Black Ransom by Stone Wallace Read Free Book Online Page B

slowly toward the bars of his cell. He took one look at the greasy concoction of eggs, ham, and a buttered biscuit and instantly determined that he had neither the stomach nor the inclination to eat. He’d had little interest in food since the day he was arrested, merely picking at the meals provided, leaving most on the tray. His loss of appetite was made evident by how his clothes had started to hang loosely on his frame.
    The sheriff had also brought along some coffee. Ehron Lee accepted the beverage, reaching for the tin cup through the bars of the cell. The coffee was cold and strong, and he consumed only a mouthful before handing it back to Buck.
    He said little that morning, his thoughts focused on what the day ahead would bring. It was difficult for him to feel optimistic about the outcome. Out of spite, his sister-in-law had taken to bad-mouthing him all over town, her accusations blackening his character and surely prejudicing the citizens.
    To add to his doubts, Ehron Lee wasn’t much encouraged by his lawyer. Addison Telborough had been court-appointed since Ehron Lee had no funds to speak of, and he appeared to have prepared his case in a perfunctory manner. Maybe it was because of his downcast mood, but to Ehron Lee it seemed as if Mr. Telborough was just a little too persistent in reminding him during their visits that he didn’t have much of a defense. Maybe he was trying to brace his client for the probable outcome . . . or perhaps he was simply preparing to justify his own lack of success when the verdict was delivered.
    In any case, Ehron Lee truthfully couldn’t fault him; he knew his chances at acquittal looked slim. He also understood that he really had only one hope, and that was finding Albert Patterson, the man from whom he’d bought the property and who could at least provide some credibility to Ehron Lee’s claim. Unfortunately, despite Telborough’s assurances that this search was being undertaken, Ehron Lee felt distinctly that no effort was being put into trying to locate the man.
    Adding to Ehron Lee’s discouragement was the knowledge that the county prosecutor was a man with a large number of convictions to his credit. He wasn’t from Justice and would be riding into town from the big city to provide his service to the people.
    Still holding the tray of food that Ehron Lee had refused, Sheriff Leighton said, “Well, since you ain’t up to eatin’, might as well make yourself presentable for the trial.”
    Accompanied by Deputy Bert Stradd, the man responsible for his capture, Ehron Lee was taken in handcuffs to the livery stable, where the manacles were removed and he was allowed to bathe in a trough filled with fresh water. Outside of a few basin washes done in his cell, this was the closest Ehron Lee had come to cleaning himself since before his arrest. He had to bathe quickly. By the time he finally emerged from the trough, the water was quite filthy, but he felt at least a little refreshed.
    Escorted back to the jail, Ehron Lee was permitted a shave and hair trim by the town barber, and then he was given a fresh change of clothes to wear for the trial.
    Ehron Lee hoped that Melinda wouldn’t be present, though he knew that would not be the case. She’d attend the trial—most likely in the company of Abigail, which only made matters worse. Abigail had made no secret of the fact that he would get no support from her. But what troubled Ehron Lee more was the thought that maybe she was working at turning Melinda against him. Abigail was the older of the two, and Ehron Lee had seen firsthand during the time they had lived with her and Winston the strong influence Abigail had over her sister. She had practically raised Melinda after their mother died, taking on a maternal role of nurturing and disciplining, which the immature Melinda accepted. That pattern of obedience followed Melinda into adulthood. Even as a grown woman,