns but Santos had his gun on the sheriff... This other guy Shane stood to help and Santos ran out. Sheriff chased him down the street and shot him in the leg, dragging him here. Ida came and looked at him; Amelia said it seemed like Ida knew him.”
I walked outside and found Ida standing in the street. “Ida!”
“Hello Trin.”
“I was told that you were the one who looked after Santos’ leg after he was arrested yesterday? Is there anything you could tell me about the incident?”
“I don’t know what happened. I just came by. Coral sent me a telegram.”
“And you were told there was a prisoner in the cell who needed you? Oh I see.”
“It said I was needed in the jail.”
“Can you explain his injuries to me?”
“It was a shoot wound in his lower leg.”
“Okay. Nothing else you can add?” I asked, glad that Amelia’s story was verified.
“No.”
“Okay, well that’s very helpful, thank you.”
“Maybe he was a bit confused. He called me his friend, but I don’t know him.”
“Would I be able to use you in a witness in the trial against him?” I looked over and saw Jake and Chels walking over.
“I don’t think it would help. I didn’t see what happened.”
“It helps verify Amelia’s testimony, Ida.”
“I only know he did threaten Miss Coral.”
“Oh did he? He threatened Coral in the jail?”
“Yes.”
“How exactly did he threaten Miss Coral? Do you remember what he said?”
“I had to take the sheriff with me in the clinic. I didn’t want to be alone.”
“Of course. I’m new here, Ida... Coral is... the mayor? Or...?”
“But I don’t know what it all was about, so just told him to shut up.”
“Okay. That would be helpful to reveal at the trial as well.”
“I don’t know about that.”
“Please? We could use all the help we can get.”
“I only know what I told you.”
“Well, it would be helpful for you to be the one to tell them, but if you’re not interested in participating I can’t force you to.”
“It’s okay.”
“I should head across the street. Thank you for your help.”
“You’re welcome.”
I went to the courthouse and talked with the judge and others about becoming a prosecutor for the case against Santos and other cases that might come up. We waited for all to arrive and people came in to sit in the jury seats. I was nervous for my first trial but felt like I had a good case.
Gideon, the defense lawyer, walked in and asked, “Your honor, may I approach the bench?”
Here we go, I thought to myself.
“You may, yes,” Judge Tequila nodded.
“Thank you, your honor.” He walked to the side of the desk. “I would like to interview any
witnesses.”
“You mean your own witnesses, correct?” Tequila asked and I chuckled, thinking to myself I bet he would.
“Well, your honor, I assume that any witnesses in the saloon are also my witnesses.”
I turned and smiled when I saw Free Feather walk into the courtroom. I waved to her and then grew more nervous when I noticed my key witness wasn’t there yet. I leaned over to Kataya and whispered, “Can we talk sometime when the trial is done?”
“Mr Gideon you will have time to cross examine the three witnesses of the states, but are free to interview beforehand any other witnesses there are,” Tequila instructed.
“Definitely. Always can talk,” Kataya smiled warmly to me.
Jakob walked in then and I smiled at him, greeting, “Howdy marshal.”
“Your honor, I believe it is my client’s right to prepare a proper defense. Seeing as how this has not
been possible in such short notice, I request a dismissal of all charges,” Gideon declared.
“Objection!” I stood.
“Sir, I didn’t travel many days over stage to get here only to dismiss the charges,” Tequila frowned.
Jakob nodded to me as he looked back at the judge and took his seat. “I have given him water and somethin’ to eat... He hasn’t been bathed or shaved but he’s ready and all yours when you give the work Judge...”
“Be that as it may, judge, the law is the law,” Gideon stated.
Tequila wrinkled her nose at Jakob and said, “Just keep him downwind of me, marshal.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Jakob chuckled.
“Judge, can I approach?” I walked closer.
“Mr. Gideon, I am considering...” Tequila started and then looked at me. “Yes, Miss Trin?”
“I was made aware of this case thirty minutes ago myself and had plenty of time to gather witnesses and create an opening statement.”
“And your honor, I was afforded no opportunity to interview any such witness or sit in any such evidentiary hearing,” Gideon said.
“Your honor gave the defence plenty of time to meet. He can cross-examine my witnesses all he wants,” I shot him a look and he glared back.
Tequila saw that Gideon was about to speak again and she held up her hands to both of us, “Okay wait! Mr. Gideon I’m giving you five min with each of the witnesses. That’s IT.. we need to get this show on the road. Now...” she waved her fingers to both of us. “You may both step down and finish preparing. I still need to deal with the jury. Best get to it, Mr. Gideon.”
“Where may I interview the witness, your honor?” Gideon asked and I went to sit in the front row, satisfied that the case hadn’t been dismissed.
“My guess would be take them outside the court room,” Tequila looked around and then focused on finding enough jury members while Gideon took the witnesses outside. I gave them each a look and watched them walk out with Gideon. I could tell that the judge was getting impatient, and I knew that bode well for my side. The jury box began to fill and I muttered, “Come on, Gideon..”
Gideon and the witnesses returned and Tequila requested, “Mr. Gideon, will you please approach the bench?”
“Yes, your honor,” Gideon nodded and walked up to the bench as Jakob continued to get rid of weapons in the courtroom and looked for more jurors to enter. Tequila and Gideon exchanged some words that I couldn’t hear and then Gideon said, “Well, your honor, I did ask him who he was and he did some testifying of his own to me.”
I listened to him speak and stood. “Your honour, may I approach?”
“Yes Miss Trin...” she groaned and rubbed her head. “Come on up, Trin.”
“If there is another witness being put on the table, I want to be aware of it,” I glared at Gideon.
“That’s what I’m trying to find out, no worries hun. The state will get their fair shake as well.” She looked at Gideon with a hard stare and asked, “So? Is that man one of your witnesses?”
Gideon grinned slightly at the judge and said, “Your honor, I was never afforded the opportunity explore the evidence nor the witnesses and I have no witnesses of my own.”
“Well, is that man one of your witnesses? I am asking a direct question.”
“Anything more is merely an accident of the moment.”
Chels escorted Santos, the defendant, into the courthouse, and I watched as my nerves grew. “You want the hand cuffs removed during trial, Miss Judge?” Chels asked.
“No,” Tequila jerked her head towards Chels “He can remain shackled.”
“Then you give me no choice, Ma’am. I shall declare him as a witness,” Gideon smiled.
“Okay Shane, let’s make this quick,” I said as Shane and I walked out with him.
“Hmm?” Shane looked at me.
“You were there in the saloon when Santos pulled a gun on the mayor and the sheriff, yes?”
“Yeah. On Coral.”
“I’ve been told that you stood and tried to help them against Santos but he persisted and ran out?”
“Yes, that’s true. Even the sheriff can tell you that.”
“Alright, that’s all I need.”
“I only helped them.”
“Let’s head back inside.” I walked inside and looked at Tequila, “We’re ready, your honor.”
Tequila addressed the jury and said, “There will be no talking amongst yourselves during the trial. You will listen as the state and defence both present their case then you will have a time of deliberation when you can talk amongst yourselves and then render a verdict on all the charges. Am I clear?” The jury nodded and Gideon smiled at me while I rolled my eyes and sat. Tequila looked at us and asked, “All ready?”
I nodded, thinking to myself I was ready as I ever would be. Gideon grunted his assent and Jakob stood to address the room. “Welcome to the trial of Mr. Santos here today... Our Judge will be Miss Teq and our two Attorney’s are Miss Trin and Mr. Gideon...” he said and walked back down.
Tequila gave an eye over to Santos and said, “Behave yourself over there.” She looked back over at me and said, “Okay Miss Trin, the state may start. You have your opening statement ready?”
“Yes your honour.”
“One minute Trin.” Tequila looked over at Jakob and said, “One thing marshal... I’d like a deputy back here in the vicinity of the prisoner please. I’m not liking him at my back like that.”
“Marshal Seetan, will you please?” Jakob nodded and looked at Chels and she took care of the position of the criminal.
Tequila looked at me with a smile and said, “Ok NOW... You may give your opening statement.”
I stood and went to look at the jury, making eye contact with each of them. “Ladies and gentlemen, members of the jury... Miss Amelia approached me on the morning of October 20, 1869 yesterday, with fear in her eyes. I knew something was wrong and she proceeded to tell me about a one-eyed man on a pretty black horse. The man asked for money to pay for rent to live down the street. He continued to ask intrusive questions about her business and financial situation. Amelia appeared visibly shaken by the encounter but I pressed her for a description. That description matches the one of the defendant, Santos.”
“Your honor, my client requests a five minute recess!” Gideon shouted then and I looked from Santos back to the jury and sighed.
“I can’t have that going on every five minutes. Carry on, Trin,” Tequila instructed.
I looked from Santos to the jury and asked, “How many people do you know that have a glass eye? Later last night I met with Amelia again and she told me about the incident in the saloon with Sheriff Sakelton. She explained that this one-eyed man came into the saloon and told everybody to get down on the ground. The sheriff and the mayor pulled out their guns but the man aimed his gun at the sheriff and ran out of the saloon. Sheriff Sakelton chased Santos down the street and shot him in the leg before dragging him to the jail. Doctor Ida received a telegraph from Coral saying that she was needed at the jail and went to address the man’s injuries. She confirmed to me that Santos had been shot in the lower leg, which confirms Miss Amelia’s testimony. Doctor Ida also added that Santos threatened Miss Coral, and said he would find her again.” I looked around and said, “In summary, the state is charging Santos with unwanted harassment, weapon being un-holstered in town, disturbing the peace, using a weapon in a crime and resisting arrest.”
“Thank you Miss Trin, you may sit,” Tequila instructed and I took my seat. She looked at Gideon and invited him to give his statement. I couldn’t wait to hear what he had to say in defence.
Gideon stood and said, Your honor, members of the jury... You have heard what the state’s attorney has had to say about these charges against my client. I assure you that they are baseless and false, and I intend to prove that these allegations are the result of a conspiracy between the witnesses to deprive my client of his freedom. Furthermore, I also contend that this town itself has conspired against the rights of my client, by refusing him the due process of law in assembling a reasonable defence.” At that, I rolled my eyes and thought to myself he had just as much time as I had. He glared at me and then said, “That is all I have to say at this time. Thank you.”
“Ok then...” Tequila took a deep breath as Gideon sat down. “STATE may call their first witness.”
I stood and called Amelia to the stand. She came forward and was sworn in. “Amelia... thank you for being here,” I began. “You approached me yesterday to discuss an incident at your store the evening prior, correct?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Can you describe to me your first encounter with the defendant, when he approached you about rent money the other night?”
“Well...” she swallowed with fear then began. “I was decoratin’ the restaurant the night before, and he come on a black horse, startled me and ask why I’m out so late. I told him I was decorating, then he asked me if it was my place and I say so, cause I didn’t feel right about him. Then he ask me more questions bout the restaurant, scratchin his face, then ask me for coins to give him for a room. When I told him I don’t have it, he kept tellin’ me I did, so I tired to leave but he kept talking.”
“You mentioned to me that something seemed... off about him?” I nodded.
“Well it was like the way he was looking back to me and the restaurant and asking me lots of questions about it.”
“Objection! Leading the witness!” Gideon stated.
“My apologies, your honor,” I nodded. “You were in the saloon when this man came in and aimed his gun at the sheriff and the mayor. Can you confirm that the defendant is the same man who harassed you in front of your store on the evening of the 19th of October?”
“Objection your honor... she is testifying for the witness!” Gideon shouted.
“Yes ma’am, I was at the saloon.”
“Mis Trin, please,” Tequila stopped me. “Simple questions that don’t give background, please.”
“Miss, can you confirm that the defendant is the same man who harassed you in front of your store?”
“Yes ma’am, he is,” she looked at Santos nervously.
“That’s much better,” Tequila nodded.
“You were in the saloon last night when the defendant entered, correct?”
Amelia put her head down, trying not to look at Santos. “Yes ma’am.”
“Can you describe to me the experience in the saloon and what you witnessed there?”
“Well, when we always there it was nice and laughing and such, I cooked brought a mess of food, then glass eye man, stands on the bar and scare the life outta me.”
“What happened next?”
“He shouts to her one to get on the floor and tell miss Coral to give him all the money. I jumped to the floor. Then he kept insisting on the money but miss Coral didn’t want that, so the sheriff and mayor, and native man Shane stood up and pulled out weapons and then they started shooting outside. Then I saw them drag him off to the jail.”
“No further questions, your honor.”
“Thank you Miss Trin,” Tequila looked at me as I sat down. She looked at Gideon and said, “You
may cross-examine now, sir.”
Gideon walked forward and gave Amelia a concerned look. “I am sorry for your trouble, miss. I will not keep you long. When did you first meet Mister Santos? Can you tell us about that?”
I thought to myself that Amelia had already answered that question as she said, “Well yes sir. I met him the night before he robbed the saloon, or tried. At my restaurant when I was decorating.”
“I see. Were you inside your shop or did he pass you on the street?”
“I was out the restaurant puttin’ up lights and he rode to me on his horse.”
“Good, good. And what did he say to you? Exactly, what?”
“He say howdy, what I’m doing out so late, I say decorating the new restaurant.”
“And was this man rude to you? Was he improper?”
“Well in the beginning he was nice not rude.”
Meanwhile, Toll looked like he was starting to get sick and Tequila gave him permission to leave the courtroom.
“Your honor, I move that a mistrial be called on account of a rapidly disappearing jury!” Gideon exclaimed.
“Objection!” I stood, frustrated with Gideon as Toll ran out.
“Witness please stay where you are and marshal may I have a word please?” Tequila requested.
“Your honor, I move that a mistrial be called on account of a rapidly disappearing jury!” Gideon said again.
“I heard you the first time sir... one moment,” Tequila looked at him.
“I still object,” I muttered as I sat back down and folded my arms across my chest. I looked over and noticed that person was the only woman in the jury bench. I leaned over and whispered to the mayor, “Who’s the woman on the jury? She keeps looking at the defence lawyer.”
“Don’t know,” she shrugged.
I looked over to Amelia and whispered, “Do you know the woman on the jury?” She shook her head and I sighed.
Jakob stood and approached the bench, looking a little lost. “Yessum?”
“OK LISTEN UP EVERYONE DUE TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE LOSING JURORS BECAUSE OF ILLNESS (RL) AND THE TRIAL IS SO FAR IN I’M GOING TO EXCUSE THE REMAINING JUROR AND JUST RENDER VERDICT AT THE END MYSELF,” Tequila exclaimed, and it was obvious that her patience was running thin. There will be no mistrial today.”
“Your honor, let the record reflect that I object to this action,” Gideon frowned.
“He would,” I rolled my eyes and muttered.
“Thank you for being willing,” Teqiula said to the woman and she went to sit down. “The record will reflect that.”
“Yes, thank you honey,” Gideon said to the woman and I raised my eyebrow at that.
“I have not said my version!” Santos exclaimed then.
“However let me remind you that I am law and I have been paying attention and am quite able to render a sound verdict,” Tequila said and looked over at Santos. “The accused will be silent until he has been asked to take the stand!”
“Very well, your honor,” Gideon nodded.
“You may continue.. please restate your last couple questions to the witness,” Tequila smiled at Gideon.
“Let the court reporter reread what my question was, please,” Gideon said and then changed his mind. “Never mind, judge. I remember what it was. Yes, okay. And when did he get rude? Was it then or later in the saloon?”
“Well he got rude later that evening at the restaurant way before the saloon.”
“Thank you ma’am. Now about what happened in the saloon. Did mister Santos escort you there, or did you go on your own and meet him there?”
“Well I went with the sheriff with food for everybody. He was already there.”
“And did you agree to meet with him there?”
“Naw not with him, I was going cuz miss Coral invited.”
I tried to think of objections to come up with, other than the fact that Gideon wasn’t listening.
“Just one more thing, Maam. Do you know the indian gentleman seated behind my client, Mister Shane?”
I wondered what that had to do with anything and stood up. “Objection! Irrelevant!”
“Objection stands,” Tequila nodded.
“The relevance may be apparent soon, your honor, assuming I am allowed to continue my line of questioning,” Gideon shook his head.
“That question is not relevant,” Tequila stated.
“Then I have no further need of the witness, your honor,” Gideon shook his head.
“We are here to see about what happened that night and the accused’s part in it it is no matter who else this woman knows. You may step down, Amelia. State may call their next witness.”
I called Mayor Free Feather to the stand and she was sworn in and then I began my questions. “Miss Mayor, you were in the saloon when Santos told everyone to get on the ground, correct?”
“Yes ma’am,” she nodded.
“Can you describe the scene for us, from your perspective?”
“Yes. Well I was drinking something in the saloon. Did have a good day and give a drink to all on my cost. Even that man,” she said, pointing to Santos. “Then I wanna leave, and suddenly saw Santos aimed his gun to Miss Coral, and ask her the money from the counter. I know Miss Coral a bit and she did not. I was afraid he would shoot her. He told people in saloon lay on the floor, but I did not I did not have any weapons with me and I think sheriff was to afraid to shoot because Coral stand so close to him. So I start to fight him with my bare hands, They still hurt a bit .. then Santos ran outside and there sheriff shoot him down.”
“If the mayor could show her hands to the judge as evidence that this man was rough on my witness?” I said and looked at the mayor as she showed her hands.
Tequila looked over at Free’s hands and gasped a bit. “Oh my.... Continue.”
“What happened then, Mayor?”
“Well the sheriff and miss Coral brought him to jail.”
“No further questions,” I said and sat down. “And there are no more witnesses after this one. For me anyway.”
“Okay, thank you Trin,” Tequila nodded.
“No questions, your honor.”
Well that was easy, I thought to myself.
“Okay Mr. Gideon. Your turn. Any witnesses?”
“Yes, your honor. I call Mister Santos to the stand.”
Santos came forward and I sighed, thinking to myself ‘here we go’.
When Santos came forward, Gideon began his questioning. “Okay Santos, now it is your turn. Tell us how you met Miss Amelia.”
“Ohh one two nights before I was riding my horse in the street.. I just came to town.”
“And was your exchange with this woman pleasant?”
“I have been riding my horse by hours and was tired and thirsty.”
“Well, Mister Santos?” Gideon asked with some impatience in his voice.
“I found this woman out to a new restaurant.. she was alone and decorating. I asked her for water and food.”
“That was not what I asked, sir.”
“HE LIE HE LIE!!” Amelia jumped up and shouted.
“And she told me, very rude, ‘I can’t talk with you. I don’t have nothing for you.’”
“I see... and then what did you do?”
“Then I, very kind, and respectful asked her for coins.”
“HOPE YOU DIDNT PUT YO HAND ON THAT BIBLE!” Amelia shouted.
“I asked her for coins because I wanted sleep at town hotel and she...”
“And did she give you any?”
“Very rude again told me ‘I don’t have, and if I have I won’t give you’. I, in shock, wishes her a good night and sleep with two coins I found in my bag.”
“Hush all there will be order in the court!” Tequila exclaimed.
“Then, Mr. Law, yesterday... before the saloon problem... I found her too.”
I suddenly realized something then and exclaimed, “Objection! He was not properly sworn in!”
“Sir, you did not tellme about this before. Are you making this up as you go along?” Gideon asked.
“In the same place...... she was talking with the native man who is next to she now... they spoke very lovingly,” Santos went on.
“One moment mr Gideon,” Tequila said.
“Objection! Irrelevant!” I exclaimed.
“You didn’t ask me about the night before, you only asked me about the saloon,” Santos said.
“STOP THE QUESTIONING NOW!” Tequila shouted then and the judge swore Santos in properly.
“And has your testimony so far been the whole truth?”
“Yes!”
“Objection... My witness would have mentioned if Santos was pleasant to her or not,” I said to Gideon’s previous question. “Not to mention the fact that she was talking to a native man is irrelevant. I move the attorney restarts his questioning.”
“Your honor, objection to the outbursts of the prosecution,” Gideon squinted.
“Objection overruled he is not even asked another question yet,” Tequila said and I sighed, sitting.
“Restate the last question please mr Gideon.”
Gideon looked at Santos narrowly and growled. “I believe I was about to call you a liar and a scoundrel, sir. What is your answer to that?”
I chuckled, knowing he had no case, and saw Tequila look at him with shock.
“I think you are crazy too ... I’m not lier... I say the true!” Santos smiled.
“Your honor, I am a man of honor. I will not abide representing a man who is neither truthful nor honorable. I have no further questions!” Gideon exclaimed then, shocking Santos and everyone in the room.
“So I take it you do not have any other witnesses?” Tequila asked.
“No your honor. No further questions and no further witnesses. The client be damned!” Gideon exclaimed.
“I have never insulted or be rude with Miss Amelie... and they attack me in the saloon... I acted in self-defence,” Santos said and I rolled my eyes.
“If you like, I will take him out and shoot him myself!” Gideon exclaimed.
“ORDER IN THE COURT!” Tequila exclaimed. “I have heard enough.”
“I’m innocent!” Santos shouted.
“HUSH MR SANTOS!” Tequila exclaimed. “A ROOM FULL OF WITNESSES SAY OTHERWISE AND THEIR MEMORIES ALL SAY THE SAME. I FIND YOU GUILTY OF ALL THE CHARGES BROUGHT AGAINST YOU BY THE STATE AND SENTENCE YOU TO 500COIN (RP COIN) FINE AND 3 DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE IN THE MINES!”
I wanted to do a happy dance but stayed seated, elated at my first victory. I reached back and squeezed Amelia’s knee happily.
“Coins to be paid to the city of Colorado Springs. Do you understand?” Tequila looked at Santos.
“WHAT?!! 500COINS AND COMMUNITY SERVICE?!” Amelia exclaimed, then apologized.
“Yes judge,” Santos nodded.
“Furthermore consider yourself lucky because if i even see you in court again the judgment will be much harsher,” Tequila said harshly.
“Judge ok, good,” Santos nodded and then muttered, “I know that’s easy ... will do it and be free again ... Those who take vengeance on testified against.”
“You can see marshal jake here about the fine and the community service,” Tequila instructed.
“Naw naw naw judge that ain’t right,” Amelia said with anger and fear.
“Amelia, shh...” I insisted.
“Miss Amelia, he didn’t get to actually go through with his crime however if he ever is apprehended again as a criminal I can assure you that the judgment against him will be much much harsher,” Tequila promised to her.
Santos and the marshals and the judge took care of business and court was adjourned. Tequila shook my hand and said, “Very nice win on your first case, hun.”
I smiled and turned, seeing my friend and mentor at the door. “Clif! We did it! We won!” I exclaimed.
“Told ya you’d do good!” Clif smiled at me.
“I learned from the best, Clif,” I winked at him. “I’m so glad you were here! How much did you see? I didn’t even have to give my closing statement!”
“I literally just got here.”
“Right for the declaration then.” I looked over at Jakob and said, “If you need me again, you call me. That was fun!”
“Well, that is good learnin on your part, Miss Trin,” Clif smiled.
I felt giddy about the win but then looked over at Amelia, seeing her nervousness. I reached out to hold her hand and said, “Amelia...” Amelia walked out of the courthouse and I looked over at Clif. “Maybe I shouldn’t be so quick to rejoicing...” I looked back at Jakob and said, “Jake...”
“Yes?” he nodded at me.
“The second he’s out I want protection on her. He WILL try this again. I could see it in his eyes.”
“I fear that too and I’ll see if I can swear in a couple of local law dawgs who might be friends of hers to just do that,” Jake nodded.
“Thanks Jake.”
“Jake, I do hope ya’ll will keep a close eye on this Mr. Santos. I don’t think ya’ll have heard the last of him.”
“You did good... Real good, I didn’t know you had it in ya,” Jake smiled at me and chuckled.
“Thanks, Jake. I didn’t either,” I winked at him.
“Yes, she did very well,” Tequila agreed.
“Thanks, Judge!” I smiled at her.
“You should consider doin’ this on a professional level,” Jake winked back at me and looked around the room.
“I just might...” I smiled.
“I was impressed. Had a couple shaky moments in the beginning but then you found your feet and did well,” Tequila smiled at me. “Jake, if you ever need a circuit riding judge again, just holler.”
“Think I can be a PI and a lawyer at the same time, Jake?” I asked him.
“Congratulations Judge Teq,” Clif said to her.
“Thank you, Judge Clif!” Tequila laughed.
“You sure did... We’ll see about Mr. Gideon how he’s feelin’... He seemed a bit upset when he walked out,” Jake smiled. “Oh I will... Trust me I will.”
“Clif, you wanna come see my office?” I asked then.
“Sure, might as well,” Clif nodded and we said goodbye to the others and headed out of the courthouse.
***
I walked into the saloon tonight and saw Amelia, her father, and Shane. We greeted one another and I looked at my friend with concern. “Are you alright, Amelia?”
“I will be alright,” she nodded.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t get more for him, but be assured if he tries anything again, he will get more.”
“Que es la problema?” Mr. Day asked then.
“Trin he say to me in court and Judge and Shane heard him. He comin’ for me,” Amelia said and looked at me.
“Amelia, the second he’s out we will have protection for you,” I assured her.
“I can help with that,” Shane said and I looked at Mr. Day, not sure how much to say in front of him.
“Where is he now?” Day asked in Spanish and we continued to talk in his language.
“He is in jail, sir. Where he belongs,” I promised.
“Who is with him?”
“You can tell as much as you like. It’s your story, sweetie,” I looked over at Amelia.
She looked back and then said, “Pa... No....”
“Oh for cryin out loud! I’ll find out myself. Amelia, you won’t have to worry about him. Don’t follow me,” Day warned.
“Uh oh...” Shane muttered.
“Paa.... Damnit!!” Amelia swore.
“Amelia, let me talk to him,” I requested. “I’ll tell him what happened and that the situation is under control.” When she threw her hands up and shook her head, I begged, “Please, Amelia.”
“Calm down, Darling...” Shane requested.
“Let me talk to him.”
“Sure, he will always fall for a pretty, smart lady,” Amelia looked at me.
“I’ll be back soon,” I said and figured he was probably on his way to the jail so I headed there. I found him and said, “Señor Day?”
“Hola Miss Trin. I did say not to follow,” he said in Spanish so we continued to speak in his language.
“Sir, we need to talk.”
“Go ahead.”
“This case with Santos... He threatened your daughter, yes. And he also went into the saloon and held a gun against the mayor and the sheriff. We held a trial against him and we won... He was found guilty.”
“And?”
“He is charged with five hundred coins and three days community service. Your daughter is just nervous that he will get out and come at her again. I have talked with the marshal... She will have protection the second that man is out of jail, I promise you.”
“I’ve seen protection in this country, and it’s awful.
“Sir, I know. I’ve had bad experiences with it myself. But I assure you.. we will have the right people in place.”
“You need to get rid of the problem, not toy with it.”
“I know. That’s why we had the trial today.”
“You see these guns?” he asked.
“He was found guilty for the threats... justice was served..” I looked at his guns. “You know what I call them?”
“Judge and Jury.”
I chuckled and said, “I know a man who once called his guns ‘sermon’ and ‘prayer’. His name was Preach.”
“In my country, Miss Trin, I was law. I’d hate to go to confessional with him”
I stood straighter then, realizing how handsome he was and wondered how I hadn’t noticed it before as he said, “I will warn you, that I will not hesitate to do my own ‘trial’ should he come near my daughter again. I serve sentence right away.”
“I understand that, Sir. You love your daughter,” I said, and when his eyes met mine I looked down, embarrassed. “Sir, if you don’t mind me asking... you don’t look old enough to have a twenty-year-old daughter.”
“Well I guess starting early helped,” he chuckled. “Thanks... Actually, I am forty.”
“Really? I find that hard to believe.”
“Tried to get in the military in Puerto Rico before I moved here.”
“Tried?” I looked at him with curiosity.
“Well..... boot camp didn’t agree with me. Wasn’t fond of being given orders”
“Sir, care to join me for a drink at the saloon?” I asked and he looked back at the jail. “He’ll be there for a while, Sir. Trust me.”
“Longer than you think,” Day muttered and I looked at him curiously. “Let’s go to the saloon”
“Alright.”
“By the way .... is there a coal mine here?” he asked as we walked.
“Coal mine? Not that I know of... Unless you want to go all the way to Amiville.” We walked into the saloon and looked confused when I saw Shane and Amelia dancing. “I need a drink to celebrate anyway. Should we drink first or would you maybe care to dance?”
“Dance?” he asked.
“Hey you two,” Amelia said then.
“You confused Ms. Trin?” Shane asked.
“Not my business,” I shrugged.
“Hola,” Day greeted.
“Papi, look at me,” Amelia said.
“There’s something in your eye?”
I then felt awkward about asking my friend’s father to dance and looked down when Amelia looked at me and said, “Trin, look at me.”
“Damn, all the women are acting strange,” Day muttered.
“What we all drinking?” Amelia giggled.
“Shall we dance?” I looked at Day.
“I want some whiskey,” Shane said.
“Sure dear. I mean Shane...” Amelia corrected herself.
“Mr. Day, I’ve got to ask you something,” Shane said then as Amelia made the drink and gave it to him.
“A moment, Miss Trin,” Day said to me.
“Okay, sir,” I nodded.
“What did you call him?” Day asked his daughter.
“That is what I have to talk about to you, Mr. Day,” Shane said and looked at him.
Day looked at him briefly and said, “I was asking my daughter a question, and I expect an answer.”
“Oh sorry Papi, I didn’t hear,” she said.
“I’ll wait while you clean your ears.”
She put her head down in embarrassment and said, “I hear now, Papi.”
“I ask you again, what did I hear you call him?”
“Um, Shane, Pa.”
“I think you said ‘dear’.”
Amelia looked at me then back at her father. “Dear?” she laughed nervously. “Did I? Don’t recall me saying that.”
“Right? Can not remember who told me. You sure, pa?” She looked from me and Shane to her father.
“Mr. Day, may I court your daughter, Sir?” Shane asked.
“Do you think I’m deaf and senile?!” Day glared at her and I raised an eyebrow hearing Shane’s boldness. He swung his gaze to Shane angrily.
“Like I told you before, I would not hurt your daughter and harm her in any way,” Shane insisted and Amelia looked at Day with pleading eyes.
“Do you think my girl is some kinda WHORE? She’s already got a ‘so-called man’ name Fred or something,” Day said.
“Mr Day you can trust me. I never said that she is a whore. Never said that. I got told that Frank wants some woman from Amiville. Or whatever his name is.”
“You have got to be kidding.......” Day shook his head and I sat quietly, staying out of the discussion but just watching as moral support for Amelia.
“You think your daughter wants to be with a man who wants another woman?” Shane asked. “Mr Day I like your daughter very much and believe me when I say this you can trust me.”
“Damn, another name for my shit list,” Day muttered.
“Mr. Day... can I? I will take good care of her and I will protect her.”
Day looked him deep in the eyes and then said, “If you value what you have between your legs, it better stay in your pants with my daughter and any other woman, for that matter.”
I swallowed hard and Shane said, “It will stay in the pants. I am nothing like those white people.”
“But, you seem like a good enough guy..”
“That is true. So what do you you say Mr Day? I respect you and your daughter.”
“I’ve gained a certain ‘distaste’ for some of the white folk myself”
“I am not white. I am a native.”
I looked over at him, wondering if that meant me too, since I was white.
“Sure, you have my permission. At least you asked,” Day said to Shane.
“Thank you sir. “Well, want a drink Mr. Day?”
“I’ll be watching,” Day smiled and slapped Shane hard on the back.
“I am one of the good guys,” Shane smiled and took a drink.
We continued to talk and drink now that things had been settled between Day and Shane. We talked about the relationship and I thought it must have been recent because last I knew, she was with Frank. Day went to lay down and I was confused at his sudden departure and I walked cross the road, confused. I heard Day shouting outside though and went out to find out if everything was okay but we talked about how maybe he could stay in town and it was awkward between us and then he walked off.
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