Page 82 of Charlotte's Reckoning
“That bitch assaulted me!” Quentin accused, holding his flaming cheek.
It was a rash reaction, but she couldn’t take another insult. If she went to jail for it, reliving the moment and remembering the glaring imprint of her hand on his pasty cheek would help pass the time.
Violet rushed to Charlotte’s side, speaking over Quentin’s ongoing protestations. “What happened? I stepped out for a moment, and all hell broke loose.”
Mr. Bennett’s secretary was practically shouting to be heard. “I went and fetched the sheriff, sir, since it looked like things might escalate.”
“They did indeed. She struck me out of hand,” Quentin repeated. “Do your job, Sheriff, and arrest her.”
Seth raised his hands. “Everyone, calm down. I’m not doing anything until I get an explanation.” He turned to Mr. Bennett. “Care to explain what’s going on?”
“There was a dispute that became heated on both sides. I can’t say Miss Charlotte’s actions were unprovoked.”
“I never touched her!” Quentin insisted.
“What manner of dispute?” Seth asked, ignoring him.
“He’s trying to take the Red Eye from me,” Charlotte explained. “But he’s a fraud, Seth. I’m sure of it.”
“Seth, is it?” Sneed sneered. “I see how this is going to go.”
“You see nothing,” Seth countered, steel in his tone. “Go on, Charlotte.”
“He claims to be Fenton’s brother, but he looks nothing like him. He must have heard the news of his death and quickly devised this elaborate swindle. How else would he have found out and arrived so quickly from Louisiana?”
“Ever heard of the telegraph and trains?” Quentin replied with dripping sarcasm.
“My guess is you forged Fenton’s signature on those documents,” she accused. “It’s too convenient. Your witnesses aren’t here to be questioned.”
“I can have them on the next train,” he boldly declared.
“That’s awfully convenient, too,” Charlotte pointed out. “To drop everything and travel hundreds of miles, they’re probably in your employ and would say anything.”
“I won’t have a whore impugn my integrity.”
“And I won’t let an oily pig rob me of everything I own!”
“That’s enough!” Seth roared. “The insults and foul language stop now,” he ordered Quentin. Then he turned and frowned down at her. “And you, Charlotte, will calm down.”
“But it isn’t fair. The Red Eye is all I have.”
“It’s mine by legal title,” Quentin disputed.
“It’s mine by right of adverse possession. Isn’t that right, Mr. Bennett?” She appealed to her attorney, grasping onto something she’d read about years ago. “Since I’ve been living there continuously for ten years, it’s mine.”
“You can’t claim squatter’s rights, you stupid bitch.”
Seth got in Quentin’s face, having to lean down to do so. “One more slur or foul word from you, and I’ll arrest you for public obscenity.” He stared down at the much shorter man, daring him with his glare to push him further. When he shut his trap, Seth looked to Bennett. “What do you say?”
“They both have a valid legal argument. Unfortunately, this will have to be decided in court. Judge Simpson, the territorial judge, is expected through next week.”
“Next week!” Quentin erupted. “While she pockets a week’s worth of profits? I think not.”
Seth sighed, removing his hat and rubbing his forehead. “I suppose the only fair thing to both parties is to shut the Red Eye down until the judge can decide.”
“But the bank has frozen my funds.” She looked at Mr. Bennett. “That’s why I scheduled this appointment with you in the first place. Closing the Red Eye for a week will bankrupt me. I’m already operating on a shoestring budget. If we close, I won’t be able to buy supplies or pay my workers.”
“Perhaps you could borrow the money until you meet with the judge,” Seth suggested. “How much would you need for a week?”
