Chapter 13 - The Trial of Red Mesa
Harcourt's second trial attracted newspapers from across the territory.
Elias wanted nothing to do with it.
Unfortunately, everyone wanted something to do with Elias.
The mysterious outlaw falsely accused of robbery.
The cowboy who survived.
The sacred spring.
The burned settlement.
Newspapers exaggerated everything.
One reporter claimed Elias had defeated thirty gunmen alone.
Aayoka found that hilarious.
“Thirty?”
“I stopped counting.”
“You hid behind a water trough.”
“It was tactical.”
“You fell into it.”
“Still tactical.”
Despite the humor, serious matters remained.
The land hearing began.
Railroad representatives wanted access.
Government officials wanted surveys.
A mining company suddenly produced an old claim.
Aayoka sat through days of arguments about land her family had occupied before any of those companies existed.
Elias watched her frustration grow.
Finally she stood before the commission.
She did not shout.
She did not beg.
She told them what Red Mesa meant.
Water.
Burial grounds.
History.
Home.
Then she placed the rescued records before them.
Evidence of generations.
Judge Webb supported the claim.
Major Mercer testified about Creed's weapons operation.
Amos produced trading records decades old.
The ruling did not solve every injustice.
No single hearing could.
But the fraudulent claims were canceled.
The railroad route was moved.
And Red Mesa received legal protection that prevented private seizure while broader agreements were negotiated with Aayoka's community.
Outside the courthouse, Aayoka breathed deeply.
“Is it over?”
Elias smiled.
“I've learned never to ask that.”
She laughed.
They returned home.
May you like
This time nobody followed.
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