Morgan shook his head and tilted back his hat. “I can’t trick you, can I? I have a hard time believing a woman riding with Davis Jenkins all those years wouldn’t earn her keep, but of course she was Jenkins’s woman.”
She clutched her hands tightly in her lap. She desperately wanted to believe Morgan had a good reason for the questioning. Later she’d find out why. Now she needed Leroy’s statement.
Contempt spread over Leroy’s face. “Jenkins just thought he owned her, but I knew better. She hated him.”
“Would you be willing to write a letter stating what you just told me?” Morgan said.
Bless you, Morgan. I’m so sorry.
“I don’t read or write good.”
“The guard will write down what you say, word for word. Then he’ll read it back to you. You can make a mark, and he’ll witness it.”
“Got it all figured out, don’t you?”
“I meant what I said. I’ll tell the warden you helped me. He’s already assured me of recommending parole,” Morgan said.
Leroy swung his attention toward her. “Ma’am, I don’t know what you see in this lawyer, but if I were you, I’d stay away from the likes of him.”
Thank you, Leroy.
A short while later, Casey and Morgan took in the fresh, fragrant air of a California winter day. For a while, she thought the stagnant smell of the prison had penetrated her whole body. And Leroy Wilson—she’d forgotten how he never bathed. But right now she could kiss him.
“I’m sorry about the questioning,” Morgan said. “We simply needed additional character references. He hates me for a good reason, and he got a full measure of my bitterness.” He paused. “I made sure he got a stiff sentence. At the time I felt hanging was too good for any of Jenkins’s gang. I wanted them to suffer . . . for Kathleen.” He patted her hand. “But yesterday’s gone. We have today and all the tomorrows we’re allowed.”
The sun seemed to shine a bit brighter, or maybe it was God’s blessings illuminating their souls. Morgan whistled a nondescript tune while they walked to the ferry that would take them across the bay to San Francisco. There, Jocelyn waited at a hotel. Casey leaned into his strong shoulder. “I admit I was ready to come after you myself. I shouldn’t have gotten so upset without waiting for an explanation. You were wonderful.”
He chuckled. “Wonderful, huh? I thought you might tear me apart right in front of Leroy and the guard.”
She smiled. “I strongly considered it. Fought it really hard.”
He planted a kiss on her forehead. “We’ll wade through this mess, and it will be worth it.”
“I can’t wait to tell your mother.”
“Yes, ma’am, anything for my lady.”
The train ride back to Kahlerville proved uncomfortable. The black soot settled upon their clothes, and the food tasted terrible. But for Casey, it was a time of victory. With Leroy’s testimony safely tucked in Morgan’s satchel, she had hope.
“I think we’re having an early Christmas,” Morgan said one morning midway through the journey home. “I think we celebrated early.”
“I agree,” Jocelyn said. “I’m anxious to get back home and start baking, but what you two received from Mr. Wilson is the finest gift.”
“Thanks, Mama.” Morgan turned to Casey and gathered up her gloved hand. “I wanted a Christmas wedding, like the reverend suggested, but I guess I’ll have to wait.”
Casey felt her pulse race, not in anticipation of the wedding, but in eagerness for all the legal matters to be over. Perhaps someday she’d busy herself with thoughts about Christmas baking, gifts, and family celebrations. But not yet.
Chapter 27
The few days before Christmas brought a chill to the morning, and sometimes the crispness lasted all day. The difference in the weather left a feeling of expectation in the air. Or perhaps it was the time of year. Casey realized so many things in her life were about to change. She wasn’t convinced the changes would be for the best, but for now she’d celebrate all those blessings that God had given.
Sarah grew worse. Every day that ticked by drew her closer to the end. Casey prayed she would not pass away before Christmas. Just a few more days, Lord. Let her have this one last Christmas with the reverend.
Casey pasted on a smile and looked for things to brighten the ill woman’s day. She made sugar cookies and let the smell waft through the house, although dear Sarah could not eat even one. The reverend