by Karen Cogan
The sheriff laid a hand on Clem’s shoulder. “You did the right thing. I sent a telegraph to Ouray this morning to see if Martin had deposited money there. Turns out he put in the exact amount that’s missing from the bank.” He stared hard at Martin. “I wonder how that could be.”
Martin’s anger broke like a dam of pent-up hatred. “This town owed me,” he spat. “With the mines closing there was no need of the stamp mill. I was losing money, money I’d worked hard to get. I decided right then and there I was never going back to the way I lived in Kerry Patch.”
The sheriff raised his eyebrows. “So you’re admitting to the robbery and to the murder of two men?”
Suddenly realizing what he had said, Martin grew recalcitrant. “I’m admitting nothing.”
“No matter. I have enough suspicion to lock you up until the judge gets here.”
The sheriff left Martin under the watchful eye of his deputy while he unlocked the cell that held Collin. “Son, you’re free to go. Sorry I had to lock you up on the word of this sorry snake.”
Collin grabbed his hat and shot out of the cell as if he was afraid it would pull him back.
Martin took his place. His glare from behind the bars made Kathleen shiver. If looks could kill, they would all be dead.
She turned to Clem. “We owe you a tremendous debt. And Polly, too, for convincing you to talk.”
Clem smiled sheepishly. “It was the right thing to do.”
The sheriff patted Clem on the back. “I’m gonna go round up those two hooligans that run with Long. We’ll put them behind bars, too, so we can keep you safe to testify.”
Collin and Kathleen walked out with Clem.
The sheriff headed off to make his arrests.
“Maybe you’d let us take you and Polly to supper at the hotel,” Collin suggested.
Clem grinned. “I’d like that. I’ll see if I can get Polly to go.” He set off towards Blair Street.
Collin turned to Kathleen. He grinned. “Now that your wedding to Martin is off, will you spend the rest of your life with me?”
Kathleen rose onto her toes to meet his lips. “I already gave you my answer.”
“And your father?”
“He knows some of the truth about Martin. He won’t be hard to convince.”
Collin took her hand. “Let’s go tell him the rest of the story.”
She smiled up at him. She had come to Silverton looking to start a new life. She had found it with a man she could cherish and respect. And she would love him from this day forward and forever more.
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May God’s glory shine through
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