Chapter 25
The remainder of the week was spent searching the railroad offices, and then Ben made a second pass through Simon Rassbach’s space. However, his investigation was interrupted early Saturday afternoon when Arlo Grosspointe rushed into Rassbach’s office.
“Come on, boy. The stage just rolled in, and you’ve got trouble,” the postmaster and telegraph operator rushed to say.
“That mean what I think it does?” Ben asked as his stomach began to churn.
“Three men in fine suits and a young woman that’s looking mighty uncomfortable,” Arlo answered. “Gave them directions to the hotel, but it was a good thing your office is locked up tight. Otherwise, they’d have snatched those boys and got right back on the stage. Heard ‘em say so with my own ears.”
“You seen Judge Lemke?” Ben questioned as he locked up Rassbach’s office and hurried down the boardwalk.
“Not since I dropped that telegram on your desk this morning,” the older fellow answered, breathing heavily as they passed the bakery on the corner.
“Good. That means he’s still upstairs reviewing the evidence we’ve compiled so far.”
“Slow down, Ben. Stop a minute and think,” Arlo pleaded, tugging at the Sheriff’s arm. “Linus Wright’s office is just across the street, and you’ll need his help. You might uphold the law, but Linus can give you the ammunition you need.”
Halting in mid step, the worried husband acknowledged Arlo’s suggestion. Alright, but you head on back to the post office and keep an eye out for those strangers. I don’t want anyone going in or out of the jail. I’ll talk to the attorney.”
Why he hadn’t already consulted the lawyer, Ben couldn’t fathom. Then his mind began to ramble . . . Sheriff Danbury’s death, a posse, a trial, a hanging, Rassbach and his gang . . . and the list went on. “Should have made time,” he contradicted, silencing the inner voice trying to excuse his lack of foresight.
“Talking to yourself, Sheriff?” Attorney Wright questioned when Ben looked up.
The startled man snapped his lips together when he realized he’d entered the lawyer’s office still jabbering to himself. “Sorry, Linus. But I need your help, and I don’t have a lot of time to explain.”
Pushing away from his desk, the attorney shoved his arms into his coat and stuffed a hat onto his head. “You can save yourself a bit of explaining, Sheriff Chauncy. Arnold Danbury was a friend, and he sought my advice before taking Miss Sherman as his bride.”
“Then you have a good idea of what just rolled into town?” Ben sought to confirm.
“Can’t say as I know Gerald Matthews, but I have enough details to understand the complexity of your situation.” The lawyer paused as he gathered several files and a writing tablet. “I will also tell you the same thing I told Sheriff Danbury. The law will favor Mr. Matthews unless you can give them a compelling reason otherwise.”
Ben growled, “That man paid Roseanna’s mother so he might forcefully sire four children on my wife. Then, he left them all in impoverished circumstances. What kind of man would do such a thing?”
Laying a calming hand on the Sheriff’s forearm, Linus Wright answered, “You don’t have to convince me, Ben. But you need to understand – the courts will uphold a father’s rights unless there is a substantial risk to the children’s safety.”
“I’m sorry, Sheriff. But I’ll need to recuse myself from this case,” Judge Lemke apologetically explained later that evening. “Attorney Wright has made first contact with Mr. Matthews and his attorney on your wife’s behalf. When they present their request to me, I will schedule a hearing. If they file the appropriate paperwork with me on Monday, I can possibly stall until Wednesday. After that, it will be out of my hands. I will send for the circuit judge in the next county. Then it becomes a waiting game.”
“You can’t help us?” Roseanna tearfully whispered.
“I am sorry, Mrs. Chauncy. I am doing my best, hence the recommendation that the two of you marry. However, as I am working closely with the Sheriff on the case against Simon Rassbach, my impartiality could be called into question if I try to hear this custody challenge. And, it might be small consolation, but I will be a reliable witness on your behalf when the case is heard.”
Ruing his station in life, Ben wrapped a comforting arm around Roseanna’s shoulders as she wept. “Is there anything we can do to improve our chances?” he carefully questioned around the lump in his throat.
Linus Wright looked up and sighed. “Character witnesses, like Judge Lemke, will help. You can expect the judge to request a tour of your home and ask some very personal questions – especially since you are so recently wed.
“Roseanna, your appearance and demeanor with the children will be called into account as well as your character. Mr. Matthews will try to discredit you. But try to remain calm and factual in your statements. Hysterics will only call into question your stability.
“Your sons are too young to provide any feedback, and I’ll try to block any direct questioning by the plaintiff.”
“It is completely hopeless, isn’t it?” the devastated mother asked. “Mr. Matthews will take everything from me, won’t he?”
There were days Linus hated the law, and that feeling had never been stronger as he tried to console the desolate girl. Still, he wouldn’t lie, and his silence said more than words ever could.