steady in the palm of her hand with her thumb pressed against the
barrel. She found Donald quickly, he was sitting at the end of the
fourth row next to the aisle on her side of the courtroom. He was
close, very close, and as she watched him, he gave her a barely
perceptible nod before turning his attention to the deputy guarding the
side door on her left. She understood what he was telling her and
looked at Bell.
The judge took his seat, adjusted his flowing black robe, and squinted
at the assembly. They still appeared to be a little unnerved, and he
decided to give them another minute to recover.
'Marshals, you can holster your guns, ' he ordered. 'Which one of you
is Daniel Ryan? ' 'I am, Your Honor.' The judge motioned him to the
bench. 'You sure cut it awfully close getting here, ' he remarked.
Daniel didn't offer any excuses or explanations. 'Yes, Your Honor, we
did.'
'I happen to know a great deal about you, son, because I make it my
business to find out everything I can about men like you, and I have
only one thing to say. It's an honor and a privilege to finally meet
you.' Daniel didn't know what to say in response. The judge had
already turned his attention to Cole. 'What's your name, Marshal? '
'Cole Clayborne.' Rafferty nodded. 'I've heard a tale or two about
you as well. Of course, I know the stories can't possibly be true. '
'I'm sure they aren't, Your Honor, ' Cole answered, wondering why the
man wasn't getting to the urgent matter at hand. Cole kept glancing at
Daniel to make sure he was still in control. He noticed the way Daniel
was watching Bell, and knew that wasn't a good sign.
The judge rose to address his assembly. 'All right now. I've given
you enough time to soothe your ruffled feathers and settle down. From
this point on, I don't want to hear one peep out of any of you. If I
do, I swear I'll order these fine marshals to escort you out the front
doors.' Silence resulted from his firm decree. Rafferty turned to
Jessica and sat back. 'Young lady, who are you? ' 'My name is Jessica
Summers.'
'State your business with this court.' She took a step closer to the
center of the bench and looked up at the judge.
'I witnessedt' 'I'm your witness, ' Rebecca screamed.
'I'm telling the truth, ' Jessica insisted.
'She's lying, Judge, ' Rebecca countered. 'I was there.' Heads turned
back and forth from one side of the courtroom to the other as
accusations were volleyed. Daniel crossed behind Jessica and handed
the judge a paper.
