Veil of Doubt by Sharon Virts

Author:Sharon Virts [Virts, Sharon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-10-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 1872

Their law clerk was sweeping shards of broken glass when Powell arrived at their offices. The large windows fronting the street had been shattered. Powell stepped carefully around the pile of debris and walked into Matt’s office.

“At least they didn’t throw torches in with the rocks,” Matt said from behind his desk, sweat glistening on his brow. His sleeves were rolled to his elbows, and his jacket was hanging on the coatrack behind him. The August heat was already stifling, and it was not yet nine o’clock. “I spoke with the glazier. He’ll have the panes replaced by the end of the day.”

“What happened?” Powell asked, removing his own coat and taking a chair.

“Seems that a Bentley loyalist didn’t take too kindly to our challenging the chain of custody yesterday and decided to express his displeasure.”

“Or maybe it was someone who feels threatened by our change of plea.”

“Now don’t jump too far ahead of yourself, Counsellor. There was a note attached.” Matt picked up a crumpled piece of paper from his desk. “‘Curtsy⁠—c-u-r-t-s-y⁠—of Mayor B.,’” he read before looking back at Powell. “Since I cannot imagine that our rock-throwing friend is suggesting that Mayor Bentley was bowing to us from his grave, I assume that he broke our windows as a courtesy on behalf of the late mayor.”

Powell took the note from Matt. The words were printed in block letters like those of a child.

“Probably one of the commoners that live along the tracks,” Matt continued. “They loved him down there.”

“Because they subscribe to his bigoted views,” Powell said, and tossed the paper on the desk.

“Thus the reason neither you nor I would ever be elected mayor of this town,” Matt said as he twisted the corner of his mustache.

“Glad I wasn’t counting on that vote for commonwealth’s attorney.”

“You don’t want support from men like that.” Matt threw Powell a half smile. “It doesn’t come free.”

Powell watched as the clerk scooped the glass with a coal shovel and into an ash can. “I think I’m going to send Janet and the girls to her parents’ until the trial is over. Between this rock-throwing incident and Whiskers, I don’t want to take any chances should things escalate.”

“Can’t say that I blame you, but you know that Janet won’t go. Hell, I’d send Hattie to Morrisworth, but leaving her alone with Anne Marie and Bettie longer than a day? She’s probably safer at home.”

Powell chuckled along with his brother.

“And there’s other bad news.” Matt picked up another piece of paper from the desk. “John Orr sent us a note.” Powell raised his brow as Matt handed him a correspondence. “Now that we’ve altered the plea, it seems John has had a change of heart.”

Powell took the paper from his brother and quickly scanned the page: . . . morality prevents me from consulting on the Lloyd matter any further . . . no interest in returning a murderess to the community such that she can kill again. He tossed the letter back on the desk.

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