Molly's Heart

by Marianne Spitzer

  “Thank you.”

  “If Underwood never opened the saloon, it wouldn’t have burned down, and those two women wouldn’t live above the seamstress shop. If they didn’t live above the shop, there wouldn’t be any reason to abduct them. They wouldn’t be there and neither would Underwood or his plans for a new saloon.”

  “I understand, I think. No, I’m not sure I understand. Can you repeat what you just said?”

  Alberta shook her head, “I’m not sure if I could. I know what I meant. That’s all that matters. Finish your tea. I think we should leave and organize the other ladies when they arrive at the church.”

  Edna finished her biscuit and tea then placed her cup and saucer in Alberta’s sink. She watched her friend slip on her coat and wondered what kind of distraction Alberta had in mind this time. She was grateful her husband was out of town on business. The last time Edna followed one of Alberta’s schemes, her husband came close to forbidding her to associate with Alberta. At the time, her husband decided her friendship with Alberta would help him gain a loan from the bank for hotel additions. Now, he didn’t need the bank’s help, and he might insist she break off her friendship. Perhaps, Alberta’s plan wouldn’t cause a problem today.

  “Are you coming?” Alberta called.

  Edna hurried back into the parlor, pulled on her coat and hat and followed Alberta to the church.

  They met Henrietta and Eloise on their way to the church. Alberta smiled knowing all the ladies attending the trial would make a difference.

  “Good morning, Henrietta. I’m pleased you could join us today.”

  “Good morning, Alberta. Eloise and I planned to be in court today for Molly not for whatever you have in mind. She needs to testify about the attempted break-in, and we don’t want her to feel alone. I hope you will not cause her any difficulty.”

  “Not at all. We’re here to be sure Underwood goes to prison and never opens his saloon again.”

  Henrietta sighed. “Good, we all want to see Underwood pay for his crime, but someone will come into town and open a saloon when Underwood’s gone.”

  “No, Morton is going to see that the town council passes a new ruling not allowing a saloon in town,” Alberta insisted.

  “You forget I also sit on the town council and I know none of the men will vote for a ruling against a saloon. Even if your husband and I agree we’ll be outvoted. The best you can expect is that any new saloon will abide by the building requirements and won’t be painted red or have ladies dangling over balconies.”

  Alberta harrumphed, “We’ll see. If one is built, we will make sure the men stay away.”

  Eloise stifled a laugh knowing it would take more than Alberta Willoughby to keep thirsty, lonely men from a saloon on Saturday night. She followed the other women listening to their arguing back and forth. Alberta thought with her husband’s position she could get her way in any matter, but Henrietta was a force of her own, and very few tried to go up against her except for the other three men on the town council. If they approved a saloon, there would be a saloon.

  Alberta’s scowl changed into a broad smile when she saw the group of women standing outside the church. “It appears everyone is here.”

  Judge Magarey’s’ clerk and Pastor Reynolds were busy inside the church moving the pulpit into the corner and setting up tables to turn the church into a courtroom.

  Pastor Reynolds commented, “I certainly hope the new courthouse and community building will be constructed as planned in spring. I’d prefer they hold court somewhere other than our church.”

  “Mr. Willoughby and the judge are both insistent that the courthouse will be built as soon as possible. The town has decided on the open area across the road from Callahan’s for the building.”

  “I, for one, will be happy when it’s constructed. This is the third trial since summer,” Pastor Reynolds lamented.

  “Yes, but this trial is a criminal trial. The other two involved a disgruntled groom-to-be and that poor troubled young woman who wanted Mrs. Bowen’s deceased husband’s property.”

  “Regardless, the church was turned into a courtroom. Former Sheriff Turbey nearly shot a hole in the roof to regain order.”

  “I remember Pastor; I was sitting right here in front where I’ll be today. I doubt Sheriff Clay will be as reckless. He seems to be more level-headed than our former sheriff.”

  “I hope you’re right because I can see a large group of women gathering outside already. I think the pews will be full and the more people the bigger chance of trouble.”

  “I can help with that,” the clerk suggested. “Allow them to come in early, and I will inform them of proper conduct during the trial. Many may not have attended one before and don’t realize they can’t speak out of turn, or the judge can remove them or have them arrested. The threat of time in a cell may keep them from causing trouble.”

  “I hope you’re right. I see the women are part of the group that tried to shut down the saloon in the past. They may want to voice their concerns.”

  “That may be, but their opinions have no place in the court. I will make sure they understand.”

  “I hope that’s enough,” Pastor Reynolds mumbled on his way to his office at the back of the church before remembering to let the women in before the others. He turned and strode to the doors and opened them to invite the women inside and found himself staring into the eyes of his wife.

  “Good morning, dear,” Rachel said as she strolled past him. “I was going to knock on the doors. I knew you were in there and we’re getting cold.” He stepped aside as the group of women followed his wife into the church. Deciding against going to his office, he sat in a back pew to listen to Judge Magarey’s clerk explain the rules to the group of headstrong women.

  The women sat silently and listened to the court conduct rules until the clerk explained that the only people allowed to speak were the judge, sheriff, witnesses, and Mr. Underwood. Alberta Willoughby took exception to his statement and stood, “Now listen here, young man, I have something to say on this matter. We will not allow Mr. Underwood to remain in Gentle Falls or open another saloon. The judge needs to understand this and resolve the issue today.”

  The clerk rubbed his forehead and stared at Alberta. “Mrs. Willoughby, Mr. Underwood is not on trial for owning a saloon. If he is found innocent of the charges against him, he has the right to reopen his establishment. Saloon ownership is not on trial today. If you insist on disrupting the court with your agenda, the judge will have you removed, or you could be jailed. Believe me when I tell you that you would not want to spend even an hour in a jail cell. For your own good, sit and watch the trial keeping your opinions quiet. Thank you.” He turned and walked to the small table where he would take notes during the trial.

  Pastor Reynolds smiled to himself as he started to his office. He stopped to glance at the women now quietly waiting for court to begin. When his eyes met his wife’s, he raised his eyebrows, and she gave him a tiny smile before trying to hide under her bonnet. He shook his head and disappeared through the door at the back of the church. He’d work on his Sunday sermon deciding staying close to court today might be important if the women decided to voice their objections. He didn’t want to see his wife in jail. Rachel never stepped outside the law when helping the ladies with a cause, but he knew there could be a first time.

  Judge Magarey’s clerk looked at his pocket watch and nodded to himself. He pushed himself out of the wooden chair and walked to the church’s front doors. When he opened them, a large group of boisterous men pushed past him to get a good seat for the court proceedings. They stopped nearly immediately when they saw the group of women sitting near the front on the right side of the church. Alberta Willoughby turned and glared at them, and each man removed his hat and moved quietly to a seat in a pew across the aisle from the women.

  The doors opened again, and Giles Bowen ushered his wife, Molly, Rose, and Lucy into the church. He led them to the front pew in front of t
he church ladies and told Molly to sit nearest the aisle. He’d sit next to her, and the three other women could sit on his other side.

  Giles smiled at Molly. “You’ll be all right. As I explained, Underwood refused an attorney, and he may insist on asking you questions. I believe it’s in his best interest to remain quiet, but you know he thinks he’s above the law.”

  “I still don’t understand why I’m here. All I did was hold a gun on an unconscious Willis while Joseph ran to get Ben. Boots is dead, and I never saw him that night. I can’t say he was there. What can I say to help? Underwood’s men were after Rose and Lucy.”

  “We will find out shortly, and I’m here to make sure that Underwood doesn’t cause you any distress with any of his questions,” Giles assured.

  Chapter 14

  Judge Magarey left his office headed for the church. He saw more horses, buckboards, wagons, and a Surrey—more conveyances than on any given Sunday. He shook his head and mumbled, “Another circus, I need a courthouse. I think we’ll build it three stories high. I like the idea of working in the tallest building in town.” He walked around to the side of the church and knocked on the small door that led to Pastor Reynolds office.

  Samuel opened the door and smiled, “Come in, Judge. I think your courtroom is ready. It was a bit chaotic in there, but your clerk quieted the ladies, and the men settled down when they saw all the women in the pews.”

  “Women? Why don’t they stay home where they belong? There’s no place in court for women unless they are witnesses. Let’s get this over with.” He pulled open the door and entered the church. The men applauded or whistled, and the women glared at him. Judge Magarey wondered if he could ban women from attending court in the new courthouse even though it would be a public building. No, that would never work. He should retire, but he enjoyed his work. He took his chair behind the table in the front of the church and his clerk called the court to order reminding the men and women not to speak, yell out comments, whistle, or they would be removed from the court.

  Judge Magarey spoke, “Sheriff Clay, we will begin with the charges leveled against Mr. Silas Underwood.”

  Ben responded, “There is only one charge that Mr. Underwood hired and conspired with Al Smith and Leroy Willis to break into Mrs. Sarah Bowen’s seamstress shop and abduct two women, Lucinda Crandall and Rose Fleming.”

  “That’s a lie,” Underwood shouted shaking his handcuffed hands in front of him.

  “Quiet, or I’ll have you removed,” the Judge snapped.

  “You can’t do that. I’m my lawyer. I have a right to be here.”

  Judge Magarey groaned. “All right, but I will have you gagged if you utter another word out of turn.”

  “I have a written confession from Mr. Willis. Mr. Smith now resides in the cemetery. Mr. Willis states in his confession that he and Mr. Smith were asked to abduct the two women and bring them to a farm outside of town to work as…” he glanced up at the women in the church and shook his head. “Let’s refer to them as ladies of the evening. I heard Mr. Underwood state the women worked for him and he had every right to take them to a barn he planned to use as a temporary…,” he glanced at the women again thinking this is why women should never be allowed in a courtroom. He had to think about each word he said. “let’s call it a brothel.”

  Gasps from the women filled the courtroom.

  Judge Magarey raised his eyebrows, and the women calmed.

  Underwood shifted uncomfortably in his pew. “Do you wish to ask me any questions, Mr. Underwood?” the judge queried.

  “No.”

  “Very well, Ben Clay please come forward and give us your testimony concerning what Mr. Underwood said to you while in his jail cell.”

  After Joseph had replaced Ben to guard their prisoner, Ben walked to the chair next to the judge’s table, swore to tell the truth, and repeated what the judge had said since they were both present when Underwood confessed.

  “Thank you, Sherriff Clay. Mr. Underwood, do you have any questions to ask the sheriff?”

  “No.”

  “Very well, Sheriff, thank you. Now, Mr. Underwood, do you have any witnesses?”

  “Yes, Miss Molly Sullivan.”

  Molly shuddered and gripped Sarah’s arm. “What can I say to help him? Why do I have to do this?”

  When the judge’s clerk called her forward, Giles whispered, “Tell the truth. If he gets out of control, I’m here to help you.”

  Molly swore to tell the truth and took her seat.

  Underwood, still handcuffed, walked toward her.

  “Good morning, Miss Sullivan. Did you work for me recently?”

  Molly swallowed hard. “Yes, I played the piano and sang.”

  “I know you weren’t happy just playing the piano and you quit.”

  “No, I quit because you expected me to be an upstairs girl.”

  More gasps and chuckles filled the courtroom.

  “Quiet,” Judge Magarey yelled and pounded the table with his gavel.

  Underwood continued his questions, “Were you acquainted with my head lady, Miss Jewel?”

  “Yes.”

  “Did you hear she left town?”

  “Yes.”

  “Of course, you did because you knew it was her plan for quite some time. You were to take her place before you left the saloon.”

  “No, that’s not true.”

  “Come now, Miss Sullivan. You know you wanted her job and only left my employ because I wouldn’t pay you more. The problem was solved when my saloon unfortunately burned down. Miss Jewel left town, and you came to me with your idea.”

  “What? I haven’t spoken to you since the night I quit.”

  Giles stood. “Judge, please ask Mr. Underwood to state what he is trying to say. He’s upsetting Miss Sullivan.”

  “I agree,” the judge said. “Get to the point, Mr. Underwood.”

  “Yes, your Honor. Now, Miss Sullivan you know we met and discussed a new saloon. I offered you Miss Jewel’s job, and you assured me you would supply me with girls namely Lucy and Rose. You also told me you’d have Boots help you bring the girls to the barn since you knew him and he was your best customer.”

  Molly’s mouth fell open, and it took her a moment before she stammered, “I never had any customers. Please, stop lying.”

  Underwood chuckled, “Miss Sullivan, you swore to be truthful. You know you were my best girl, and I gave you the best customers while swearing them to keep our secret. I believe Lucy and Rose would accompany you willingly. They lived with you. I never thought you, Boots, and Willis would force them.”

  A few gasps and giggles were heard coming from the women.

  Tears fell from Molly’s eyes and she wiped them away angrily. “You’re a liar. I never worked upstairs. I never spoke to Boots. Willis spoke to me a time or two to request a song when I played the piano.”

  Giles rose and addressed the judge, “Underwood’s questions are out of line. Everyone in this town knows what Miss Sullivan did and didn’t do as a saloon employee. He is trying to pass the blame from his crime onto Miss Sullivan.”

  “I agree. If that’s all you have, then I suggest you sit back down, Mr. Underwood. You can take your seat, Miss Sullivan.”

  Molly tried to smile at the judge, but her lips trembled. Ben stood with his hands fisted and grabbed Underwood by the collar and pushed him back down into his seat in the front pew.

  The judge leaned forward and glanced out at the people in the church. Each appeared to be on the edge of their seat.

  “Mr. Underwood,” the judge began. “That is an interesting defense. Blaming Miss Sullivan brings doubt to your culpability in this crime.”

  Molly stiffened in fear. The judge believes Underwood. I’ll be on trial next. What is Ben thinking? I should never have listened to him. I should’ve left town. Why did I ever think any man would love me and I could live a normal life.

  Alberta Willoughby bolted to her feet. “You can’t let him get away wit
h this. He should be hung for what he tried to do. You can’t abduct women for any reason regardless of who they are. We will not allow another saloon in this town.”

  Judge Magarey pounded the table with his gavel several times. “Sit down, Mrs. Willoughby. No one will hang; we don’t hang people in this state. If you interrupt me again, I will have you removed.”

  Alberta sat and let out a disgruntled sigh and mumbled something unintelligible.

  “As I was saying, your defense was well thought out, Mr. Underwood. I would take it under consideration if…”

  Alberta bolted to her feet again, “Oh no, you won’t. You men are all alike. You’ll side with him and allow him to build his saloon. The ladies of Gentle Falls will not allow that to happen. No more saloons in this town and certainly no more women like those two.” She pointed at Rose and Lucy. Molly cringed knowing Alberta Willoughby felt the same about her that she did about Lucy and Rose. Did everyone in town feel that way?

  “Silence,” the Judge growled. “I warned you. I think a night in jail might quiet you.”

  “You wouldn’t dare,” she snapped at him and squared her shoulders. “When we get the vote, you won’t be judge any longer.”

  “Vote?” Judge Magarey snorted. “I doubt that day will come for quite some time, if ever.”

  The men in the church hollered and whistled.

  Morton Willoughby stood and pleaded, “Please Judge, let me take her home. She won’t say another word to disrupt this court or any other. You have my word.”

  “Very well,” the Judge nodded.

  Morton Willoughby made his way out of his seat and strode over to his wife. “Get up; we’re leaving.”

  She glared at him.

  “Now, Bertie. I mean it.”

  At the sound of her nickname, the court broke out in laughter.

  Alberta stood chin in the air and answered, “All right.” She grabbed Edna and pulled her behind her as she followed her husband out of the church.

  When the church doors closed, the Judge banged his gavel again to get everyone’s attention. “It appears everyone has given their testimony in this case. Usually, I take the time to go over the testimonies, but I believe enough evidence has been given in this case.”