“Good, then perhaps you can tell me exactly what he did in San Francisco. According to a great deal of people, Burton spent most of his time there.”
Abbilene squeezes her eyes shut and vibrates with pain. “He was keeping the Mill in orders. Selling, buying, and talking to investors. Why?” she demands, and he shakes his head.
“I’m asking the questions, Mrs. Gilbert. You need to answer them.”
“I don’t understand what you want me to say, Sheriff. Burton traveled frequently. What is this about?”
“Don’t play innocent. Everyone knows that you and Burton were having marital troubles. Are you and Sterling in a relationship?” he accuses and watches the outrage flash across her face.
Abbie jumps to her feet “Don’t be ridiculous! I honored my husband and kept our vows.”
Tucker leaps to his feet and steps closer to her. “When you found out about the women in San Francisco, you must have been angry. Maybe angry enough to burn down the Mill for insurance money?”
Sterling storms into the room just as her slap rings out. “Get out of my home! How dare you accuse Burton of being unfaithful to me!
“Enough!” Sterling shouts and runs to step in front of Abbie. “You heard her! Get out of our house!”
Tucker turns his anger on Sterling, and he backs up a step, surprised by the fury in his eyes.
“Our house? So, you admit to having a relationship with Mrs. Gilbert?”
“What? Of course not!” He stammers. “She only just buried her husband.”
“Yet, you claim her home as yours. Perhaps the two of you were working together to claim the insurance money.”
“Stop it!” Abbie shouts, and both men start in shock.
“Abbilene…” Sterling tries to interject, but she’s heard enough.
“I’ve had enough of both of you! Sterling go home. I can handle the Sheriff. You don’t live here!”
Disapproval gleams in his eyes and he storms from the house. “The Mayor will hear about this, Sheriff!” he shouts and slams the front door on his way out.
Abbie watches Tucker follow him to the door to make sure Sterling leaves. She stamps down her fury as she takes in all the information that was thrown at her.
“Once, I called you friend, Tucker, but you are dangerously close to losing that title.” Her soft voice has him turning.
Tucker levels a glowering look at her, reminding himself that the beautiful woman in front of him is no longer the young girl he had a crush on. He straightens to his full height and smirks.
“I was charged by the families who died in your husbands Mill to uncover the source of the fire.”
“I understand that, Sheriff. I’ve answered your questions. Now, you can answer mine.” She stomps close to him, sorely tempted to slap him again. “What do you know about San Francisco?”
Tucker turns away and grabs his cowboy hat. “Everything will become clear tomorrow. He hands her a paper with a date, time, and address.
“What is this?” she takes the paper with trembling hands.
“It’s the reading of Burton’s will. His lawyer is in town. I think they were waiting until you were ready. It’s time.”
Frustration has her grabbing his arm. “You’re driving me crazy! You come here, make horrible insinuations about my husband and accuse me of murder. I’m not a violent person, but I’d really love to hit you again, Tucker Manning!”
Flushed with fury, she is a sight to behold, Tucker thinks. He almost smiles but is smart enough to hold that back. “There is the light, keep it burning Abbs. Things are going to get tough.” He strokes a finger down her cheek, startling them both.
“I don’t understand,” she whispers.
“You will need to harden your heart,” he sighs and steps back from her. “From what I understand you’ve hired Artley to represent you. Bring him with you. I’m sorry, I can’t say more.” Regret shines in his eyes, confusing her.
“I have a job to do. Make sure to bring your boyfriend with you,” he teases.
“Will you be there?” she asks suddenly.
“Do you want me to be?”
“Yes,” she replies instantly, surprising them both. “I have nothing to hide and if it helps end the rumors then you are welcome.”
Tucker nods, “I’ll be there,” he turns seeing himself out, and Abbie stares after him.
Tucker steps outside and lifts his face to the gentle autumn breeze. He closes his eyes and whispers a prayer, “Father, please don’t let this be true.”
Chapter 11
Fairmont Courthouse is a three-story, red-brick structure with a dome extending thirty feet above the roof. It is a beautiful building but intimidating to Abbie.
She glances down the street, finding comfort in the sight of the general store and the bakery that she knows so well. At the end of the road sits the Fairmont Church, and as she stares up at the cross, a cloud crosses the sun.
As if sensing her nerves, Sterling guides her gently with a hand to her shoulder. “This shouldn’t take too long, Abbilene, then perhaps we can go to lunch.”
The secretary at the main desk tells them to go up to the third story where the offices are located. Abbie is nervous as they take the elevator up and Sterling smiles at her.
“I’ll take good care of you, Abbilene,” he promises.
Abbie shudders and closes her eyes in a silent prayer, asking the Lord to take control. Exhaustion beats at her. No matter how much sleep she gets, it’s never enough. The world has lost its color, and her spirit is weary.
Sterling leaves her when they step from the elevator to speak to the secretary. She shows them into an office with a long table and multiple chairs.
“Please take a seat, Mr. Cochren will be right with you.” She leaves quickly only to return a moment later with Artley
