Chapter 12 - The Truth Rides Into Town
Calder’s trial brought them back to Tucson.
Witness after witness testified.
Ranchers.
Merchants.
Former employees.
Chayton.
Thomas.
Aayoka.
She stood before the court and described how Calder had used marriage, debt, and intimidation to obtain control.
Silas Mercer had disappeared months earlier.
Then, unexpectedly, he returned.
Not to threaten her.
To testify.
Calder had cheated him too.
Mercer admitted the proposed marriage had been designed primarily to secure Aayoka’s property.
His testimony destroyed what remained of Calder’s defense.
Calder Boone was convicted on multiple charges and sentenced to years in territorial prison.
Outside the courthouse, Aayoka stood beside Elias.
“It is really finished.”
“Yes.”
She looked at him.
“What are you afraid of now?”
“Nothing.”
She raised an eyebrow.
“Liar.”
Elias sighed.
“Losing you.”
Aayoka took his hand.
“You cannot prevent that by refusing to love me.”
“I know.”
“And loving me does not guarantee I stay.”
“I know.”
“So?”
“So I’m learning.”
She squeezed his fingers.
“Good.”
They returned home together.
But they still maintained separate homes.
Some people found that strange.
Neither cared.
Their relationship belonged to them.
Not to expectations.
Not to fear.
May you like
And certainly not to men like Calder Boone.
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