Penelope's Heart by Marianne Spitzer

Author:Marianne Spitzer [Spitzer, Marianne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Marianne Spitzer
Published: 2016-06-15T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Nell knew without a doubt the judge had made up his mind about her guilt. He was angry that Minnie gave her a few creature comforts. Now, he would listen to Albert, and she would end up in prison. She sat on the cot and dropped her head in her hands. She said another quick prayer for Minnie’s kindness since it would be the last she’d receive for a long time, and she prayed for the judge’s mercy.

Nell couldn’t see the judge, but she could hear him. His anger permeated every word he spoke to the sheriff.

“Tell me Sheriff Turbey, do you like your job?”

“Yes, your Honor let me explain about the sheets.”

“I asked a question. I didn’t ask for an explanation. I went away on a trip for a week to relax and enjoy the company of loved ones. Do you know what met me upon my return?”

“No, sir,” muttered the sheriff.

“Let me give you a picture.”

Nell could hear boots moving back and forth across the floor. Was the judge pacing? She shuddered.

Judge Magarey continued, “I thought there was a dignitary on the train with me. Half the town was waiting on the platform. Standing in front of the crowd was Roy and Miranda Greiner, Pastor Reynolds and his wife, Louis and Minnie Masters, Callahan, Henrietta Biggs, and more I couldn’t see. Do you know who they were waiting for, Sheriff Turbey?”

Nell heard a chair creak and the sheriff groan, “I have a good idea, your Honor.”

“They were waiting for me. They were there to tell me about your prisoner. What were you thinking? Look at this place.”

Nell heard more boot scuffling.

“I know your Honor, but those people are difficult to deal with. I was alone here. I should have deputized a few men to keep those people out of here. I made the wrong decision. It won’t happen again, and I’ll get the jail back to the way it should be pronto, sir,” the sheriff’s voice rose in pitch as he explained.

“Deputies, you think you needed deputies to help do more damage than you’ve already done,” the judge bellowed again.

Nell was confused. Why was the judge angry?

Judge Magarey’s voice calmed to a near whisper. “Let me explain something to you son. You may be the sheriff, but this is my town. I rely on you to make the right decisions when arresting someone and then I listen to the evidence in court. There is a woman in my town’s jail. A woman. Have you lost your mind? Unless she shoots her husband for snoring with a dozen witnesses, I don’t ever want to see a lady in my jail again. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, your Honor.” Nell heard the sheriff’s chair creak again, and his boots hit the floor.

“Now, open the door so I can speak to the young woman.”

Nell heard the lock click open, and an elderly man with soft features and pale blue eyes walked into the cell. He held out his hand.

“Hello, Miss Langton. I’m Judge Magarey, and I understand someone accused you of stealing a pocket watch.

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