Chapter 4

The Cartwright walks into Judge Longworth’s office and was surprised to see Mr. Henson who was a tough prosecutor in the territory.

“Amelia thanks for meeting me. Nice to see you Ben, boys” acknowledged the Judge.

“I heard Little Joe got himself in some trouble” taunted Mr. Henson.

“As usual you only heard what you wanted to hear. Little Joe was framed and I wouldn’t put it pass you or the Judge that you had something to do with it” accused Amelia disgusted.

She disliked the Judge and prosecutor very much. Unlike everyone in town she knew that the Judge and prosecutor were crooked when it came to law and order and that they only cared when it benefited them.

She knew what trick they would play and that they would stoop down to any level to get what they wanted. Amelia knew how much they loved the fact that a Cartwright was in jail and how much they were itching to toil with her family about it.

“I always admire your spunk Amelia not to mention that Cartwright charisma” flattered the Judge trying to show her that they came in peace.

“Cut the crap! Why did you want to see me?” asked Amelia in a nonsense mood.

“Since Little Joe is gonna be put on trial I am ordering you to testify against him” said the Judge firmly.

Amelia looks at her Pa and brothers then at the Judge. “Sorry to disappoint you your honor but there is no way in hell I’ll do that. I refuse to take the stand and testify against my brother. I won’t hurt his defense or hurt his chance of being proved innocent because that’s what he is your honor INOCENT!” said Amelia persistent.

“You can’t force Amelia to testify it’s a conflict of interest” pointed out Adam. “Besides there is no way a Cartwright would testify against another Cartwright” added Hoss.

“We don’t care she is going to testify” said Mr. Henson being very adamant. “Why does she have to testify?” asked Ben trying to keep calm.

“Because while your son was drunk he became violent and hit Amelia making her an eye witness to Joe’s drunken aggressiveness” the Judge stated.

“Without her testimony we don’t have a strong case against Joe” said Mr. Henson.

“So you’re forcing her to testify in order to have a strong case as you put it against my brother?” demanded Adam furiously.

He didn’t like to have his brother and sister being force to go against each other especially since they had made amends.

“First of all it was an accident and Joe would never in a million years intentionally hurt me. Second, even if I do testify against Joe you still won’t have a strong case because Joe is innocent” informed Amelia.

“You don’t have any proof” stated Hoss. “With your sister’s testimony will be all the evidence we need” said the Judge.

“If the jury is convinced that Joe would hurt his sister then he could hurt anybody” said Mr. Henson.

“I’m not testifying you can’t force me. There is no law that says you can force someone to testify against their will” declared Amelia.

The Judge and the prosecutor eyed each other and exchange a smug smile. The Judge then turns to Amelia folding his hands on his desk.

“Let’s put it this way Amelia you have two choices; either testify or go to jail” said the Judge.

“YOU CAN’T DO THAT! THAT’S BLACKMAILED!” bellowed Ben angry pointing his finger toward the judge. Adam puts his hands on his father’s shoulders to hold him back.

“I can and I will” threaten the Judge turning back to Amelia. “So what’s it gonna be” he asked impatiently.

“You know what Judge you go right ahead throw me in jail. I would rather be locked up in a cell than to hurt my brother… actually I would rather go to hell” said Amelia obstinately.

“Hold on I won’t allow too have two of my children in jail. I’m sorry Amelia but you’re gonna hafta testify” said Ben

Amelia looks at him horrified. How could he let her do that to Joe? Adam and Hoss were just as shock as Amelia was.

“Good now that is all cleared there is one condition” said the Judge. “You won’t have any contact with Joe until the trial is over”.

“Damn it! I knew there was gonna be a catch” thought Amelia

The Cartwright’s especially Amelia was astonished. “That ain’t fair Judge! Joe is my brother I have to be able to have contact with him” said Amelia. “Sorry Amelia I can’t let that happen or it would be a conflict of interest” stated the prosecutor.

“A CONFLICT OF INTEREST What are you crazy! It’s a conflict of interest for me to go near my brother but not to testify against him. That’s a double standard Judge! YOU CAN’T DO THAT!” exasperated Amelia.

Amelia glares at the two men with disgust. “You two shouldn’t be involved in the courts. You two are nothing more than low down crooked scoundrels in this entire town”

“If anything happens to Joe I’ll make sure you two get everything you deserve for this. I’ll make sure you don’t see the light of day…I’ll” she hollered as Hoss grabs her before she finish her threat and they storm out of the office.