Orphan Train Trials

by Rachel Wesson

  “I haven’t finished my questions, Your Honor. She left the twins with my clients. If she believed those children to be at risk, she is guilty too.”

  “I didn’t have a choice. I didn’t want to leave the children, but nobody would listen to me. I don’t have any money, and I am not even a grown woman. I have no voice, just like the twins and Susan and the other children your clients, and men like them, prey on. I had no choice; do you hear me? And because of that, the children I promised to look after will bear the scars of their abuse for years to come.”

  The court erupted. People were talking at once, the judge banging his gavel, but nobody paid him any attention. Bella fell back into the chair, tears running down her face. Bridget pushed through the crowd with Gracie following right behind her. Both women put their arms around Bella.

  “You were wonderful,” Bridget exclaimed, giving her a hanky to dry her eyes.

  “You are such a strong woman, Bella,” Gracie said. “I am proud to have you as my friend.”

  “But I made things worse. Look, everyone is arguing.”

  It was true, the noise level in the church was unbelievable with what appeared to be everyone talking at once.

  “You opened their eyes, Bella,” Bridget assured her. “You gave mistreated children a voice. Now, come on. Let’s get you out of here.”

  “But what about the judge?”

  “Miss Jones, thank you for coming today. You were very brave. I apologize for what happened to you when you were a child and should have been protected. I will pray you learn to forgive yourself because, believe me, you played no part in what happened to you or these other children.” The Judge took a deep breath. “I think you should take a seat. I don’t think you will want to miss the next bit.”

  Bridget and Gracie escorted Bella down to a seat in the front row. They sat on either side of her, each holding one of her hands. The judge roared at the crowd and banged the gavel several times more until the room fell quiet.

  “I have heard enough over the past week of this trial. There is no doubt in my mind that these men are guilty as charged. I believe they should both hang for their crimes.”

  The gavel came down again as the noise level increased once more.

  “Silence,” the judge ordered. “I haven’t finished. I also sentence Rebecca Kingston/Maitland to twenty years hard labor. Madam, you deserve to hang but a small part of my mind believes the story you gave me. That you acted out of fear of your husband. Also, I am mindful that you have provided Sheriff Williams with the names of the other men involved in this despicable circle of abuse. I intend to ensure each and every one of those men are tried and punished for their crimes. Starting tomorrow with Sheriff Slater who is lucky not to be sharing the fate of his friends. I wish to give thanks to all who bore witness at this trial, in particular to Mrs. Gracie MacDonagh whose brave actions started the rescue of these children. And to Miss Jones who, despite her own sorrowful experiences, has let nothing stand in her way in her efforts to protect these children. Finally, I am hopeful Mud Butte and its occupants have learned from this awful experience. Every child matters, regardless of color, race, or creed. Court is dismissed.”

  The people cheered for the judge, but Bella couldn’t do or say anything. It was like all the fight had left her body. She hoped people would listen to the wise old judge, but in her experience, words were easily forgotten. Bridget helped her to her feet.

  “Let’s go back and tell Brian. Then we can prepare to go home,” Bridget said, casting a glance at Bella. Mortified the tears kept falling, Bella nodded to the judge and allowed Bridget and Gracie to escort her out of the court room. Sheriff Williams ushered them out a back door.

  Chapter 66

  Bella

  After the trial, everyone gathered back in the MacDonaghs’ house, although it was a tight squeeze. Gracie insisted Bella stay seated. Bridget obviously had filled Brian in about what happened in town as he refused to leave her side.

  “When do we leave for Riverside Springs?” Carl asked.

  “As soon as we can. No offense, but I can’t wait to put the town of Mud Butte behind me,” Brian said, holding Bella’s hand under the table.

  Bella didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what was going to happen to the twins.

  “Amen,” Carl added. “And you, Mr. and Mrs. MacDonagh, what will you do?”

  Gracie gave her husband a quick look before she said, “We’re selling our house. It doesn’t feel right staying in Mud Butte. Wasn’t just the sheriff who turned a blind eye to what was happening to the children.”

  “Are you still going to Green River?” Bella asked, wondering if they were going to volunteer to adopt the twins now. Financially, it would be a struggle, yet she couldn’t see how Gracie could turn her back on the girls. It was obvious that she loved them. Bella did too but nobody was going to let a single woman adopt a baby let alone six-year-old twins.

  Gracie didn’t answer her but looked at her husband, a stricken look on her face. His expression was grave.

  Mr. Rees broke the silence.

  “Giles, Gracie, I’ve been thinking. I have a small homestead—it’s barely more than one room at the moment—on the edge of my property. I wondered if you would be interested in it.”

  A spark of hope lit up Gracie’s face, making her careworn face look pretty.

  “We don’t have any money,” Giles replied, staring at his shoes.

  “I don’t want to sell it, well at least not right now. I thought we could do a deal. If you farm the land around it, we can split the profits. Then in five years’ time, if you wish to buy the land and the house, you can.”

  Gracie stared at Geoff, an expression of disbelief on her face.

  “Why would you do something like that for us?” she asked him.

  “I have been lucky in my life, Gracie. I was born into a loving family who worked hard and provided us with the best education. I married a wonderful woman and now have been blessed with two children thanks to the orphan train. Megan and Eileen need love, lots of it, to help them get over their ordeal. I think you and Giles can provide that.”

  Bella stared at Gracie. The woman was completely bowled over by Geoff’s generosity.

  “I am not sure we can accept such a generous gift, Mr. Rees.”

  Gracie’s face fell at her husband’s words

  “I know you have your pride, Giles. You’re a hardworking, decent man. But please, let me help you. You will be helping me as well as the other residents in Riverside Springs. Our town needs more people, couples like you and Gracie. And my children need friends.”

  “You mean, you would allow us to have the girls?” Giles asked, his voice filled with doubt.

  Carl nodded. “Assuming you want the two of them. They can’t be parted, especially after everything they have been through.”

  “Oh yes, both of them. We couldn’t choose between them either,” Gracie said quietly. “I think they would be more comfortable living in Riverside Springs with people they know. And it would mean they don’t have to say goodbye to Bella.” She stared at her husband, her eyes pleading with him.

  Bella willed the man to say yes. She couldn’t bear having to say goodbye to the girls, not again. She would also miss Gracie who had become such a good friend.

  “I guess we could accept if you agreed to some sort of payment schedule,” Mr. MacDonagh said, taking Gracie’s hand in his. “We both want a family. We will love those girls like our own.”

  “We will, I promise you, Mr. Rees,” Gracie added.

  “I believe you, Gracie. Carolyn, my wife, will be thrilled to have some female company nearby. She gets a mite tired of listening to me and Brian discussing man stuff, doesn’t she, Brian?”

  “She is a lovely woman. Can you guys please excuse us. Bella and myself need to have a talk,” Brian said, taking Bella by the hand and almost pulling her out of the door.

  Bella’s stomach roiled. Had he changed his mind about her?

 
Chapter 67

  Bella

  Brian held Bella’s hand as they walked a bit past the barn. The twins waved to them, they were playing with Shep, the dog, who had quickly become devoted to the girls.

  “Bella, I know today was really difficult for you. And I also know you would love to give those girls a home, but…”

  “I’m too young,” she said, before he could go on.

  “You would make a wonderful mother in time. But for now, I think you need to take some time to let yourself be happy. As far as I can see, you’ve spent a long time running from your past and looking over your shoulder.”

  Bella shrugged. She didn’t want to dredge up the past again.

  “I want you to know I aim to marry you, Bella. When you are of age. But I want everyone to know we have an understanding. I don’t want to risk you running off with some cowboy.”

  She giggled at his expression as he tried to look fierce. Then she stopped giggling. “I wouldn’t do that, Brian. Not to you.”

  “So, will you marry me, when you are eighteen?”

  “I would, but…”

  “But?” His face fell.

  “I don’t know when my birthday is. My ma didn’t leave a note when she left me. All I know is she was an actress and her new fella didn’t want any babies around. That’s what I was told.”

  “Oh, Bella, she was a fool to leave you. I will never do that. So, you could be eighteen already?”

  Bella nodded shyly.

  Brian let out a whoop before he pulled her into his arms and kissed her gently. His lips grazed hers just like a butterfly.

  “When we get back to Riverside Springs, let’s speak to Reverend Franklin. He will know what to do.”

  She nodded.

  He kissed her lightly again before leading her back into the house.

  Chapter 68

  Kathleen

  Kathleen didn’t visit her brothers again. The trial opened the next day. She dressed carefully, wanting the jury to see the boys came from a good family. Richard had bought her brothers new suits for the court case. Michael kept pulling at the collar of his shirt as if it were too small for him, but Shane looked very handsome and terrified.

  The judge was grumpy, and from the start it was clear he had no sympathy for the boys. When Randolph suggested the tragic loss of their parents, their youth, their arrival on the orphan train and subsequent ill-treatment were the cause of their actions, the judge disagreed.

  “They are old enough to know better. Seems they were in trouble before they left New York. Those orphan trains are the bane of society. All they do is move the New York criminals out to decent towns like ours.”

  Kathleen couldn’t believe her ears. She had heard similar comments, of course, but not usually from educated men like a judge. She opened her mouth, but Richard placed his hand on her arm, warning her not to say a word. She could be put in jail too.

  Various witnesses came forward, each one making things worse. All the men swore Beaugrand was a wonderful boss and would never get involved in anything dodgy. They didn’t know of any argument with Diaz. They also complimented the man who had employed the boys. Older orphans, who seemingly used to work for the same man on that ranch, came forward claiming to have been treated like family with regular meals and schooling.

  “Seems like he was a regular saint, the man who took the boys in. He must have been taking orphans from the first day those trains arrived in Freesburg,” Richard whispered.

  Kathleen looked at him then back at the men. Of course, they weren’t all orphans, but men paid to testify. Why couldn’t anyone else see that? But the jury were nodding their heads in agreement as the prosecution made out orphans to be criminals purely because they were orphans.

  Kathleen fidgeted in her seat, wishing Bridget or Lily were there. If they got up to speak, people would listen to them. But nobody cared about her brothers. They didn’t want to know that the only reason they had been in prison in New York was because of a personal vendetta. She itched to tell the truth, but the judge refused her pleas to testify, claiming she had nothing of value to say.

  Chapter 69

  Kathleen

  Richard was called to the stand and testified to the condition of the two men. Mr Lait, the prosecutor, tried to twist Richard’s words to make it sound like the injuries the boys had received were their own fault.

  “They didn’t beat themselves up, and Michael certainly didn’t break his own arm,” Richard argued. “As I said, their injuries are consistent with their story. They both bear marks of sustained ongoing abuse. This proves their story of neglect at the hands of the ranch owner is true.”

  “Doctor Green, you came to know these boys because of their sister, Kathleen Collins, didn’t you?” Mr. Lait asked. The prosecution attorney had a way of making everything sound sordid.

  “I don’t think that is relevant.”

  “So, you don’t think the fact that you are in love with their sister prejudices you in any way.” Mr Lait sneered before turning to look directly at Kathleen. “I mean, I can see why, she is a beauty, isn’t she?”

  Kathleen wanted to crawl under the seat in front of her as all eyes turned to look at her. Michael scowled, making him look even guiltier.

  “Sir, I demand you stop this line of questioning. Miss Collins was working as an agent for a children’s charity when I met her,” Richard protested.

  “Yes, a child in her care was injured in a fire. Trouble seems to follow this family around, wouldn’t you say, Doctor?” Mr. Lait replied.

  The question was rhetorical as the prosecutor sat before Richard got a chance to answer.

  The judge called a halt to the proceedings, telling everyone to come back the next day.

  “That went well today, didn’t it?” Kathleen said, not hiding her sarcasm as they were leaving the court. Her brothers had been taken away in shackles and she was smarting from the abuse they had taken. How dare these people look down on them because they were orphans. They hadn’t killed their parents.

  “Miss Collins, don’t lose hope,” Mr. James said. “It is early days yet. Any news from your Pinkertons, Green?”

  “Not yet,” Richard said. “He’ll come through with something.”

  “You should give up and go home. Nobody is going to say a bad word about me.”

  Kathleen swung around at the smug voice. She wanted to wipe the smile from his conceited face, but that’s what he wanted.

  “Beaugrand, what are you doing here? You shouldn’t be talking to us. You’re on the stand tomorrow,” Richard said.

  “Just wanted to see how you were doing, pretty lady,” Beaugrand said, smiling a crooked smile. “Always room in my employment for a lady like yourself.”

  “Oh you—” Kathleen fired back, but Richard put his arm around her waist, stopping her from taking a step nearer Beaugrand.

  “Come on, Miss Collins, let’s get you home.”

  Kathleen let Richard lead her away. He let go of her waist, holding onto her arm instead.

  “Thank you,” she said, once her temper had cooled a bit.

  “I wish you could have smacked him, but you would have only played into his hands,” Richard said. “I never guessed you had such a temper.”

  “I don’t usually. But that man, he just gets under my skin. He is lower than a rattlesnake’s belly.”

  Richard laughed. “Of that there is no doubt. Now, let’s have some dinner. Mr. James, are you joining us?”

  “No, thank you, Richard. I have to prepare for tomorrow.”

  “I can’t eat either, but thank you for the invitation,” Kathleen declined.

  “You must eat. And you cannot look like you are beaten,” Richard insisted. “Think of this trial like a game of poker. You cannot show Beaugrand your hand.”

  Poker? Her brothers’ lives were at risk and he was telling her to play cards.

  “Really, Doctor Green,” she remonstrated.

  “Yes, really, Miss Collins,” he countered,
leaving her speechless.

  Chapter 70

  Kathleen

  The next day was worse. Beaugrand, looking like a well-to-do banker rather than a self-made rancher, took the stand and swore on the bible to tell the truth, then promptly lied his way through the next few hours. To Kathleen, it was obvious he was lying. His eyes roved around the room, and he wouldn’t look at anyone straight in the face. But the jury seemed dazzled by his wealth and his clothes. He swore he was nowhere near Freesburg when the man was killed.

  “But what do you make of the fact that the defense can produce witnesses stating you were there?” Mr. Lait asked.

  “Who are these men? Poor laborers and ranch hands. All scraping around for their next dollar.”

  Kathleen couldn’t believe his nerve. She glanced at the jury, surely, they could see he was lying but they seemed to be swallowing every word that came out of his mouth.

  “Don’t let the jury see your fear. They are watching you,” Richard coached her quietly. She sat straighter. She was terrified, but she wasn’t about to let anyone see it.

  Midway through the afternoon, the prosecution called for the trial to end.

  “Your Honor, the defense has provided no evidence to prove their innocence,” the prosecutor said. “Everything points to their guilt. What are we waiting for? String them up and let us all go home.”

  “Mr. Lait, this is my court room. Why don’t you do your job, and let me do mine?”

  Kathleen almost cheered. This was the first indication the judge was annoyed with the prosecution. But the attorney had a point. They didn’t have any more witnesses.

  The door to the back of the court opened and a man came in. Richard stood and whispered something to Mr. James.

  “If it pleases Your Honor, I request a short break,” Mr. James said. “Some valuable information has come to my attention.”