Chapter 17 - The Longest Mile to Caldwell
Josephine testified against Silas.
So did Marshal Crowe.
So did three former employees who finally found courage once the ledger became public evidence.
Silas was convicted of cattle theft, fraud and conspiracy connected to multiple violent crimes.
The investigation into Amos’s death continued, but Josephine no longer needed every answer to move forward.
She visited Amos’s grave before winter.
Walker went with her.
Sam sat in his arms.
Josephine placed wildflowers against the stone.
“I loved him,” she said.
Walker nodded.
“I know.”
“I always will.”
“I know that too.”
She looked at Walker.
“You're not jealous?”
“Of a good man who loved you?”
“No.”
Walker looked at the grave.
“I'm grateful he did.”
Josephine cried then.
Not from pain.
From relief.
She had believed loving Walker meant betraying Amos.
Walker showed her it didn't.
Love did not erase what came before.
Sometimes it simply gave grief somewhere softer to rest.
They walked back toward Caldwell together.
One mile.
Josephine thought it might have been the longest mile of her life.
Because halfway there, Walker stopped.
He removed his hat.
May you like
Then, to her astonishment, dropped to one knee.
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