Tombstone.
This morning I walked into town with a mug of coffee in my hand already. Ali was sitting in front of Kate’s playing with a kitten. I thought about how even though she was with the wrong crowd, she was still a friend. “Morning, Ali. How are ya?” I asked.
“I’m good thank you. Yourself?”
“I’m alright,” I shrugged and winced at the pain still in my arm. “You get a new cat?” I looked down at the kitten.
“No, just saw it this morning. Came and sat right here in front of me.”
“It a girl or a boy?”
“I haven’t looked.”
The cat pawed at Ali’s dress and purred as she lay on her side. “Well it’s cute, whatever it is. More of a dog person myself but whichever...”
“I reckon you can take a look if you want,” she looked down at the cat.
“I suppose I could,” I nodded but didn’t make a move to do so.
“After seeing some of the horses around here, I don’t want to look anymore.”
I laughed and then said, “Quite the night last night.” I was still not really sure who the masked bandits were last night but figured I would tell Ali about it anyway. The cat woke up and ran off then, and just chuckled at the fact that Ali hadn’t replied yet.
“I heard some of what happened. How is your wound healing?” Ali asked.
“It’s sore... I didn’t even get the doc to look at it last night. Place was packed.”
“Shortly after I got to town, I had to run and take cover. Some kind of shooting going on in or around the sheriff’s office. I saw Jimmi running out of the courthouse with his guns drawn and ran as quickly as I could.”
A little girl walked by and I smiled, “Deedee... haven’t seen her in a while.”
“You know her?”
“Deesue’s relative, I wanna say daughter or niece or somethin’ like that. I can’t remember.”
A husky walked over then and I smiled, “Now that’s more like it.”
“Richie carries around jerky with him. Ya think the dog will like it?”
“Oh, I think so, yeah,” I nodded and held out my hand for the dog to sniff. He wagged his tail and licked my hand. “I think he likes me. I think I need a dog like this to keep me safe. What do you think, Ali?”
“I think a dog would be good for you,” she nodded.
Rikki walked over then and Ali greeted her. A man walked over then who I didn’t know and I smiled to him. “Morning Sir. Don’t think we’ve met.”
“Howdy, I’m Stinking...well folks call me that.”
“You got a more flattering name?” I chuckled.
“Mama called me Mike,” he shrugged, “but stinky sort of stuck count I always worked with pigs.”
“Really not nice to call your coworkers pigs,” I winked.
“And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?”
“I’m Ali, nice to meet you.”
“I’m Trin,” I smiled.
“Well they was real pigs... even the coworkers,” Stinky grinned and I chuckled. “Nice to have met you both.”
“Haven’t seen ya around town before,” I noted.
“Been here a while but out looking for a place but the other night I was in town and some fella robbed me and stole my pig.”
“Some fella robbed you?”
“Your pig got a name?” Ali wondered.
“So either of you seen a man with a pig? He rode around in my backpack, name was pork, chop is still being shipped so I can set up a pig farming operation.”
“Ain’t seen a pig, or a man with a pig...” I chuckled at the name. “I can keep an eye out though if ya want to hire me for the case. Detective Trin Paige at your service.”
“Sure hope he isn’t been eaten yet. A detective, huh?” he nodded.
“I only know of one pig round here and I reckon it’s not one you can’t fit in your pack,” Ali said.
“Mmhmm,” I chuckled, wondering who Ali was referring to.
“How much it cost to rent a detective... hire one I mean?” Stinky looked at me and I chuckled.
“Depends how much work is involved I reckon. You have any clues or evidence that might point me in the right direction already or do I just gotta start askin’ around about a pig?”
“I can’t be sure as to that, on account I ain’t ever had a pig stolen or had to find one,” he nodded.
“Heard them call the man who shot me and took it TJ.” I blinked and shot Ali a look as he continued to talk, “They was some others around there, but I didn’t catch their names.” I sighed, knowing the name TJ all too well and wondered the value of searching for a pig knowing he’s already threatened me once.
“So what exactly did the fella say when he robbed ya?” Ali asked.
“He wanted $5 for me to pass down the road.” He turned and pointed to a bar across the street. “I told him he could shine my shoes and we would be even. He drew, I drew, and he came out on top I guess.”
“Did he shoot ya?” Ali asked.
“Felt him go through my pockets and then took my pack, pig and all, along with all my pig literature. Sure did, shot me in the shoulder. I made a report to the law, filled out the paper work but ain’t heard nothin, don’t have a lot of use for them no how, never seem to help anyone much.”
I sighed slightly and Ali asked, “Did you turn the report in the box or hand it to law?”
“Did TJ say what he wanted for you to get the pig back?” I asked, “Like a ransom or somethin’?”
“No he didn’t say nothing... except mentioning bacon and things. I hope they ain’t et him yet.”
“Wherebouts did this happen, Sir?”
“Over at the...” he turned and said, “Crystal Palace, or right outside.”
“I see.”
“I don’t go in places like that or drink not since the last time...”
“Well if I find anything I’ll let ya know and we’ll work out a price later, how’s that sound?”
“Sounds good to me, I just hope I don’t get chop stolen, she supposed to show up today maybe, but a girl pig ain’t no use with out a boy pig.”
“You’re right about that,” I nodded.
“I mean you can put a bonet on it a show it off, Chop is supposed to come from champion blood lines, but in the end there ain’t no real money in that. They gonna be a 4th of July parade in this here town?”
“I don’t know... ain’t never been around for that. Would think they’d do somethin’ though,” I said.
“There is going to be a parade, just not sure ifn it be on the fourth,” Ali answered.
“Sure be nice if I had my pig back and could put them in the parade, make them a little wagon and dress them up like Uncle Sam and Sammet,” he said and I smiled at him.
“Well I’lll let you ladies get back to your breakfast wine and cheese,” he looked at the table.
“Pleasure meeting you both.”
“Will keep you informed if I hear anything.”
“Thank you. See you ladies around,” he said and walked off.
“Nice fellow,” I observed.
“He appears to be. Feel kinda sorry for the pig,” Ali nodded.
“Yeah... I ain’t gonna go risk my life against TJ again though. He’s thrown enough threats at me in the past week.”
“Hey is that kid robbing the bank?” Suzy shouted from down the street and I stood, running towards the bank. Seth, Dee, Wedge, Angeles and Ansar all sat on their horses and looked towards the bank.
Wedge nodded to me when I neared and I figured he would be my best bet for information.
“What’s the situation, boys?”
“Suzy lost her mind again saying a kid trying to rob a bank,” Ansar told me.
I looked around and then wandered into the bank. “Everything alright in here?” I asked Chrono, as a man stood at the counter.
“We just have to shoot her next time. The nerve, robbing a bank, looking like a kid,” Wedge said outside.
“Ma’am, please wait outside the bank ‘till we’re done?” Seth requested to me but I ignored him and focused on Chrono and the man inside the bank writing on some papers.
“Yes ma’am, just dealing with our paperwork.”
“Alright just wanted to make sure all is well. No one tried to rob you recently, Chrono?”
They continued to work on paperwork and Ansar called in, “Trin, get out there while they’re doing their job.”
I sighed and walked outside. “Ma’am, please head out of the bank ‘till we’re done,” Seth said again.
“Ya’ll are seein’ things. Nothing’s out of order in there and there’s nothin’ to worry about,” I said.
“They’re just fillin’ out some papers.”
“I told ya Suzy was being crazy,” Ansar said.
“And as a detective I had to prove that nothing was wrong,” I looked Ansar in the eye. “Ya know me well enough by now, Ansar.”
“Well done then ma’am,” Wedge said to me and chuckled.
“Well ain’t ya job no more, remember?” Ansar asked me.
“What do you mean by that?” I looked at him sharply.
“Just saying, don’t want ya arrested if something bad happens. Hell I seen a man get arrested for being inside a bank once,” Ansar said.
“My job is to investigate what’s goin’ on. There ain’t much law around anymore so I’m reportin’ it to ya’ll that everything is fine.”
“Ma’am, you did fine. Thank you,” Wedge told me.
“Bank is public property, Ansar. I’ve got about four witnesses at least that see I’m harmless,” I told him.
“I am around all the time. So that puts a hole in that,” Ansar said.
“You ain’t a marshal or a deputy anymore, Ansar. It ain’t the same thing. I report to the deputies and the sheriff.” The man inside the bank walked out and I kept my focus on Ansar. “And the marshals when they ask for help.”
“Was on vacation. Takin’ a breather. Seems I been called back into duty,” he pointed to his marshal badge that he wore again.
“Oh have ya?” I asked. “Well that’s news to me.”
“Ans! Let’s go!” Wedge called as he started to lead the troops down the road.
“Fine then, Marshal, everything’s fine in the bank. You’re welcome,” I said and shook my head, watching them ride off. Wedge was still chuckling as he tipped his hat to me and rode off. I took one long look in the bank before turning around to head down the street.
“If you wish to do something that will benefit the town, in terms of law... Perhaps trace the missing clock faces that the outlaws have taken,” Chrono said then and I turned on my heels to face her, my patience wearing thin.
“You don’t think I’ve been working on that the past week?! We know where the clocks are and it all went to hell last night with all the shootin’. If we’d tried to negotiate something proper then maybe we wouldn’t be in this mess!”
“Yes, well, I am no detective, but I am sure there is some way of finding where they have hidden those things. They are huge and hard to hide. But... I have taken some steps of my own, to help things along.”
“That’s the problem. We know exactly where the clocks are it’s gettin’ ‘em back that’s the challenge.”
“I doubt they are buried in Apache land.”
I shook my head and just walked down the street, wandering into the Crystal Palace, needing a drink.
***
This afternoon I went into my office in the courthouse and changed for trial, putting on my skirt and top and leaving my gun in a bag under my desk. I wanted to be on jury duty today and witness another case in court. I went into the courtroom and took a seat on the jury bench, saying hello to those joining me on the bench. Dee welcomed more people to the jury and I cringed slightly seeing TJ walk in but focused on the front.
“Members of the jury ,we know ya got lots of choices on how ya spend yer Saturday so thank ya for bein here and for tryin to help us give a fair trial to this arrestee,” Dee smiled to us. “Court is now in Session.” She looked at Serenity and said, “Miss Serenity, I see yer makin a return visit to our wonderful courtroom, so ya at least are familiar with what is comin. Will you please rise for the charges?”
Serenity stood up slowly and Dave stood up beside her as Dee read the charges. “Serenity Graves, you have been charged with Bank Robbery, Weapon Un-Holstered in Town, and Weapon Used in a Crime ... How do you plea?”
“Not guilty, yer honor,” Serenity said.
“You may be seated,” Dee nodded. “We will now hear openin’ statements. Prosecutor, please approach the jury.”
Serenity sat down and I could tell that she was uncomfortable in the dress. Ansar stood forward and looked at us and gave his opening statement, “Thank you for joining us in court today. I hope you understand the duty you put yourself in today. To see the facts for what they are. And I hope that you will see her guilty and locked away for the crimes she has done to the town. Stealing the very money from your pockets. Thank you.”
“Defense.. Yer turn to make an openin’ statement please,” Dee said and Dave stood, applauding Ansar as he walked over to us. I chuckled and leaned forward to hear his opening statement.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, I want you to look at my client, and you can see that she is not the kind to commit such a a horrible crime. Why she is the picture of true innocence, as i will prove today, that she was set up and framed for a crime she didn’t commit. Please keep an open mind as you listen to testimony, and thank you for being here to keep an innocent person from going to jail.”
I stifled a cough as Dee invited Ansar to call his first witness. “Your honor, seeing as Skyla is not here. I like to read Skyla statement out loud.”
“Before ya do, I would like to say somethin’ to the jury,” Dee nodded and looked at us. “I would like to just emphasize that sworn statements read are to be considered just as if that person was sittin’ here tellin’ ya what they saw or heard, and should carry as much weight when deciding this case. It is not always easy for folks to be able to all be here at the same time when they got other duties to take care.” As she said so, I remembered the confusion that was last weekend and nodded in agreement fully. “Alright, proceed, Mister Ansar.”
Ansar smiled as he read the statement for us, “DESCRIPTION OF CRIME: I got a report from Bree about Serenity robbing the bank, it went to warrant. I saw Serenity in town and asked Eliza to come with me just in case. Serenity was rather peaceful about it and turned her guns over to me, and served her time. SIGNED: Sheriff Skyla Thor.”
“Do you have further witnesses?” Dee asked.
“I just like to point out that This does state Bree as a key witness in the case. So, Your honor I like to call Miss Breeze Babil to the stands.”
Bree stood and was sworn in. I noticed Sky walk into the courthouse and stand up on the balcony beside the mayor, and grew curious to what was going on with her. I looked back as Ansar began his questions for Bree.
“Miss Breeze can you tell us what happen the awful day with the client here robbing the bank?”
“Yes sir. I encountered this lady in a lovely black gown and thought she was here to make a deposit. It turns out she came to do a withdrawal. Of course I told her we don’t do this without receipt. She demands I give her the money. I refused. she lifts her skirts and removes her pistol hidden there. she pointed at me and said get in there and give the money.”
I raised an eyebrow and listened as Ansar asked, “This person in the black dress was and is fact the client here with us today correct?”
“I was afraid, so I turned to enter the vault with her on my heels and opened the safe and gave her the money. She said thank you now run and tell your sheriff. and I obliged sir.”
“This person in the black dress was and in fact the client here with us today correct?”
“Yes sir she most certainly.is not the first encounter of robbing me. I shall never ever forget.”
“And did she get the money from the vault robbing the town folk of there hard earn money? Leaving with it. Money that was not hers to start with?”
“Yes sir, sure did that.”
“Miss breeze, thank you,” Ansar nodded and sat back down.
“Defense, any questions for this witness?”
Dave stood, holding a piece of paper, and nodded. “Yes, your honor.” He walked over and smiled at Bree who simply looked firmly at him. “Miss Babii, you said the person that robbed you was wearing black, is that correct?”
“Yes, to my eyes it was black. Yes Sir.”
“Has she ever worn anything other than black that you know of?”
Clint Houston walked into the courtroom then and I almost fell off my chair before gathering myself. Hadn’t he been killed? Was it all just a rumor? I shook my head, trying to relax at the sight of him.
“I cannot swear is always black sir. I have more important things to do than observe that woman,” Bree answered and I thought to myself that women had more than one dress usually. “So what if not black today? I know what I saw I do not lie.”
“Okay,” he smiled and looked at the statement in his hands. “I have your witness statement here, it says at the bottom that you told a person, a Billy Hell, what had happened, and you also mentioned that another fella was there that shot Kris, is that correct?”
“Yes Sir.”
“I object!” Ansar called.
“Your objection?” Dee looked at him.
“A person can change their clothing after wearing an outfit work weeks. That has nothing to do with the trial!”
“You are objecting to her clothes?” Dee asked and I smiled at the question.
“The fact that has nothing to do with the trail.”
“Overruled. Let’s move past the clothes.”
“And you made a comment that you believed they were working together. Are you always so inclined to assume such criminal activities without any real knowledge of what happens?” Dave continued to ask.
“It is what I believed, Sir. I have a right to think, do I not?” Bree asked.
“Your honor, I retract that statement about her clothing,” Dave said.
“If ya can’t restate yer next question please...?” Dee requested.
“I know she robbed me and no getting around that,” Bree said.
“You do have the right to think, Miss Babii, but that doesn’t mean you are thinking correctly. Thank you, no further questions.”
“Thank you miss. You may step down and return to yer seat,” Dee said to her and Bree went to sit back down. “Any more witnesses?” Dee asked Ansar.
“No, your honor,” Ansar shook his head.
Dee looked to the defendant’s desk and said, “Please call yer first witness.”
Dave called Serenity to the stand and she was sworn in. TJ whistled from the audience and began to whistle Dixie. I looked over and felt a chill run through me, the song bringing back thousands of memories that only TJ would know about. Clint started whistling the Battle Hymn of the Republic and I couldn’t help but chuckle softly.
“Now Miss Serenity, I know you are innocent of these false charges, but now I need you to tell, in your own words, what happened that awful day when you were falsely accused and jailed,” Dave said to Serenity.
“I was mindin’ my own business, havin’ my mornin’ coffee outside of Kate’s. The Sheriff and the woman with her, the NOW deputy. She wasn’t at the time... came up sayin’ I had a warrant out for my arrest. I asked ‘em what I’d done, they stated the charges. I just wanted to finish writin’ so I let ‘em take me into the office where we chatted a bit. Sheriff didn’t even lock me up, let me sit at her desk and finish my business.”
Dave raised an eyebrow and asked, “So the sheriff didn’t feel that you committed the crime either, so much so that she didn’t put you in a cell? And tell me, did you offer any resistance to the arrest?”
I blinked at Dave’s question and listened as Serenity shook her head, “None at all. I ain’t got a reason to quarrel with the law folks. I gave my guns over the moment she said she wanted me in the office. I ain’t gonna fight for somethin’ I didn’t do.”
“Now does this sound like the actions of a guilty bank robber,” Dave looked at us and then turned back to Serenity. “Thank you, Miss Serenity.”
“Prosecution? Any questions?” Dee asked as I watched Clint walk out of the courtroom.
Ansar stood and walked over to Serenity. “So its true you gave up without a fight?”
“Like I said before, why fight against somethin’ I didn’t do. I got no reason to quarrel with the law, so I give them none when they ask for my cooperation.”
“Ever feel to have a guilty conscience before?”
“Objection,” Dave stood.
“On what grounds?”
“Irrelevant question. He is leading the witness.”
“Overruled,” Dee nodded. “Please disregard that question.”
“I’ll refresh then,” Ansar nodded. “Did you have on the day in question? A guilty conscience, that is.”
“Objection,” Dave said again.
“Well now seems an easy enough question,” Dee nodded. “Please answer so we can move on.”
“If I had a guilty conscious, would I have not fought and argued about the charges I was presented, rather than just give in, so that the good people of this town could decide from this what was my outcome? No, I had no guilty conscious Mr Prosecutor. I didn’t do nothin’ wrong to have one.”
“The witnesses personal feeling have no relevance, a guilty conscience can come from not doing her chores at home,” Dave objected again.
“Answered in her own words and thank ya. Any more questions?” Dee asked.
“No, that will do, your honor.”
“Thank you miss. You may step down and return to yer seat,” Dee nodded and Serenity stepped back to her seat. “Any more witnesses for ya?” she looked at Dave.
“No more witnesses,” Dave shook his head.
“Brings us to closin statements. Prosecution, step on over, yer first,” Dee said and I thought to myself, That’s it?
“Lady’s and man. Understand you heard miss Breeze and she directly seen the even herself. This ageist a crook who takes your hard earn money. Plagued with a guilty conscience gave up without a fight. And the witness never proved she wasn’t there. The should be an open and shut case. See her Guilty on all accounts. Thank you,” Ansar said and returned to his seat.
“Defense? Let’s hear yer closin’ statement.”
Dave walked over and smiled at us, meeting the eyes of each one of us. As he began his statement, TJ pointed his guns to each of us jurors and then left the courtroom. I blinked, thinking I’d had enough threats from him lately.
“You have heard the prosecutor talk, and accuse my client of doing this dastardly deed, and you have heard my client, and from the sheriffs own report, that she didn’t resist arrest, or cause any trouble, and why? Because she didn’t do the crime. My Client is innocent, and I am sure you will all come to that same conclusion and set her free. Thank you each and everyone for you time today,” Dave said and sat back down.
“Thank you both from presentin’ yer cases,” Dee nodded and looked to the jury box. “All up to you folks now. Head on into the jury room and talk over all the evidence you have seen and heard here, choose a foreman and return with yer verdict, unanimous or by majority, of guilty or not guilty for the charge of Bank Robbery, Weapon Un-Holstered in Town, and Weapon Used in a Crime.”
We stood and walked into the jury room and I stayed standing as everyone sat down. “So we should appoint a foreman first,” I said, looking around the group.
“Well this woman has the only top hat, so she looks more official than the rest of us,” Ed chuckled.
“Well, we can see what each person says and what their reason is,” the woman said and she was stated as the foreman. “Miss, you want to go first? I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”
“Me?” I asked.
“Yes, please.”
“Well it seems like it’s pretty clear... the banker witnessed it and she has no reason to lie. The defendant has every reason to foil the story. I say guilty.”
“I was a bit conflicted that the sheriff did not see her actually rob the bank but on the other hand there is a witness of the person working at the bank,” Tessa said.
“Well a witness saw her, and no witnesses were presented to see her NOT at the crime scene, so it seems pretty cut and dry that she’s guilty,” Ed said.
“I being an ex outlaw know that the if your guilty of a crime most likely your not going to stick around and get arrested with out a fight,” Tessa pointed.
“The eye witness was not refuted, but she seems so sweet,” the foreman said.
“That’s true, Tessa, but at the same time the banker saw what she saw. She wouldn’t have made that story up,” I nodded to her.
“Her testimony was taken as truth,” the foreman added.
“Also, isn’t it possible she knew the odds were against her and thus gave up rather than risking injury or death?” Ed asked.
“I agree Ed,” I nodded.
“I’m gonna have to go with the witness. I say guilty,” the foreman said. “Trin?”
“I said guilty,” I nodded.
“I have run with a lot of outlaws and some were good shot some not so much and i never really know them just to allow themselves to be arrested,” Tessa said.
“Well facial recognition vs no alibi that can be backed up is pretty strong evidence,” Ed pointed out. “The only way it would be innocent is if the bank teller were robbing the bank herself and used the defendant as a patsy.”
“I have to vote as not guilty being my past and what I know about outlaws,” Tessa said.
“Ah, but not all outlaws think the same. I vote guilty,” Ed said.
“That was close. I almost changed my vote,” the foreman said. “Okay, three guilty and one not guilty.”
“I don’t discount her testimony but banks are dark. Could she mistook the lady,” Tessa went on.
“Could be, but did she?” the foreman asked.
“It’s possible, but then shouldn’t that have been brought up in the trial?” Ed asked.
“Yes.”
“I have worn the same outfits as others on the streets,” Tessa nodded.
“We would have to have known the time and lighting conditions,” Ed continued.
“She is innocent until proven guilty, isn’t she?” the foreman asked.
“Yes, but if we doubt witness testimony based on potential lighting, wouldn’t every conviction need to be done in broad daylight?”
“Let’s take count again,” the foreman said and then said, “I’m Marilyn, by the way.”
“I’m Trin,” I nodded to her, “And I say guilty.”
“I still think guilty. The witness’s testimony really wasn’t negated, only if the defendant couldn’t wear other clothes,” ed said.
“Well, everyone has other clothes,” Marilyn stated.
“She did say she always wore black,” Tessa said.
“Exactly,” Ed nodded.
“Agreed. Just because she always wears black doesn’t mean that she doesn’t own other dresses.”
“Well she said she always saw her in black,” Ed said.
“I’ve seen her in a couple other dresses here in court. One with a very big umbrella, for that matter,” I remembered.
“I always forget what people were wearing,” Ed said.
“Miss Bree said she wasn’t sure if she had seen other dresses,” Marilyn pointed out.
“I can’t say one way or the other because I don’t know her,” Tessa said.
“Doesn’t matter,” I shrugged.
“So we’re decided? Guilty by majority?” Ed asked.
“I’m so conflicted... I’m sayin’ not guilty... I don’t want to make a mistake,” Marilyn sighed.
“Well then it’s a hung jury,” Ed said and I sighed.
“I’m sorry.... I just don’t want to find an innocent woman guilty,” Marilyn said.
“The two things is the testimony of the bank clerk and the fact that the sheriff didn’t arrest her in the act and she did not fight being arrested,” Tessa said.
“Well even if she’s found guilty she just sits in a cell for a few minutes,” Ed pointed out.
“Hung jury... Anyone else wanna change their vote?” Marilyn asked.
“Yeah, but the officer just couldn’t make it in time to be at the scene of the crime,” Ed said.
“I’m not changing my vote. The banker saw what she saw, she wouldn’t have made it up,” I said.
“Has she a history of being an outlaw?” Tessa asked. “I don’t know the defendant at all. Or is this something she just did this one time?”
“I don’t know either of them at all,” Ed said.
“I’m still not sure why only women are being tried,” Marilyn said.
“The woman shot me last night, she’s been charged guilty before...” I pointed out.
“Because women are more interesting than men,” Ed answered Marilyn.
“Are you okay, Trin?” Tessa asked me.
“Did you vote guilty because she shot you?” Marilyn wondered.
“Wait, she shot someone too?!” Ed was confused.
“No, I didn’t. I voted guilty because the banker’s statement was clear, the defendant had no other witnesses...” I sighed. “The shooting was a separate incident and has nothing to do with my vote. I’m answering Tessa’s question in saying that this woman has a history of outlaw activity.”
“Was the sheriff notified of a bank robbery in progress or is this something that was gone to the sheriff to report a robbery after it happen?” Tessa asked.
“Why don’t we just ask if the money was taken, and if it is then just search her house and belongings?” Ed asked.
“The woman’s past and mine has nothing to do with my vote. My vote is for the fact that the defending attorney had no other witnesses claiming a different story, the banker and the sheriff’s statement were both witnesses for prosecution,” I said.
“I don’t trust that sheriff,” Marilyn said.
“Yeah, the defense seems playing on her being a woman,” Ed pointed out.
“Okay I still vote not guilty,” Marilyn summarized.
“Well, we seem hung.”
“Does this mean I, being a part of the jury, can claim to be well hung now?” Ed asked.
“Wait, what?” I looked at Marilyn. “Why don’t you trust the sheriff?”
“Anyone else get anything else to say about the verdict?” Marilyn asked. “That’s another story,” she looked at me.
“Clearly it’s affecting your decision on validating her statement,” I pointed out.
“Has nothing to do with this trial. I’m giving them the verdict,” Marilyn said.
“Then why say it? Only reason I said my past with Sereneity was in answer to Tessa’s question,” I shook my head and followed them out to the courtroom with frustration.
“Jury members have ya chosen a foreman?” Dee asked.
“Yes ma’am,” Marilyn nodded.
“Please tell the court yer verdict.”
“We are what you would call a hung jury. Two for and two against.”
“You have done all ya can to come to a decision in a majority?” Dee sighed.
“Yes ma’am,” Marilyn nodded.
“Thank you jury members for your time and thought ya put into this decision... You are free to leave,” Dee nodded and we walked into the gallery to watch as Dee made a verdict. “Seems it is left to me to decide. Miss Bree, please step forward to the bench.” Bree walked forward and she said, “As this decision is left in my hand and you are the main... albeit only witness.”
“Without a doubt do you recognize this woman as the person who held you up that day, not by what she was wearin’ by what ya saw?” Dee asked.
“Yes ma’am, I have no doubt.”
“Has she been in yer bank before this or after this?”
“Yes ma’am. A few times.”
“Then she’s a regular customer?”
“Customer? No. A robber, I swear by all that’s holy.”
Ansar gasped and I blinked at the announcement. Dee asked, “You are saying she has robbed you more than once? Is this before this incident or after?”
“Before.”
“Was she brought up on charges for that crime?”
“Two times. She likes to harass me.”
“Was she brought up on charges in Benson?” Dee asked.
“Your Honor, my client was found innocent of those charges,” Dave pointed out.
“Thank you, Dave. I am aware of the verdict here in Tombstone,” Dee said.
“I was not informed, Judge,” Bree replied.
“Thank you Miss Bree, I know the job you have is not an easy one. I thank you for your time,” Dee said and Bree stepped down. She turned to the defendant and said, “Miss Serenity.. I have no doubt in my mind as to the clear thoughts of the banker standing in front of me. It is to that mind that I have to rule you Guilty as charged,” Dee declared.
I smiled, thinking that justice was served. The judge sentenced her to fifteen minutes in jail or thirty dollar fine and I headed back to my office to change and get my gun before heading home.
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