CHAPTER
13
Iknew you’d want to hear this news right away,” Judge Winters told Caleb.
Kenzie didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but she was mending some clothes at the opposite end of the table from where Caleb and the judge sat. If they had meant for their conversation to remain private, she presumed they would have gone to Caleb’s office in the warehouse.
“So nearly all of the work we did was for naught?” Caleb asked.
“We can’t look at it that way. Just because so much of the physical record was burned in the fires, it doesn’t mean we can’t still see Ruef behind bars.”
Caleb shook his head. Kenzie had never seen him look so defeated. “But now we’ll have to start over.”
“Not exactly. Some records remain, and there is still the driving force of Spreckels and others who want to see Ruef pay for what he’s done. President Roosevelt has appointed Special Prosecutor Francis Heney to help us. That, along with Spreckels’ pledge of a hundred thousand dollars, will put strength behind our mission.”
“It just seems like we’ve been pushed back so far that we’ll never be able to overcome. Especially now. Schmitz and Ruef want to play benefactor to the city. They’re doing whatever they can to come out on top, and unfortunately, people are buying into their act.”
“Caleb, it doesn’t change the fact that Ruef has taken money to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars, maybe even a million or more, to turn a blind eye to unsafe building practices. A great many buildings crumbled to rubble in the earthquake and fires due to substandard building materials. That isn’t just going to fade away unnoticed. It’s the talk of every anti-Ruef committee.” He patted Caleb’s shoulder. “Have faith. That’s what you’d tell me.”
“You’re right, of course. It’s just not going to be easy. I thought we were close to seeing something accomplished.”
Judge Winters got to his feet. “I have a feeling we’re closer than you think. But now I must be on my way. I have some court business to deal with this afternoon.”
“Let me walk you out,” Caleb said, standing.
“No, don’t bother. I know you’ve got plenty to tend to, as I recall you plan to move today.”
Caleb nodded. “Temporarily, at least. I’m not sure what the future holds. Judith and I have discussed living here once we get it set up properly. With the earthquake, things were rather hectic, and now we’re back to this political nonsense.”
“Don’t let this business with Ruef rob you of joy in your young lady. The future holds good things, son. Of that I’m convinced. Keep your faith in God rather than the people of this world. You won’t be disappointed in Him. And never fear, I’ll be praying.”
Caleb squared his shoulders. “I know you’re right. Thank you for everything.” He shook the judge’s hand. “I appreciate your mentoring and prayers.”
The judge bid him farewell and left. It wasn’t long, however, before a loud knock sounded on the warehouse door. Kenzie watched as Caleb went to answer it. She stiffened at the arrival of yet another bouquet of flowers from Arthur.
“Kenzie?” Caleb said her name as more of a question. “Do you want to receive these?”
She shook her head and joined the men. She reached for the card and read it.Please let me come to you. My heart isn’t whole without you. Love, Arthur.
She shook her head again. “Take them away. Give them to one of the hospitals, or better yet, the makeshift orphanages. Children need to see pretty flowers too.”
The delivery man frowned, but when Caleb handed him a dollar, his countenance perked up. “Yes, ma’am.” He turned without another word and departed, taking the ostentatious arrangement with him.
“You have to speak to him sooner or later,” Caleb said.
Kenzie nodded. “I know. I just don’t know what to say to him.”
“Tell him the truth. Tell him you aren’t in love with him anymore.”
She looked at him, her eyes narrowing slightly as she frowned. “How do you know that?”
Caleb’s black mood seemed to fade. “It isn’t that hard to see. I know you love Micah. You might have loved Arthur at one time, but I don’t think that’s the case anymore.”
“But did I kill that love based on what happened? If so, and it was all lies and deception on the part of Arthur’s family, then maybe I was wrong to do so. I just don’t know.” She felt the same confusion rise up again.
Caleb took her arm. His touch was light as a feather. “Kenzie, do you really think it’s possible to kill true love? Think about it for a minute.”
“I’ve done nothing but think about it.” She shrugged. “I was so overwhelmed with grief after Arthur deserted me—or I thought he had. I wanted to die because I couldn’t believe he no longer loved me. It tainted everything in my life.”
