“You were called to the gravesite of this man we now have identified as Harp Munson. What did you find?”
“The victim had been buried about three feet deep in soft dirt. The body had deteriorated to the extent little was left but the skeleton and clothing.”
“You did find something else of significance?”
“A bullet was found in the skeleton.”
Hawkins plucked a bullet from the evidence table and held it up to the jury and the spectators before handing it to Dr. Jennings. “Is this the bullet?”
The coroner fingered the bullet. “It is. I put a mark on it when I retrieved it.”
“We have an affidavit confirming this bullet is the type that might have been fired from this gun.” He pointed to the rifle.
“Now, due to the condition of the remains, we can’t tell exactly where this bullet went, however, you can surmise, using other evidence. Tell us about that.”
Dr. Jennings shifted his bulk. “Both the vest and the shirt of the victim had a bullet hole in them.”
Hawkins took the time to hold up the boards on which those garments were pinned. He took it to the jurors to show them. “Dr. Jennings, was there any other indication this bullet killed Mr. Munson other than the fact it was found in the chest cavity and made bullet holes in the clothing?”
“There was. A chip off the left shoulder bone indicated it struck there before hitting vital organs.”
Mr. Ward finally came alive. “Has the bone been introduced into evidence?”
“It has,” Hawkins retrieved a bone segment from the table. “I was getting to that.”
“I’d like to examine that.” Mr. Ward strode forward and took the bone from Hawkins. He returned it after a few seconds. “Continue.”
“I think that concludes my questioning,” Hawkins said. “Do you wish to cross-examine?”
Mr. Ward had almost reached his seat. He turned sharply. “Yes, I do.”
He took the bone in one hand and the vest in another and faced the witness. “Where would this bone be located in relation to the heart?”
“It’s located rather high on the shoulder. If it went straight through at that angle, it would have missed the heart altogether.”
“Would you take this bone and show me on the vest where it might have been located.”
The coroner took both bone and vest and positioned the bone a little above the vest hole.
“But that’s even higher than the bullet hole,” Mr. Ward said. “How could it have struck the heart?”
“Bullets can, and often do, ricochet when hitting a bone. As you can tell the bone is chipped. The bullet didn’t go straight through on its original trajectory.”
“But you have no way of knowing what direction it took. No other bone was struck.”
“No, that’s true. We can only take a preponderance of the evidence and draw conclusions.”
Mr. Ward stood there staring at the vest for so long the judge interjected, “Do you have any other questions for this witness?”
The lawyer’s head jerked up like he’d been interrupted from deep thought. “I do. Dr. Jennings, I notice a tear in the vest and shirt lower than the bullet hole. What caused that?”
“Likely from the roots or possibly worms.”
“I see. That’s all, Dr. Jennings.”
“Your Honor,” Hawkins interjected, “I have one more question for Dr. Jennings.”
When the judge nodded his approval, Hawkins plucked the bullet from the table and, holding his hand out in front of him, tossed it again and again into his palm. “Mr. Ward has questioned whether this bullet killed Mr. Munson or not. Is it possible, Mr. Munson was not dead when he was buried?”
Dr. Jennings shifted, taking a few moments to consider the question. “It is indeed possible. As I told Mr. Ward, we can’t tell exactly what killed the victim and can only make a reasonable conclusion.”
Holding the bullet high above the tabletop, Hawkins let it drop with an audible ping. His gaze roved the jurors’ box. “So, it is very possible Miss Kendal buried the man… alive.”
This was met with ill-suppressed gasps, and Hawkins passed the defendant’s bench with a satisfied smirk.
Those jurors who’d paid Juliette little attention until now stared at her as somberly as undertakers. All the goodwill the favorable news stories Rhyan had managed to get out in the last few days fizzled.
Jake’s jaw clenched, then reminded himself he had to remain calm for Juliette’s sake. But it sure was hard when he wanted to get up and give that smart-aleck prosecutor a piece of his mind. Juliette slanted him a gaze, and he fixed a smile in place. On the other side of her, Mr. Ward’s features remained as unflinching as the granite face of Stone Mountain.
“It’s getting rather late,” the judge said. “We’ll adjourn until nine o’clock tomorrow morning.” He gaveled off.
Jake took Juliette’s arm and led her through the crowd to the outer room. Sheriff Greer appeared. “I’m sorry, Miss Kendal, but you’ll have to stay in the cell tonight. There are too many watching.”
Miss Lydee glanced back. “We’ll keep her well-hidden, sheriff. You know that.”
“No, that’s all right, Miss Lydee. I don’t wish to get the sheriff in trouble. He’s been very kind.” Juliette’s eyes met Jake’s, though she spoke to Miss Lydee.
Jake squeezed her shoulder. “Just one more night, my Juliette, and you leave with me.” His words carried conviction, but none of them could deny the damning evidence that came out this afternoon.
The men gathered in the O’Grady sisters’ parlor while the ladies scurried off to take care of their café, taking Thad with them to run errands.
“Where do we stand?” Jake asked. It was time to get down to brass tacks, and he wanted to be assured Mr. Ward had a strategy to vindicate Juliette.
Rhyan sat in a wing chair and hunched over his knees. “All those witnesses testifying that Munson told them he feared to go to sleep in the house with Juliette wasn’t good.”
“No,” Mr. Ward said, shoving his hands in his pockets and rocking back on his heels. “But it was a stroke of good luck that the trial ran over into tomorrow.”
“How’s that?”
“I just got notice my star witness has arrived. I was sweating, fearing she wouldn’t get here in time.”
Jake sent a knowing glance from Rhyan to Mr. Ward. There could only be one person he was waiting for. “Mrs. Darlington.”
“That’s right. I’m going to pick them up and bring them here. Miss Lydee said she has rooms available.”
“Them? Corky and Annie came?” That would make Juliette feel better. “You think I can see Juliette tonight and let her know.”
Mr. Ward looked aghast. “Absolutely not. No one must know they’ve arrived until I call the witnesses, least of all Miss Kendal.”
“Juliette would object to Mrs. Darlington testifying about Annie, and she might fire Matt, even at the last minute,” Rhyan said.
Jake started to object that she wouldn’t do that, but he knew how adamant Juliette was to protect Annie’s reputation. The lawyer was right. She must not know.
Chapter 27
Jake took Juliette’s breakfast to her the next morning. She was sitting on the cot, reading her Bible when he entered with the sheriff. The door screeched open and, as it clicked shut, he handed her one of the plates. He bent to brush a kiss on her forehead before perching beside her and balancing his plate on his knees.
She laid the Bible aside, her smile going straight to his heart.
“Are you feeling all right this morning? I’m sorry as I can be you had to stay in this place.”
“I’m not. Actually, I slept better last night than I have in a long time. I kept reminding myself you love me and God loves me, so what do I have to fear, regardless of what happens in court today.”
He cupped her chin with his free hand and pressed a tender kiss on her sweet lips. “You’re an amazing woman, and it’ll take me a lifetime to than
k God enough for catching me in that trap so I could meet you.”
Her laughter lifted to the ceiling. “I wonder what our children will say when I tell them I caught their papa in a bear trap.”
For the first time she spoke like one who believed there would be children. He joined in her laughter, wanting to talk about that, but time was passing. “We’d better eat. It’ll soon be time to go.”
“Will you bless the food?”
“I will, but I’m not used to praying out loud.”
She took his hand. “Since you’re going to lead our family, you’ll have to get used to it.” It took a moment for him to digest that. She was speaking of a future. His prayers had already been answered.
He kissed her hand and bowed his head. “Lord, you know I’m not good at words like this, but you know our hearts. We thank you for our food, our daily substance, friends, each other, the air we breathe. I hate to keep repeating myself, but please send us your peace during this time of trial and let the truth come out. Especially, thank you for bringing Juliette and me together, and keep us together, Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.”
She reached up to kiss him on the cheek, tears shining in those clear blue eyes. “That’s about the most beautiful prayer I’ve ever heard.”
They’d barely finished the breakfast of grits and ham and red-eye gravy when the sheriff came to get them. As they made their way to the courtroom, he wondered at Mr. Ward’s wisdom in keeping today’s proceedings secret from Juliette.
She was bound to be shocked.
***
Juliette recoiled as they entered the courtroom. People packed every square inch today, men and women, two and three deep standing along the back walls. Rhyan and the O’Grady sisters were already in place, but the hum of conversation made it hard to hear their greetings as Jake and Juliette took their seats.
Mr. Ward slipped in beside Juliette. The lawyer’s grin, the spark in his eyes, and the set of his shoulders told her the lawyer was pleased about something, and he was loaded for bear. That was enough to calm her nerves.
Like the sudden silence of a stopped train, the voices quieted when the judge entered. He wasted no time calling the court to order. “Are you ready for the defense, Mr. Ward?”
Matthew Ward stood. “I am, Your Honor. I call for my first witness, Mrs. Rhoda Darlington.”
Juliette’s fingers tighten on Jake’s arm, her wide eyes seeking his. He held onto her arm, probably fearing she’d jump straight up. “It’s all right,” he whispered. “Just trust Mr. Ward. He knows what he’s doing. And if he doesn’t, God does.”
Yes, but was God in this?
Mrs. Darlington took the oath and stated her name and credentials.
Mr. Ward paced in front of her, seemingly conferring with his notes. “Mrs. Darlington, how do you know the defendant?”
“I was called to the Sollano ranch in Nebraska to diagnose her thirteen-year-old sister’s inability to speak. It was thought she was struck mute by hysteria.”
“And what were your findings?”
“That she suffered from temporary hysteria but has now recovered.”
Annie had recovered? Joy brought Juliette to the edge of her seat. Had she heard right? She glanced to Jake, who smiled, and this time it didn’t look forced. Why had he not told her? Annie was well.
Mr. Ward continued his pacing, then stopped in front of Mrs. Darlington. “You have served on the staff of several insane asylums. Would you say that Miss Kendal’s sister, Annie, is now sane?”
“She’s never been insane, Mr. Ward. A traumatic event brought on her hysteria, but just as your heart returns to normal after a fright, a person’s faculties can return to normal after hysteria.”
“What was the event that brought on Annie’s hysteria?”
Juliette would have leaped to her feet if Jake hadn’t held her back. She shook her head, tears stinging her eyes. No, they must not announce what Harp did to Annie. This was why Jake hadn’t told her.
But it was too late. Mrs. Darlington answered in a clear, impassioned voice, “She was violated by her step-father.”
Juliette’s chest squeezed. The court erupted, and she snatched a glimpse at the back of the room. All those reporters were writing furiously. This shameful revelation would follow Annie wherever she went.
Mr. Hawkins came forward waving his arms. “Your Honor, I object. We concede the murder victim was a despicable man, however, this trial is to determine the guilt of his murderer. He’s not on trial for his crimes. This trial has nothing to do with what may or may not have happened to Miss Kendal’s sister.”
“If it please the court, Your Honor,” Mr. Ward said. “This trial has everything to do with her sister. Mrs. Darlington’s testimony is necessary to prove my client’s motivation—and her innocence.”
“Overruled,” the judge snapped. “Sit down, Mr. Hawkins.”
Juliette buried her head in her hands, unable to control the tears.
“That is all. You may cross-examine.”
Hawkins had not yet gained his seat, and he turned like he was ready with a question, then stopped as if unprepared. “No questions at this time, though I may have questions later.”
“Very well, you are excused Mrs. Darlington,” the judge said. “Call your next witness, Mr. Ward.”
“Thank you, Your Honor. I now call the only witness to Harp Munson’s murder other than the murderer himself.”
Juliette’s head jerked up, finding all eyes directed toward her. Surely Mr. Ward didn’t intend to call her. She’d told him no.
“And it isn’t Juliette Kendal,” Matthew Ward said, making eye contact with her. “Mrs. Darlington, would you bring the witness from the anteroom?”
Mr. Ward came to Juliette’s bench. He leaned in and spoke to Jake and Rhyan. “You two know what to do?”
“We’re ready,” Jake said.
Ready for what? Juliette searched his features, but he just smiled and squeezed her hand. Gasps from the spectators pulled her attention away from Jake. Mrs. Darlington had returned. With Annie. Juliette couldn’t find her breath.
The nurse spoke to Annie, who nodded and strode to the witness stand. As she passed, Juliette reached out her hand and Annie turned to her. “I’m all right, Julie,” she said and headed to the stand with her head held high.
Her sister spoke in a perfectly normal voice. Juliette was both elated and apprehensive.
Annie took the oath with all the poise of an adult, then faced Mr. Ward. “Your name is Annie Kendal, sister to Juliette Kendal, is that right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Now, Annie, I want you to be assured I’m not going to ask you anything about what happened before you heard the gunshot on the day of Harp Munson’s death. Where was Mr. Munson at that time?”
“On the floor of the parlor…on top of me.”
The judge had to restore order when more gasps and cries arose. Juliette realized a cry had broken from her throat.
With order restored, Mr. Ward continued. “When you heard the shot, what happened?”
“Harp fell on me and I managed to get away.”
“Did you see your sister?”
“Yes, she was in the hallway that led to the kitchen.”
“What did you do?”
“I ran to my bedroom and bolted the door behind me.”
Mr. Ward retrieved a drawing from the evidence table. “I want to show the jurors the position of Annie’s room in relation to the parlor and the unusual bar on her door. You’ll notice the room opens to the parlor.” He gave the drawing to the jurors so they could see it showed a bar held in place with thick planks, such as doors were barred in medieval times.
“Why was such a stout bar on your door, Annie?”
“I put it on myself to make sure no one could enter. I kept it barred if Harp was in the house.”
“There was something else unusual about your door, wasn’t there?”
“Yes, I bored a hole along the planks so I could peek o
ut and see who was in the parlor.”
“Did anyone else know about the peephole?”
“No, I don’t think so.”
“But after you bolted yourself inside on the day in question, you looked through the hole, what did you see?”
“Harp was lying on the floor, face down. Juliette came to stand over him for a few moments, then she ran back out through the kitchen.”
Juliette couldn’t believe how calm and confident Annie sounded. And devoid of emotion.
“Then what happened?”
“After a little while, but only about a minute I guess, a man came in.”
Whispers got too loud for the judge, and he beat the gavel loud enough to break it. “Order in this court. I’m going to clear the room if I hear anyone except the witness and the counselors.”
“Your Honor,” Hawkins broke in. “I object. This girl has been traumatized as the nurse testified. Do we know she is of sound mind?”
“The nurse testified she is as sane as any other girl her age, and she’s of an age to know truth from make-believe and right from wrong,” Mr. Ward said.
“Overruled. The court wants to hear what this young lady has to say. She’s testifying as an eye-witness, and she’s frankly doing so with poise and dignity, something I can’t say for these spectators.”
Juliette noticed out of the corner of her eye Jake and Rhyan rise and slip out the side. Why would Jake leave her now when she needed him?
Mr. Ward seemed to be conferring with his notes, but Juliette knew the man well enough by now to suspect he was stalling until Jake and Rhyan had cleared the room. “Did you know the man, Annie?”
“No, sir.”
“What did he do?”
“He got down on the floor with Harp and shook him, and Harp tried to raise up and said, ‘She’s done shot me. Get me to a doc.’”
“Did the man help him?”
“I thought he was going to. He put his hand on Harp’s back, and then—” For the first time, Annie showed emotion. She cleared her throat.
Escaped (Intrigue Under Western Skies Book 4) Page 24