Prime Catch

by Ilona Fridl

  “Is that all the people you remember seeing?”

  Sally nodded. “You have them all.”

  Sarah started up the street with Sally and arrived at the courthouse as Amos and Sam were unloading the last of the prisoners, who went in with their court-appointed advocates. Sam drove the paddy wagon back to the office while Amos and Sarah escorted Sally to the gallery behind District Attorney Clifton Roberts.

  Amos leaned over the wooden barrier and told Roberts of the attempted jailbreak and that three more members of the gang were being held.

  Roberts whirled around in his chair. “You say that the ringleader is the sheriff of Yakutat? Remarkable. I’ll set a date for the other three. Do you think that’s all of them?”

  Amos nodded. “I believe that’s all the principals. There have been no other killings or threats at any other cannery.”

  The bailiff came to the center of the room. “All rise!”

  Judge Henry Ott strode regally out of his chambers, took his seat behind the bench, and banged his gavel. “The court will come to order. This hearing is convened to sort out which of the fugitives captured will stand trial here for the death of Mr. Edward Thornton at North Star Cannery.” He shuffled through his papers. The thin, graying man with a goatee had a presence that belied his size. “Please rise with your advocate when I call your name. “Mr. John Jameson?”

  One of the men in the party rose. “Sir?”

  “I found that you had been employed at a cannery in Soldotna. We will hold you here at the courthouse until the authorities from Soldotna can extradite you for trial there.” A couple of guards escorted him away.

  The second man was another Sarah didn’t know. He had been with George’s party and turned out to be from the cannery in Cordova. He would be held for the authorities in Cordova for trial.

  Ott pulled out the next paper. “Mrs. Leigh Annok?”

  George’s wife shook as she rose and faced the judge. “Here, sir.”

  “Your advocate tells me you were just following your husband’s orders and did not partake in any of the criminal acts. Because of that and because you have three small children to take care of, I’m dismissing any charges. You are free to go home.”

  Leigh broke into tears on the advocate’s shoulder before turning and holding out a pleading hand as she said, “George, what am I to do?” She tried to run to her husband, but the advocate escorted her out. Sarah hurt for her.

  “Mr. Bobby Cusnoo and Mr. George Annok?” They stood. “We will hear the evidence gathered against you and decide if you should stand trial.” He turned to the DA. “Mr. Roberts, you may present your case.”

  “Thank you, your honor. I wish to call Sheriff Darcy to the stand.”

  Amos gave Sarah’s hand a squeeze and proceeded to the witness stand. He swore in and took a seat.

  Roberts came up to the stand. “Sheriff Darcy, will you relate to us why you were called to the North Star Cannery on May the fourth of this year.”

  Amos went over the details of what he had found when the investigation started. Roberts then led him through the evidence discovered: the broken bat and the burned and bloody long coat. The subject of the jailbreak was also brought up, and the grievances against George as the perpetrator were covered. The advocates had no questions for Amos, so he stepped down.

  The coroner was next, and Elmer related what he had found on the body. The splinters from the wound were also put into evidence.

  Sally jerked when her name was called, and Sarah put a reassuring arm around her. Sally made her way to the stand while Sarah tried to send her some strength. Bobby glared at her, but she seemed to avoid his eyes.

  Roberts went to her and said, “Tell us what happened the morning of the murder.”

  Sally took a shaky breath. “Bobby told me he was going into work that morning.”

  “Tell us what he wore.”

  “He put on his denims and a blue plaid shirt. He put on his mukluks, but he carried his shoes and work gloves. Over that he put on a long coat. I heard him take something out of a wardrobe.”

  “Could it have been a baseball bat?”

  Bobby’s advocate jumped up. “I object. He’s leading the witness.”

  Roberts continued. “Did you see what it was?”

  “No.”

  “What happened when you saw him again?”

  “When I came home from work, he was burning something out back.”

  “Do you know what it was?”

  “He said it was spring brush.”

  “We already know from the sheriff’s testimony that the bloodied coat was burned with the brush. Do you know if Bobby acted alone?”

  “I don’t know, sir, but the night before, he met with another man.”

  “Do you know this man? And is he in court?”

  “Yes. He’s over there,” she said, pointing at George.

  “Make note that she’s indicating the other defendant, George Annok. Did George plan Mr. Cusnoo’s escape?”

  “Yes. With the help of one of the Revenge Ravens. The other dressed like an old man walking his dog and passed messages through the bars of the cell window.”

  “Do you know who this man was?”

  “No. I didn’t see him.”

  “Who are the Revenge Ravens?”

  “They’re a group against the salmon traps the canneries have on the streams.”

  “Thank you, Miss Cusnoo.” He glanced at the advocates. “You may cross-examine.”

  Bobby’s advocate spoke up. “Why were you suspicious about Bobby burning spring brush?”

  “I wasn’t then. Not until material from the coat was found.”

  “Didn’t he tell you he was getting rid of it because it was old?”

  “Yes, that’s what he said.”

  “Could you be mistaken about him going to work that day? His name wasn’t on the list of workers. In fact, he may not have been there at all. Do you have any proof?”

  “I thought he was going to work―”

  “Thank you, Miss Cusnoo.”

  Sally went to her seat and Sarah noticed she was pale. “Sally, you did fine,” Sarah assured her.

  A few other witnesses took the stand, including Mr. Perkins of the Personal ads at the newspaper, who identified George as the man who placed the ad.

  Mr. Roberts stood. “Your Honor, with the evidence in front of us, I believe both of these men should be held for trial.”

  Ott nodded. “We will set a date for a trial to be held next month. In the meantime, both defendants shall remain here at the courthouse.” He banged the gavel. “The hearing is adjourned.”

  Amos turned to both Sarah and Sally outside the courthouse. “It looks like we have the main group in custody, so if you want to go back home, Sally, you can.”

  Sarah felt a gnaw in her stomach. “I don’t think you should stay there alone. Do you have anyone who could stay with you?”

  “I have an aunt in Douglas who could stay for a while.”

  Amos nodded. “I’ll help you with that. It’s the least I can do. Thank you, Sally.” He turned to Sarah. “I’ll take her to Douglas and pick up her aunt. If you see Will, tell him I’ll meet him at Millie’s for dinner around five.”

  Sarah nodded and watched them go. A troubling weight in her gut wouldn’t let go. Why was she so nervous? This case was wrapped up. Wasn’t it?

  She noticed Will’s truck parked near the courthouse. As she moved closer, he waved her into the passenger side. “Thought you might like a ride back. Heard about the fight at the sheriff’s office this morning.”

  Sarah gave him Amos’ message. “We think we have all the troublemakers now.”

  He glanced at her as he pulled up in front of the office. “You don’t seem sure of that.”

  She sighed as she got out of the truck. “No, Will, I’m not.” She thanked him for the lift and watched him go before she strode through the door to her desk. She noticed Sally’s suitcase next to her desk. They’d forgotten it.
Well, Amos should be back around three. She’d meet him at Sally’s house.

  Chapter 23

  Amos glanced at his watch, it was almost three o’clock. The trip to Douglas had been uneventful. Sally’s Aunt Lucy was happy to stay with her for a while. Sally’s home appeared over the small hill. “You two ladies stay in the auto, and I’ll check the house.”

  Sally nodded. “Thank you, Sheriff.”

  He got out and looked around. Everything seemed peaceful. He took the key to the door and climbed the steps. Good so far, but the hairs on the back of his neck started to prickle. He heard an auto come from the opposite direction and stop. Amos flew down the porch stairs and saw a female form jump out of the patrol car.

  Sarah’s gun was drawn and she yelled toward the back of the house, “Stop! Drop that rifle!”

  Amos jumped at a rifle blast and watched, horrified, as he saw Sarah crumple. Gun out, he ran around the house and fired at a figure before it could aim at him. He cautiously hurried to the injured man on the ground, rolling him over with his foot. Amos grabbed the rifle and flung it away before taking the man by his coat lapels and shaking him. “What the hell are you doing?”

  Sally appeared beside them, then took a step back, astonished. “Jack? Jack Harper? Why?”

  He sneered through his pain. “I was the last one who could stop you from testifying.”

  Amos studied his face. “You were the old man with the dog who was passing notes to Bobby.” He turned to Sally. “How’s Sarah?”

  “Aunt Lucy is with her.”

  Amos took out the handcuffs and jerked Jack’s arms behind him, then took out his handkerchief and tied it over the bullet wound on his shoulder. “It’s a scratch, but I’d better get you to the hospital.” Amos deposited Jack into the front of the patrol car and ran to where Sarah still lay on the ground. “How is she, Mrs. Cusnoo?”

  Sarah’s shirt was opened to her right side below her breast and an ugly hole met his eyes. Mrs. Cusnoo held a wad of material and was just placing it over the wound. “I think she needs a doctor soon.”

  Amos felt his face drain. “Can you stay here while Sally rides with her to the hospital?” At her nod, he gave her the keys to the house.

  Sarah moaned as Amos hefted her in his arms. Sally climbed in the back with Sarah as Amos slid in and gunned the motor. The patrol car backfired and took off down the road. Within five minutes, Amos pulled into the hospital’s parking lot.

  Amos jumped out and bellowed at an orderly, “I’ve got two wounded in the auto. Get someone out here now!” When the man ran to get help, Amos hauled Jack out of the front seat none too gently. “If anything happens to Miss Lakat, I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes, mister!”

  The orderlies came out with two stretchers. Sally and Amos helped Sarah out of the back. She coughed and a pink foam appeared on her lips. With that, Amos knew immediately that the bullet had hit her lung. He had an overwhelming urge to tear Jack apart with his bare hands.

  Dr. Lindsey was called, and they whisked Sarah away into surgery. Jack was treated by an emergency intern while Amos sat next to Sally in the waiting room. When the intern had done all that was necessary, Amos rose. “Sally, could you wait here for word on Sarah while I lock this trash in the hoosegow?”

  Sally nodded. “I’ll be here.”

  Amos drove Jack to the office and herded him in the door. “Sam! Lock this garbage up and put his rifle in the evidence case.”

  When Sam finished his task, Amos took him aside. “Why was Lakat at the Cusnoo’s house?”

  “Miss Cusnoo had forgotten her suitcase, so Sarah decided to take it to her. What happened?”

  Amos told Sam about the afternoon’s events. “I think Harper is the last of the gang to be caught. Make sure all of you watch the prisoners. Send someone to get word to Grace Lakat about her daughter. I’m going to wait at the hospital.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Amos fought panic on the way. He sent up a prayer. Please, God, don’t let this happen again. I can’t lose another woman I love right before a marriage. Tears blurred his vision and he angrily dashed them away. He found Sally still there, wringing her hands. “Any word?”

  Her lips trembled. “No. Nothing.”

  He put her hands on her shoulders. “Sally, take my patrol car back to the office and have two of the deputies drive you home. One of them can drive the paddy wagon back that I left there. Oh, and your suitcase is in the trunk of the patrol car.”

  Sally rose and Amos hugged her. When she pushed back, tears shone in her eyes. “Let me know what happens.”

  “I will,” he said around a lump in his throat. A half hour of agony went by too slowly. He heard the door open, and Grace came in with Will.

  She saw Amos and made a beeline to him. “Amos―Sarah...what happened?”

  Amos put his arms around the frightened woman. “Sarah was shot protecting us from a fugitive.”

  Will came over. “Any word on how she is?”

  Amos sighed. “Not yet. She must still be in surgery.”

  Another half hour went by, and finally a tired Dr. Lindsey came into the waiting room. He spotted the little group and went over. “Miss Lakat is out of surgery. She was hit in the lung, and it collapsed. We have her breathing again with both lungs, but she has to be watched for a day or so. Patients with lung injuries might develop pneumonia that could be fatal. The fact she made it through surgery is a good sign. The next few days are critical.”

  Amos’ whole body went numb. “Can we see her?”

  Lindsey nodded. “She’ll be brought into Women’s Ward Two in twenty minutes. Mrs. Lakat, you can stay with her, if you like.”

  Grace squeezed her eyes shut for a moment. “Thank you, Doctor. I will.”

  After Lindsey left, Grace held tightly onto Amos’ hand. Will stood, then squatted in front of them. “Amos, you can have a ride with me when you’re ready.”

  “Thank you, Will.” Amos sank back into his own private hell. Scenes of the woman he loved, so vibrant and alive, played through his head.

  A nurse appeared to tell them Sarah was in the ward, then led them to her bed. Amos choked back a sob. She looked so still and pale. He drew a chair next to the bed and sat to lovingly take her hand in his, gently squeezing it. He felt a light pressure back. “That’s right, love, fight your way back. You can’t leave me now.” He noticed Grace on the other side with tears in her eyes, and his face burned.

  She reached over the bed and touched his cheek with her fingers. “Don’t be embarrassed. I know you really care for my daughter. She made a good choice.”

  After a while, Amos turned to Will. “Take me back to the office for a few minutes, and then we can have dinner at Millie’s.”

  Will shuffled his feet. “Are you sure you want to discuss the wedding now?”

  Amos moved his gaze to Sarah. “I need to think she will be here for me. I can’t let myself think otherwise.”

  As Will drove from the hospital, he stopped the truck by the harbor and pointed across the channel to one of the islands. By an opening in the trees next to the water was a large grizzly bear. “That is a sign that Sarah will recover. That is her totem.”

  Amos glanced at Will. “I do hope so.”

  The bear seemed to gaze at them, then lumbered into the woods. Amos sank back into his own thoughts. Right now, I’ll take any glimmer of life for Sarah. If anything happens to her, I’m not going to regret what I do to Jack Harper. An eagle soared from the cliffs.

  ****

  Things didn’t make sense to Sarah. She ceased to know what was real and what was dreamed. Sometimes one dovetailed into the other. She remembered being shot and then having a hard time breathing. Amos turned into Dr. Lindsey who, in turn, became white spirit creatures that flitted around. Amos came to her several times, then took the form of her mother. Pain in her right side came and went.

  Sarah stirred in the bed, venturing to open one eye. A form sat in a chair beside her, knitting. “Mother?�
� she said faintly.

  The form froze. “Sarah?” She dropped the knitting and stood by the bed while gently holding Sarah’s hands. “You’re finally awake?”

  Sarah nodded. “How long?”

  Her mother moved the hair from Sarah’s face. “Two days. I’m going to get the doctor.” She disappeared through the curtains around the bed. Dr. Lindsey came in a few minutes later.

  “Well, Miss Lakat, let’s see how you’re doing.”

  A nurse came in with a tray and set it on a table. “Here are the supplies, Doctor.”

  The doctor loosened the hospital gown, then took the scissors and started cutting the bandages on Sarah’s side. Picking up a bottle, he poured a small amount on a gauze square over the wound. “Now this may tug a bit.” He carefully removed it.

  Sarah could just barely see the wound. “How is it?”

  “Healing nicely. Can you sit up for me?”

  The nurse helped her up and slipped the gown off her right arm. Lindsey put the stethoscope on her back. “Take a deep breath with the count of three and keep doing that.”

  She felt sore through her right side, but she could still breathe.

  Lindsey straightened up. “Fine. You can relax. You had a bullet enter below your breast and hit your lung. We removed the bullet and repaired the damage. The lungs sound clear, so I think you’re out of danger for pneumonia.”

  “When can I go home?”

  He gave her a look of concern. “Now see here. I want you to stay here a few more days and then take it easy for a month.”

  Sarah set her jaw. “But I’m getting married in a couple of weeks!”

  Lindsey chuckled. “Let everyone else worry about the plans. I’m sure Amos wants to keep you around for a while.” He turned to the nurse. “Could you replace the dressing? And give her a small amount of aspirin.”

  “Yes, Doctor.”

  He nodded toward Sarah. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Later, Amos came in. A wealth of worry, happiness, and love shone in his eyes. Wordlessly, he removed his hat and set it on the foot of the bed before he gently embraced Sarah and kissed her. When he pulled back, tears glistened in his eyes. “I love you,” he said with a rasp.