Page 118 of Charlotte's Reckoning
Sneed was on his feet again. For all his objections, Seth figured he should just remain standing.
“I’mabusinessman,”he protested. “Your Honor, I don’t know this man. He has no knowledge of what I do.”
“I know him enough to say he’s a businessman who likes to gamble,” Silas replied. “That’s how he met Fenton Sneed. Playing poker on a train ride when the man had too much whiskey and got chatty. Leastwise, that’s what Quentin told us.”
“Chatty about what?” Bennet quickly countered.
“He doesn’t know,” Quentin exclaimed shrilly. “He wasn’t there.”
“He’s got you there, Counselor,” the judge stated. “Sustained.”
“Let’s focus on something you would know firsthand. Quentin Sneed. Is that how he introduced himself when you met?”
“Nope. Alvin Skinner is his name. Cleve called him Al. He only goes by the alias Quentin Sneed here in Laramie.”
Alvin wiggled his backside out of his chair once more and hefted himself to his feet. “It’s a lie!” he shouted.
“Sit down, Mr. Skinner,” the judge instructed with the bang of his gavel. “And stay there until I tell you to rise. All your popping up and down is making my head spin.”
“I have a right to question the witness and his character. This man is a criminal. How dare you show partiality to him over me!”
The gavel banged twice, and the judge scowled at the man who was walking a thin tightrope. “This is my courtroom, and I dare whatever I please. Another outburst like that earns you a night in jail. I hear the accommodations are lovely.”
Cowed by the threat, Alvin shut up.
“Continue, Mr. Bennett,” the judge directed. “And quickly, before Mr. Skinner catches his breath.”
Another ripple of laughter swept through the courtroom. Seth looked on in amazement. The entire chaotic proceeding reminded him of the travelingcircus shows he’d been to as a child. If it wasn’t so important to Charlotte, he’d sit back and enjoy himself.
“Mr. Boone,” Bennett stated, rising with more grace and decorum than the fake Mr. Sneed ever could. “Can you tell us why you’re in Laramie?”
“Yes.” When he said nothing more, the judge snapped, “Then do it.”
“Oh, right. Well, word reached Denver pretty quick that Sneed was dead. Al got the idea of playing the grieving big brother to claim what he left behind. He needed men to make sure the takeover went smoothly and hired me, Cleve, and four others for the job.”
“Lies! All lies!” Quentin, also known as Alvin, crowed. “Have you wondered why he’s incriminating himself? Obviously, the whore is paying him off.”
“That’s it! You’re in contempt,” the judge roared. “Sheriff, I hope you have room for another guest. Mr. Bennett, do you have anything else for this witness?”
“I do. Mr. Boone, how much did Alvin Skinner pay you to kill Miss Charlotte?”
“Twenty Liberty gold pieces—each.”
“Judge, I would like to provide as evidence the bags of gold Sheriff Walker confiscated from Cleve and Silas Boone at Miss Charlotte’s cabin last evening.”
Seth rose and dropped the two hefty bags on the table in front of Charlotte. They landed with a thud and a clink.
“Should I take the stand?” he asked.
Simpson raised his hand. “No need. I know where this is going.”
“I can attest each bag contains twenty-twenty dollar gold pieces,” Seth informed him.
“Has Mr. Boone been offered payment or otherwise coerced for his testimony?” the judge asked further.
“He gave me a written statement and agreed to testify in hopes of leniency, Your Honor,” Seth advised. “That, of course, is up to you.”
“I’ve heard enough,” the judge declared. “I award full ownership of the Red Eye to Miss Charlotte, as well as the bank accounts under the agreement she had with the deceased.”
