That got the crowd riled up into another uproar, but this one was of cheers.
“Please ... let me continue.” The judge put his hands on his lapels. “It seemed right, since the good Lord above has blessed me with this gift from my dear friend, that I offer the forgiveness of debt to each of you.”
Funny how the man was trying to sound humble and yet his chin lifted with every word. Was he trying to win favorwith the town so he could go on manipulating like Judas? His chest puffed out with every cheer from the crowd.
“It is my heart’s desire to see our beautiful town of Nome prosper in the coming years. And Reynolds’s Shipping and Freight will continue to be a cornerstone of our home.”
John leaned over to Peter. “Somehow I don’t think Beck is any less corrupt than Judas.”
The crowd cheered for the man on the stage.
Peter shook his head. “I have a feeling you’re correct.”
Since they were at the front of the room, it would be hard to sneak away with Whitney as he’d hoped. But she’d brought the dogs to town for him so they could drive them home together.
That was good. It would give him the opportunity he’d been praying for.
He pulled his watch out of his pocket and watched the second hand tick around the face.
“Just a minute, Beck!” A booming voice from the back caught everyone’s attention.
The sheriff stood there, holding a paper high. Two deputies stood at his side.
The hall hushed as the three men strode to the stage and joined Judge Beck.
The man went ashen.
When the sheriff made it to the center of the stage, he held out the paper again. “This here is a telegram from the sheriff of Portland, Oregon, stating they have verified that a man named Cain Reynolds—a preacher—is the brother of one Judas Reynolds. Judas’s only living relative and thus––” he pointed his words to the judge––“Judas’s sole heir.”
This sent the crowd into another tizzy. Peter leaned back.Judas had a preacher for a brother? How had the man turned so corrupt?
“Simmer down.” The sheriff didn’t need a lot of help getting their attention. “Now, in this telegram, it states that Cain Reynolds wishes to forgive all debt owed to Judas Reynolds, and for his company to be sold to the highest bidder. All proceeds shall be sent to Portland so he can build a new church and provide Bibles for anyone who wants one.”
As the crowd cheered, the two deputies grabbed the judge.
“As for you, Judge Beck, you are under arrest for falsifying legal documents, theft, and a number of other allegations that have come to our attention.”
Peter looked at John. “Good guess.”
As the sheriff escorted the judge off the stage, the crowd scattered and the noise grew around them. The sheriff broke off from the others and approached John. “Mr. Roselli. Might I have a word with you and your family?”
“Of course.” Havyn’s husband waved them all to gather.
The sheriff nodded to the women and then to each of the men. “Ladies. Doctor. Beaufort.” He smoothed his mustache. “Judge Beck came to me earlier today stating that he had legal claim to your farm. Showed me the deed. Rest assured, it’s clear it’s a forgery.”
John held out a hand to the lawman. “Thank you, Sheriff. When Reynolds first showed it to us with the judge, we knew it couldn’t be real.”
“Happy to be of service. I look forward to the day when our town is rid of the corruption.” The sheriff placed his hat on his head and walked away.
This was his chance. Peter offered a hand to Whitney. “Care to take the ride in the moonlight now?”
“I’d love to.”
He nodded to the rest of the family. “I’ll have her home at a decent hour. I promise.”
He walked her through the mass of people and out to where her dogs and sled sat. “Your chariot awaits.”
Whitney’s bright laugh rang through the night. She set her feet on the footboards.
