As she held the paper, Journey noticed it was folded. With careful fingers, she opened it wide – and her mouth dropped open. There stood Reno, the love of her life, looking exceptionally handsome. Alive and well. The part of the photo that disturbed her was the very attractive young lady hanging off his arm. It was disgusting how happy the strange woman appeared as she clung to Journey’s husband. “Who the hell are you, tramp? And why are you smiling?”
* * *
“Do you think you can use this information to help us, Mr. Wallace?” Reno asked as he and Gentry sat across the desk from the esteemed lawyer.
He cleared his throat and rubbed his forehead. “As of a few hours ago, my associates were still verifying some of the details and conducting interviews. If I was able to present this evidence, the answer is yes. I believe I’d be able to gain Cole’s release.”
“Well, hallelujah!” Reno was ecstatic. His heart soared with relief and exultation.
“Not so fast,” Wallace tapped the marble-topped desk. “I said if I was able to present the evidence.”
“What would prevent you from doing so?” A niggle of uncertainty crept into Reno’s mind.
“First, I need to know where this information came from.” He waved his hand over the extensive, explicit notes.
Reno looked at Gentry who gave a slight shrug of uncertainty.
“I hired a private detective.” Unfortunately, he was becoming quite adroit at lying on the fly.
Wallace held Reno’s eye for a long space. “Must have cost a pretty penny, these witnesses are spread out all over the country.”
“I was motivated. I refuse to let my brother be executed for the crime committed by a man whose every action has been one of revenge against me and my friends. If you need more information on Jubal Pierce, I’ll tell you anything you want to know. The only thing I can’t produce is the man himself, he’s been dead for almost a year.”
“Yes, I’m aware.” He let out a long breath, still seeming to be bothered by something. “Well, there’s a problem.”
“What problem?” Reno felt his heart rise into his throat in panic.
“As we were conducting our interviews, word of our actions got back to members of the military tribunal. I don’t have to tell you how beloved General Winthrop was to his men and all those who knew him.”
“Yes, I know this to be true, but that fact doesn’t change the truth of Cole’s innocence in the matter.”
“No, but Winthrop has multitudes of loyalists and several of them sit on the tribunal. I just received a telegram that your brother’s case has been placed under conditions of martial law, which overrides any civil law or function. The military tribunal has declared the matter settled. There will be no trial. Cole’s execution has been moved up and will take place in two days.”
Reno jumped up. “Well, what are we waiting for?”
Wallace held up his hand. “I’ve already called for a carriage to carry us to the train station. Transport will meet us in Raleigh to take us the rest of the way overnight. I have requested an audience with the tribunal for tomorrow afternoon.” He sighed heavily, obviously concerned. “Black, I’ll give this my best effort, but I can make no promises. Until we arrive, I won’t even know if they’ll grant me an opportunity to address the assembly. The tribunal is obviously prejudiced against your brother.”
“Only because they haven’t heard the evidence,” Gentry pointed out with hopeful confidence.
“We’ll see.” Wallace rose to gather his things.
“Oh, sir. One thing.” Reno approached Wallace’s desk. “Have you received a package for me or my friend, Gentry Nelson? It would’ve come from Boston. It’s very important.”
Wallace waved toward the front office. “I wouldn’t know. You can speak to my law clerk.”
With a glance to Gentry, Reno did as Wallace instructed. “Excuse me, sir,” he spoke to the young gentleman manning the desk. “Has a package been delivered for Gentry Nelson or Reno Black? The return address would be in Boston.”
“One moment, I’ll check.” The clerk squatted behind the desk to check through a mound of mail. “No, sir. No package from Boston.”
Reno froze. He felt the strength leave his body like water through a sieve.
Suddenly, Gentry stepped up with a gold piece in his hand. “This package is of utmost importance. I would appreciate it if you would personally see that it is shipped, post haste, to King’s Ransom Ranch, Kingsland, Texas. In care of Sir. Gentry Nelson, Duke of Montagu.”
The clerk beamed. “Absolutely, Your Highness. I’m honored to be of service.”
“Thank you, Gentry.”
As Gentry directed Reno to the carriage, he clapped him on the back. “What’s the use of money or a title if you can’t use them to help a friend?”
CHAPTER THIRTY
“There’s a package for you, sweetie.”
“Thank you, Aunt Myra! It’s probably those blank labels I ordered.” Journey called as she finished writing a new essential oil recipe for hair loss. “Now, let’s see…five drops each of cedarwood, rosemary, lavender, and thyme. Mix this combo with eight teaspoons of olive oil, blend well, and rub into your scalp at each shampoo. Extra note: Can also be used for dandruff control.” She finished the directions with a flourish. “There.
