Peck finished up by saying, “And we ask for the maximum sentence the court can mete out.”
Then he sat.
Olivia sighed. The case against Neil was so strong she could see no way out. Cara Lee reached over and patted Olivia’s hand in sympathy. Olivia gave her a small smile of thanks in reply, but inside Olivia was devastated.
After the railroad was done with their side of the story, it became Preacher’s turn. His face was grim when he stood. “Your Honor, Mr. July does not dispute the facts presented by the prosecution. He admits and accepts full responsibility for his actions of the past. But they are in the past, Your Honor. Mr. July is a changed man.”
Parker studied the Preacher. “How so?”
“The fact that he is here in this courtroom speaks to that issue.”
The crowd laughed. They all knew of the many times Neil and his brother had escaped some local jail in order to avoid trial. Parker banged the gavel and said, “That is a point well taken, Mr. Bigelow.”
Peck stood and said, “Surely this court is not going to be fooled by the old saw that Mr. July has found religion.”
Parker said, “Sit down, Peck. Bigelow didn’t interrupt the prosecution, so afford him the same courtesy, and be assured that this court will not be fooled by anyone, not even fancy lawyers from back east.”
Hearing Peck being put in his place made the crowd say, “Oooo.”
Their reaction caused Parker to shake his head and show a small smile. “Go on, Mr. Bigelow.”
“Mr. July wants the opportunity to redeem his life, Your Honor. Before turning to crime he served this country well in the Union Army as a member of the Ninth, and with the Negro Seminole scouts. In ’75, he and four other scouts were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for bravery.”
Olivia stared and Cara stared right back.
“When the government turned its back on his people and left them to starve, the men were forced to feed their families any way they could.”
Parker said, “When I was in Congress, I served on the House Committee on Indian Affairs, and I’m very familiar with the story.”
“Then you are aware of the hardships the Seminoles faced as a result of the government’s betrayal.”
He nodded.
Peck jumped up. “None of this is relevant, Your Honor. This country is filled with destitute, starving Indians—”
Parker cut him off. “One more peep out of you, Peck, and you and your cases will be irrelevant. Do you understand me?”
Tight-lipped, Peck nodded, then sat.
Parker nodded at the Preacher to continue. “Mr. July is here on good faith, Your Honor. He could have escaped after recovering from his injuries had he been of a mind to, but having given Sheriff Jefferson his word that he wouldn’t, he kept it so he could participate in these proceedings today.”
Parker asked, “What kind of injury?”
“He was shot in the back.”
Parker stiffened. “By whom?”
“A local store owner named Armstead Malloy.”
Parker looked out into the crowd. “Stand up, Mr. Malloy, if you would please.”
Malloy stood and showed his self-important self to the crowd, many of whom booed. His eyes hardened.
Parker said, “Thank you, Mr. Malloy. You may sit down. I just wanted to see who I shouldn’t have sitting at my back when we break for lunch.”
The crowd howled.
Malloy sat down in an angry huff.
“Proceed, Mr. Bigelow. Any witnesses you’d like to call?”
“Just one. Mrs. Olivia Sterling July.”
The stunned Olivia dropped her handbag. She quickly reached down to retrieve it, then stared, still stunned. No one had told her she would be testifying. She wasn’t prepared to testify, but she stood and walked with all the dignity she could muster to the chair by the judge’s desk.
Just as the other witnesses had done, Olivia placed her hand on the Bible and recited the oath. When she finished the words, she sat down.
The Preacher looked at her kindly. “State your name for the record, please.”
“Olivia Sterling July.”
“And how long have you and the defendant been married?”
“Just a few days.”
The Preacher nodded, but before he could ask his next question, the judge interrupted. “Mrs. July. I’m real surprised by you being here. Why would such a fine upstanding woman as you appear to hitch your wagon to a varmint like July?”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed. “My husband is not a varmint, Judge Parker.”
He nodded, “My apologies, but the question still stands, why?”
“The truth?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Initially it was to escape a forced marriage to a man I could not abide.”
“I see, and July was the only man available?”
The crowd laughed. Olivia smiled too. “No, Your Honor, but he was the man I picked.”
“I see. What do you do to make your living?”
“I’m a modiste and I was, until last evening, the mayor here in Henry Adams.”
Parker stared. “The mayor?”
“Yes, sir.”
Parker looked at Neil, then back at Olivia, as if he was confused. He then told the Preacher, “Indulge me for a moment, Mr. Bigelow.”
“Sure, Judge.”
“Why aren’t you mayor anymore, Mrs. July? Was your elected term over?”
“No sir, I was removed because of my marriage to Neil.”
“Weren’t you aware that that might be one of the consequences of marrying an outlaw?”
“Of course, Your Honor.”
“But you married him anyway.”
Olivia nodded.
He studied her. Then he turned to the audience. “What kind of mayor is she, folks?”
Chase said, “Your Honor, under her leadership Henry Adams is solvent for the first time since its founding in ’79.”
Cara stood. “When that bushwhacker Malloy opened up a sin palace, the taxes she’s making him pay have provided new books for the school.”
The Reverend Whitfield called out, “And a new organ for the church.”
“And equipment for my hospital,” Delbert added.
The judge studied Olivia again. “Maybe we should run you for governor, Mrs. July. Where are you from?”
“Chicago, sir.”
“And what do your parents think of your marriage?”
Eunice Sterling stood. The crowd saw her husband grab her sleeve, as if wanting her to sit, but she gave him a soft whack with her handbag. They all laughed. “My name is Eunice Sterling and I am Olivia’s mother.”
Parker said, “And how do you feel about this marriage, Mrs. Sterling?”
“I fainted when I first learned who she’d married.”
The crowd laughed.
“And then I got to meet him. He’s not a bad fellow, Judge. He made us dinner and said grace. Back east we never hear about train robbers being able to quote the Bible, you know.”
The crowd was amused.
“But he’s very tender and very protective of Olivia. If he weren’t a robber, he’d be the perfect man for her.”
And she sat down.
Then Horatio Butler stood.
Parker asked, “And you are?”
“Horatio Butler. I’m the man she was supposed to marry, and I beg to differ with Mrs. Sterling’s delusions about July. The first time I met him, he pulled a gun on me.”
Parker said, “Mrs. Sterling didn’t sound delusional to me. Why did he pull a gun on you?”
Olivia answered. “My father had hold of my arm, and Neil thought Papa was about to hurt me.”
Parker said, “We don’t go in for manhandling our women here, Mr. Butler.”
“I understand, Your Honor, but a man like him has no business running around loose. He should be locked up, the marriage voided, and Olivia made to return to Chicago.”
The crowd booed and hissed.
br /> Parker raised an eyebrow. “Ah. I see. Sit down, please.”
Parker then turned to Olivia. “Do you think your husband is a changed man, Mrs. July?”
Olivia looked at Neil. “I know he’ll never rob any more trains, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Why are you so sure?”
“Because Neil and I want a life together, and we can’t have one if he stays on the wrong side of the law.”
Judge Parker nodded. He then looked at the Preacher. “Do you have any more questions for Mrs. July?”
“Just one.”
The Preacher looked at Olivia and asked earnestly, “Do you love your husband, Mrs. July.”
Olivia looked over at Neil. “Yes. Very much.”
“Thank you.”
Olivia walked back to her seat.
The judge looked over at Neil and said, “You’re a lucky man, July.”
“I know, Your Honor.”
“Okay. I’m ready to decide the case.”
Olivia went still. The courtroom was quiet enough to hear a feather land on cotton.
“In the case of July v. all these folks, I find him guilty as charged, on all counts.”
Olivia rolled back against her seat, her hand to her mouth. Tears sprang to her eyes. The crowd stared on in shocked silence. Olivia looked back at Teresa. She had her head down, as if she, too, was reeling from the judge’s words.
Parker then said, “Sentencing will take place at three this afternoon.” He slammed down his gavel. “This court is dismissed until then.” And he walked out, escorted by Bailiff Winston.
Chapter 17
Olivia peered at her watch. It was almost one o’clock. She and her supporters were in one of Sophie’s upstairs rooms licking their wounds and partaking of the luncheon buffet Sophie had been nice enough to provide. Olivia didn’t eat much because she was too upset.
Griffin Blake walked over to where she was seated and said, “I’m real sorry, Olivia. Parker must have had his mind made up before the case started. Dix says it’s not like him to rule so quickly.”
Olivia took what little solace she could from his words and thanked him.
Jackson Blake walked over. “Your parents are asking to come in. Yes or no?”
“Yes, but not Butler.”
He nodded.
A few moments later, her parents were by her side, and Olivia stood to let her mother hold her.
Eunice’s voice was thick with emotion. “Oh, my dear sweet child, I am so sorry for you. So sorry.”
Olivia knew tears wouldn’t help, but she let them fill her eyes anyway. “It’s okay, Mother.”
“No it isn’t, but you’ll make it through. Just keep praying.”
When Eunice released her, her father stepped up. There was pain in his eyes. He held out his arms, and Olivia went to him. “Oh, Papa.”
He held her close, and Olivia cried in earnest for many things. Her father whispered, “I don’t care for him at all, but I care for you, and I know how hurt you must be.”
He pulled back a moment and handed her his handkerchief. She blew her nose and wiped her eyes. She could see her friends looking on with concern.
Her father said, “Can we go someplace and talk privately?”
She nodded.
Eunice had her own handkerchief out and was dabbing at her eyes.
Olivia told her, “Papa and I will be right back.”
Her mother nodded and gave her a watery smile. “Go ahead. I’ll be here.”
So Olivia took her father into one of the adjoining bedrooms and closed the door.
He said, “Let me start by apologizing to you for being so bullheaded about this marrying you off to Horatio. He may be a good business partner, but I know now that he is not the husband for you. In my opinion July isn’t either, but you made your pick. You’ll have to live with him. I won’t.”
He smiled, and when she did too, he asked, “Now, what will you do when July goes off to prison?”
She shrugged. “Stay here and wait for him to come home.”
“That may be a long time, Olivia.”
“I know, Papa, but I plan to stick by him.” She then asked, “What about you and Mama?”
He looked at her with confusion in his eyes. “I don’t know what’s come over her.”
“She’s lonely.”
“How can she be lonely, she doesn’t live alone.”
“She feels as if she does.”
He went silent.
“And she’s felt that way for many years. Do you love her, Papa?”
“Of course.”
“When was the last time you told her so?”
He didn’t answer.
“When was the last time you took her to the theater, or out to dine?”
“I’m a busy man, Olivia.”
“And you have always provided well for us, but Mama misses you.”
He held her eyes. “Eunice and I are in our fifties. We’re too old to be carrying on like moonstruck adolescents.”
“Says whom?”
He sputtered for a moment.
“Papa, if you love her, you need to show her, tell her, so she doesn’t go looking for those things from someone else.”
“Do you really think she’s serious?”
Olivia nodded. “I believe she is.” Olivia wanted to ask him if he’d ever made love to Eunice on the kitchen table but decided that was probably not a subject a daughter should be asking. “So what are you going to do, Papa?”
He shrugged. “Woo back my wife, of course. I certainly don’t want her to leave me, and now that you’ve explained it, I believe I understand her complaints.”
“Good, because I don’t want my parents to divorce.”
“Neither do I.” He held out his arms again and asked, “Pax?”
She went to him, hugged him tight, and whispered, “Pax.”
Peace. It felt good. They’d been at odds for nearly a year, and she was glad things had been righted between them. “Papa, did you know that Horatio made some sort of business deal and put up the money he assumed he’d get from me when we married as collateral?”
Her father stared. “Really? No, I didn’t.”
“That’s what he told me.”
Her father stepped out of their embrace and paused for a moment, as if thinking.
“What’s the matter?” Olivia asked.
“What you just told me explains a lot.”
“About what?”
“Is there a telegraph office in town?”
“Yes. Down by the livery at the end of the street. Who do you need to send a wire to?”
“There’s something I need to check on.” He kissed her cheek. “I’ll be back by three. Tell your mother to hold me a seat if I’m late.”
Olivia nodded, then the very confused daughter watched her father hurry from the room.
After the verdict, Neil had been taken to a small room on the first floor and locked in with the Preacher to await the call to return to the courtroom. Sophie had provided a small buffet, but Neil hadn’t felt much like eating.
He kept seeing the stricken look on Olivia’s face when Parker handed down his ruling, and each time it broke off more pieces of his heart. Had he been able to peer into the future when he was younger and see the pain he would cause his beautiful and gracious lady, he might have robbed fewer trains. “Thanks for your help, Preacher.”
“I didn’t do much, obviously.”
Neil didn’t want him to feel bad. “You didn’t have a whole lot to work with. I am guilty, you know.”
“I do, but I wish I could have come up with an angle to at least get you some leniency in the sentencing. As it is, sounds like he’s going to drop both shoes on you.”
“Sounds like it to me, too.” And Neil was resolved. He had nothing to be upset about. At some point everybody has to pay the piper, and his turn had come. What he hadn’t known was how many trains he’d robbed. In the old days he would have been impressed by the number
s of pins on the board, but now, each pin represented a coffin nail in his future with Olivia, and he was neither impressed nor proud. “Will you stop in and see her now and again, so I’ll know she’s not needing anything.”
The Preacher nodded. “You know I will. Jefferson will look out for her too. She’ll be fine. She’ll be worrying about you, though.”
“I know.” That was breaking his heart too.
They heard the lock turn in the door, and both men turned to see. Chase stuck his head in. “Five minutes.”
They nodded, and the door was closed and locked once more.
The Preacher said, “Will you pray with me?”
Neil said, “Can’t hurt.”
The Preacher smiled as he picked up his Bible and leafed through to the passage he wanted. “This is from the Forty-seventh Psalm.” He composed himself, took a breath, and slowly began to recite. “‘Praise ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem; he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is the Lord, and of great power; his understanding is infinite.’”
“Amen,” Neil said solemnly.
“Amen,” the Preacher echoed.
Neil was brought back into the courtroom, and this time no one cheered. It was as if the spectators were too intent upon hearing Judge Parker’s decision to do anything but sit tensely and wait. Walking to the table, Neil visually searched for Olivia, and upon finding her in her seat, he smiled softly. He could tell by her reddened eyes that she’d been crying, but her answering smile warmed his cold soul.
Judge Parker used his gavel to reopen the proceedings, and everyone in the room looked his way. “Stand up, Mr. July.”
Neil got to his feet. The Preacher stood, too.
“I’m sentencing you to seven years of hard labor at the federal prison at Ft. Smith, Arkansas.”
Gasps went up. The railroad people applauded, but Olivia was left reeling. The words rendered her frozen; numb, so numb, that all she could do was close her eyes and shake her head at the horror of it all. No! No! she wanted to cry. She looked back at Teresa, who appeared numb as well.