Don’t eavesdrop on others–you may hear your servant laughing at you. For you know how often you yourself have laughed at others.” –Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 (NLT)
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The district attorney Luther and I discussed the situation further. He said five years would probably be the most he could get and that Davy Logan might get probation due to the amputation of his hand.
“Listen, Counselor, I have two concerns. The young bucks think that they have a personal warpath against the Navaho. Both Ignacio and Coloraw have for all practical purposes kicked them out. They are on their own and it seems like they have a personal vendetta. Something they must prove, at least to themselves. My other concern is that Charlie Two-Face will take it upon himself to bring justice to these renegades. There are two families without anyone to care for their needs, plus the means in which they were killed.”
“Miles, what do you want me to do?”
“Can you give me another week? I’d like to talk with the two men some more. Blackhand is a dilemma,” I requested, then got up to get the coffeepot.
Luther was shaking his head, then a smile appeared. “People think the law is easy. But there are sometimes situations such as this, that there is no right solution. Most likely, “he paused, taking time to stroke his goatee before speaking again, “they should be tried for murder. But without witnesses…” he shrugged, “what can I do?”
He looked my direction. “We could take a chance. Hope that the jury will find them guilty and at least put them in prison,” he paused to repeat his actions with the little beard. “Of course, they may just request Judge Klaser to listen to the case and bring judgment, and…” shaking his head, “I know the Judge will want witnesses.”
“I don’t know what I can do, but at least a week.”
“That I can do without making a formal charge. But then we have to decide.”
Reaching out my hand, we shook. “Thanks Luther for taking the time to see me. I’m not happy with the way things are turning out. I’m convinced that they are guilty, and I’m not sure that any rehabilitation is possible.”
The rest of the week I moved in and out of the jail, speaking with the two men held there. Logan was in a stupor most of the time with the laudanum that Doc had given him. However, from time to time I could see his eyes flash full of hatred when he looked at me. Billy Blackhand, he could be amiable at times, then the hatred came forth from him as well.
Finally, I laid it out in front of them. “There’s a chance you may be set free.” Billy’s eyes lit up. “If you’re free to walk out of here, what will be your plans?”
He didn’t hesitate, “I will find Coloraw and ride with him as he fights and kills the white men.”
At least he was straightforward. “You won’t go back to fighting the Navaho?” I questioned.
Hesitating, I could see him working his jaws. “Only if Coloraw attacks them.”
I nodded, then I had to ask, “What will you do if Coloraw doesn’t accept you back?”
He turned his back, looking at the wall, then down at Logan. “Then you will see, lawman, you will see.”
Sighing I left the jail. Lucas glanced at me as I entered the office. I met his eyes and just shook my head…