Chapter 5

After leaving the Judge’s office Amelia rode home while Ben and the boys walk down the sidewalk to the Sheriff’s office.

They walk in and up to Joe’s jail cell. Joe sees them but was surprise that Amelia wasn’t with them. “Where’s Amelia?” asked Joe curiously.

“Well Amelia can’t see you until the trial is over” said Ben. Joe narrows his eyes in confusion. “Why what happen? What did the Judge say?” question Joe.

“Well Mr. Henson was there he and Judge Longworth are forcing Amelia to testify against you. He told her that because you hit her makes her an eye witness of your aggressiveness when you were drunk” informed Adam.

“Why would Amelia testify against me? That doesn’t make any sense” said Joe confused.

“Joe she didn’t have a choice it was either testify or be thrown in jail. Amelia told the Judge that she would rather go to jail rather than testify against you but Pa he wouldn’t hear of it” said Hoss.

Joe turns to Ben in disbelief. “I’m sorry Joe I don’t want to have both you and Amelia in jail but don’t you worry we’ll do everything we can to make all this alright” said Ben.

“How Pa…How can we make this alright if Amelia is being force to testify against me?” Joe asked. “I don’t know but we will son” said Ben.

“How’s Amelia?” asked Joe concerned. “She’s upset scared that you would be angry with her. She’s mostly angry with the Judge in fact Hoss had to get her out of the office” said Ben.

“I never would want her to have to choose” said Joe feeling guilty. “I know and so does Amelia. She did her best to defend you to Mr. Henson and Mr. Longworth. Your sister loves you very much” Ben.

“Can you tell her that I’m not angry with her and that I appreciate her wanting to be thrown in jail for me?” asked Joe. “Of course” said Ben.

“Pa do you think Amelia is gonna be strong enough to take the stand. I don’t want her to worry about hurting me when she testifies. The last thing I would want is for her to feel guilty about having to testify. I would rather see her do that then to see her in jail” said Joe concerned.

“I wouldn’t worry about our sister she’s strong and you know how she is when the family is in trouble” said Adam. Joe nods knowing exactly how protective Amelia was when it came to him and the family.

“Can you tell her that I love her and that everything is gonna be alright?” asked Joe. “Sure we will little brother” said Hoss.

“We better get back to Amelia she’s waiting for us at the ranch. Stay strong son” said Ben. “I will Pa” said Joe. After saying goodbye to Joe, Ben and the boys walk out the door and over to their horses, mounted on and ride out of town.