Copper Chameleon

  *****

  Okay, let’s start at the top again.” The sheriff questioned Ann for what felt like the hundredth time. “You borrowed money from Keith Roberts as a business arrangement. You Ma’s brass tub was the collateral for the loan. You had an accident, missed a payment, and Mr. Roberts rightfully took possession of the item for collateral.” The law officer shook his head. He had no doubt the terms of the loan had been less than reputable, but when dealing with someone like Roberts you just had to turn your head the other way quite often. Roberts was the type of man who craved power, had enough money to prey on the less fortunate, and still manage to turn the tables to where the situation benefitted only him. Heck, Sheriff Johnson was in debt to the lender himself and if he crossed paths with him, well, he didn’t want to think about that possibility. It was too bad this young lady had developed the misfortune taking out a loan with the man. The consequences could not be good for her but around here; it’s every man for himself. Times were hard and no one was going to cross Roberts. Sheriff Johnson hated himself for what he was about to say because he had known Ann and her Father for a long time, but the situation was out of his control. He had his own family to worry about. “Well Miss Ward, I’ve already talked with Mr. Roberts and he showed me the contract bearing both your signatures. I suggest you quietly honor the terms and conditions you two agreed upon and just pay up. You know how it works around here, and if I go bending the law for one person, everyone will expect the same favor. That’s not fair to Mr. Roberts either. He has the good faith enough to loan people around here some money during hard times, and he can’t be expected to not collect his dues, now can he? One good man has already lost his life over this situation. I suggest you just pay up and keep quiet about it. It’s what you agreed to with him. You should’ve never signed your life away if you couldn’t pay the loan.”

  Her face flooded with crimson just knowing Sheriff Johnson had read that contract. “But I just missed one payment because of the accident. I’ve been knocked out, and Ralph...”

  “Miss Ward, it seems Mr. Williams stormed wrongfully into Mr. Roberts’ home and place of business making threats. A fight broke out. According to Mr. Roberts, Williams initiated the violence and he was just protecting himself. All I have here is a signed contract and Roberts’ word against a dead man’s actions. That contract is legally binding in this town. That’s it.”

  Dirk’s heart broke as Blaze Ann emitted a quiet sob. There was more here at stake than a brass tub he was willing to bet, and he was going to get to the bottom of it.