Morgan took her hand and led her into the parlor. She trembled from the excitement. He moved one of the cream-covered lace pillows and sat on the sofa. Her heart pounded and her pulse raced. He pulled out a folded piece of paper from inside his coat pocket.
“Is it good news?” A fluttering in her stomach reminded her of butterflies—hatching.
“What do you think?” he said. “Do you honestly believe I would interrupt your evening if I didn’t have good news?” He shrugged. “Of course, I interrupt most evenings.”
Casey tried to ignore the anxiousness rippling through her body. “Morgan, I can’t wait much longer. Please read it to me.”
“I have two items to report.”
She held her breath.
“Can I have a kiss first?”
She leaned over and lightly touched her lips to his. “Please.” She immediately caught her cross words in midair.
“I’m sorry,” he said. “This is important to both of us, and I’m teasing. First, I found my old marriage records from Billings that place me there the same day the land office was robbed. So the records seal my testimony. And this letter came.” He opened the folded piece of paper. “Would you like to read it?” He handed her the paper.
She pushed it back to him. “No. You do it. I’m too nervous.”
“To tell you the truth, I have it nearly memorized. Governor Ireland has taken into consideration all the documents we presented. He deliberated over them for several days before making a decision. With your willingness to reveal confidential information about the outlaws, he has agreed to drop all charges against you in the state of Texas.”
Casey laughed and cried at the same time. “I can’t believe it finally happened. And this means I won’t be wanted for any crimes in this state?”
Morgan nodded. “I didn’t want to bring this up before, but the problem lies in the alleged crimes from other states. You could still be forced to stand trial for each charge. By law, a state has a legal right to demand extradition. In other words, a state has the right to demand that you be turned over to them.”
“If they find me.” That thought brought little comfort even in light of the pardon.
He picked up her hand. “Understand once the word is out about your pardon, lawmen from all over will be swarming like angry bees to find you.”
“But I don’t understand. I’m willing to work with them.” Melancholia welled up inside her. Had Governor Ireland’s pardon made matters worse?
“The governor knows this and recommends we take your file to President Arthur as soon as possible. A meeting has been arranged with you and a federal marshal. A marshal is due here in three weeks. The governor feels we will be successful in receiving a full pardon from the President with your willingness to give information.”
She shivered. “I wanted the opportunity to help. I prayed for this. But I’m afraid for you, your family, and our friends. I know it’s selfish, but I’m afraid for myself.”
He lightly squeezed her hand and looked into her face. “Not if this is handled properly.”
“Do you think meeting with the federal marshal is a better way than standing trial for each accusation?”
“Definitely. Standing trial and casting your fate upon a jury is like throwing dice. Who knows what kind of mood they’d be in or who may have bribed them? The whole thing could last months, even years. This way, the marshal can hear your sincerity. He will already have viewed the testimonial letters. Also, he won’t have any idea you live in Kahlerville. I’d prefer you lead your conversation toward whereabouts in another part of Texas. I don’t want you to lie. Just not offer every bit of information.” He paused. “I want to protect you, so don’t say anything that could be twisted and used against you unless you’re asked specific questions.”
“I understand.” She sensed warmth rise from her neck to her cheeks. This had to work.
“When this is over, you’ll have a clean record with the law. You’ll be a free woman.”
The mere thought of freedom tempted her enough to do anything the President or the governor or the federal marshals asked of her. Morgan slipped his arm around her shoulders as though he read the many thoughts racing through her mind.
“Will Ben’s effort to help me look like he kept an outlaw from being exposed?”
“Not at all. Ben’s reputation for keeping the law in this part of the state cannot be disputed. He’s highly respected.”