Reno studied the faces of the tribunal members, searching for any sign they were being swayed in Cole’s favor. He couldn’t tell, their experience and training kept their expressions unreadable.
In closing, Wallace expounded upon Cole’s record. He told stories of his honor and devotion, holding up the medals he’d won for bravery in the line of fire. “This man’s only crime was the desire to see his brother and to fulfill his father’s dying request. In a departure from normalcy. I’m going to ask Cole Black’s brother to come forward and tell his version of what happened on the battlefield at Five Forks, the day that Frederick Winthrop was shot and killed.”
Reno swallowed nervously. This was a total surprise. He wasn’t prepared. Nevertheless, he stood on shaky knees to speak for his brother. Following directions, he came forward and placed his hand on the Bible, swearing to tell the truth. “My name is Reno Black, and Cole is my older brother. We were raised on the banks of the Tennessee River near the town of Knoxville. I worshiped the ground my older brother walked on, and we did everything together – fishing, hunting, playing boyish games, and dreaming of days to come.” Reno saw Wallace spin a finger, telling him nonverbally to speed up his testimony. He gave a slight nod, then cleared his throat before he began to speak again. “Our father decided to leave our mother to return to his family in Boston. He decided to take Cole and to leave me.” He didn’t explain why, most would figure it out just by looking at the two of them. “This separation was hard on the whole family. We didn’t see one another for years. When my mother died, I sent my father a telegram. He didn’t come, but Cole did. We buried her together. Once more, we were separated. I didn’t see my brother again until the day he approached me on the battlefield. He’d come to tell me that our father was dead and to give me a letter saying goodbye. We weren’t together more than five minutes. He hugged my neck and then he was gone. Cole’s contacting me might well have been unwise, but it was totally innocent. We didn’t meet on the battlefield as soldiers, we met as brothers.”
“Thank you, Mr. Black. You may take your seat.”
When Reno rejoined Gentry, the Englishman put a comforting arm around his shoulders. “You did good. I’m sure Cole is proud.”
Sure enough, when Reno looked toward his brother, he could see the love and pride shining in his eyes.
After another bang from the gavel, the members of the tribunal filed from the room to make their decision.
While they were gone, Wallace came to tell Reno that he’d done his best, but he had no idea how the tribunal would rule.
The intervening minutes felt like hours as Reno hung his head and prayed. He begged for mercy for Cole and strength for himself. He prayed Governor Pease would make the right decision to stop the senseless massacre. And while he was speaking to the Almighty, he also asked for the impossible. “O, Lord who dwells outside the bounds of time, where a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years a day. If it be Your will, please allow me to see my Journey again.” With a whispered Amen, Reno acted on his faith and left his problems in the hands of God. Clay and Kota would have been proud.
A few minutes later, his faith became sight.
Cole was declared innocent and after four years in prison, Reno watched his brother walk out of the courtroom a free man.
* * *
Despite the rough stagecoach ride, the journey home from North Carolina was a truly joyous reunion. The brothers talked nonstop for hours. Gentry was at their side, sharing in their joy, yet giving them the time that they needed to become reacquainted.
“So, tell me about King’s Ransom,” Cole urged. “I want to know every detail.”
Proud to speak of the land he loved, Reno began to paint a picture with words. “Our little piece of Texas is a magnificent place. Wait until you see the endless rolling hills, the white limestone, the pink granite, and the sparkling blue water.”
“Sounds like home to me.”
Reno thought a minute, then agreed with a laugh. “Yea, I guess you’re right. There are some definite similarities. The hills are higher in Tennessee, but the lay of the land in central Texas will remind you of our old stomping ground.” He clapped his brother on his shoulder. “You’re going to own a piece of it too. The Captain deeded me a hundred acres and I’m going to share the gift with you.”
“Oh, I don’t want to take your land, Reno. I want to work for my own.”
“You will, but I want you to have this too.” Now wasn’t the time to explain to his brother about his plans, especially when he didn’t have a clue what they were himself.
“I just can’t believe I’m free.” Cole stared out the window, taking in the broad open spaces. “I’ve been locked in a cell for so long, the world seems like it’s gotten a lot bigger.” He looked up to the heavens. “The sky seems a lot taller than it used to be.”
Reno laughed at his sense of humor. “You’re going to be fine. I can’t wait for you to see everyone. You’ll remember Clay and Boone. You might even remember Kingston. The Ramsay’s lived across the river from us. Of course, he was rich, and we were poor. Our families didn’t mix, but our paths crossed a few times over the years.”
“I look forward to getting to know them all. If nothing else, I owe your friends a great debt for taking care of you all
