The judge’s eyes crinkled, as though sizing him up even in that single exchange.
“Good,” he said. “Allow me to introduce myself. I am Judge Mayflower. I’ve come from Denver with the proper documentation. The deeds...they are to be signed and stamped today. You and Miss Abigail shall be officially recognized as the owners of Eagle Rock.”
Abigail’s hand went to her mouth for a moment, and Brigg let out a low whistle.
“Well, I’ll be damned,” he muttered. “Finally, someone’s putting ink to paper that makes sense.”
Anthony let the weight of the moment settle over him. The legal recognition of Eagle Rock had been a dream that had been delayed, threatened by Vanburgh’s schemes, and nearly stolen by corruption.
Now, here it was, tangible and official, brought by a judge with the authority to make it real.
“You’ve no idea how long this...how long it’s taken,” Anthony said quietly, more to himself than anyone else. He looked at Abigail. “But it’s finally done. All of it.”
Abigail gave a soft nod, her eyes glimmering. “We’ve earned it. And now it’s ours.”
The judge approached the porch, the lawmen lining up behind him. He lifted a hand in greeting and gave a small nod toward Anthony.
“I understand there’s been...considerable disruption here,” he said. “Some of it violent. But it appears the law, at least in some form, has been upheld.”
Anthony allowed himself a faint grin. “If you call surviving bullets, chaos, and a stubborn deputy up here ‘law,’ then yes. Some form of it.”
Judge Mayflower’s lips twitched, perhaps in amusement or acknowledgment. “I have read reports,” he replied. “Sheriff Muldoon is in custody, and Vanburgh...well, his days of holding this valley by fear are over.”
“That’s right,” Anthony said. “All of them. The ridge is safe. Eagle Rock is ours, legally and physically.”
The judge glanced down at Abigail, who straightened slightly. “And you, Miss Abigail, are recognized alongside Mr. Hawk,” he said. “The deeds name both of you. You have full authority over the property and its management. Nothing shall impede this, legally speaking.”
“That...that’s a relief,” she said softly, her eyes glancing at Anthony. “Finally, it’s official.”
“I knew you two had it in the bag,” Brigg said, smiling. “Took a judge from Denver and a posse to make it stick, though. Fancy paperwork.”
“Bureaucracy has its uses,” Anthony said. “Though I’d have preferred a simpler solution. Less paperwork, more shooting...” He glanced down the street, where the scars of the last week still lingered. “Though it seems we had plenty of that already.”
The judge produced the appropriate paperwork from a leather portfolio, moving carefully as he laid it out on the porch railing. The lawmen spread around him, keeping an eye on the street while maintaining order.
Anthony moved forward, brushing a bit of dust from the papers before examining them. “All here?” he asked, his voice low, more to himself than anyone else.
“Yes,” the judge replied firmly. “I just need to sign the original deed. Other than that, each seal, signature, and stamp is here. You and Miss Abigail are the lawful owners. Any challenge would be illegitimate and swiftly dealt with under the law.”
Anthony nodded, feeling the weight of the papers in his hands. The texture of the parchment, the authority of the seals...it was tangible proof that all the work, risk, and bloodshed hadn’t been for nothing.
Abigail leaned in, her hand brushing lightly over his. “We did it,” she said softly. “Finally.”
Anthony allowed himself a small, rare smile, the first unguarded expression he had shown in days. “Yeah,” he said, his voice quiet. “Finally.”
Brigg leaned forward on his elbows, still pale and bandaged but with a gleam of humor in his eyes. “Well, don’t get too sentimental,” he said. “You’ve got a lot of work ahead. Eagle Rock isn’t going to run itself.”
Anthony’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “Don’t worry. We’ll figure out how to manage it. But for now, let’s enjoy a quiet moment.”
Judge Mayflower stepped back slightly, nodding to Anthony and Abigail. “I will stay long enough to ensure the transfer is complete,” he said. “Then I must return to Denver with the certified copies. Any further legal complications can be directed to my office.”
Anthony glanced toward the town below, Silver Cross slowly returning to its regular pace. Shops were reopening, townsfolk cautiously emerging, whispers still circulating about the past week’s events.
He could feel the tension easing, though the memory of the battle and the shootout remained fresh in his mind. “Good,” he said. “We’ve had enough excitement.”
Abigail allowed herself a long breath, finally settling back onto the porch beside him.
Brigg leaned further back against the railing, wincing slightly but smiling. “I suppose the judge can’t do anything about my grumbling,” he muttered.
