Cashing In (Luck's Voice Book 2)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  Bero sat up straighter when he saw the elder. Lips pursed, he waited for her to take the stand. “Elder Becker, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, or may Apoc strike you down?”

  “I swear.”

  “Very well,” Bero said, still looking a bit apprehensive. “What did you wish to tell the court in regard to this case?”

  “It’s more a question, your honor,” Becker said flatly. “Why have you arrested our shaman for saving the life of one of ours? Do you mean to open old wounds and declare war on the clan?”

  Bero’s eyes shot open wide. “Shaman?”

  “That’s what I said. Holyday is one of us— a full member of the clan, recognized by the elders and accepted by the clan as our shaman. As such, he’s allowed to heal as he sees fit, in regards to the clan or its allies, regardless of where he is at the time.”

  “When did he become the fucking shaman!?” Grange roared as his chair went backward into the small wall and his hands slammed down on the table.

  “When he married Sonya Holyday née Redblade. That very night, he was accepted as shaman.”

  “But he isn’t a dwarf,” Grange growled.

  “He passed the Rite of Heriz and married into the clan,” Becker said with a vicious smile. “According to our laws, he is a dwarf as surely as I am, even if he is too tall.”

  “Order!” Bero called out, finally recovering from his shock. “Elder has his… position been documented?”

  “I sent the special messenger off that very night. He is legally our shaman, and that paperwork has been filed with the capital. Even now, it should be on its way east to the national records department.”

  Grange was seething as he glared at Becker. “Why was I never informed?”

  Becker gave Grange a smile. “Because, Sheriff, you aren’t part of the clan. There was no reason for us to inform you.”

  “Who was the injured party?” Bero asked angrily.

  “Rangvald Oresmelter,” Becker said.

  “Your honor?” Sophia asked, raising her hand.

  “What is it, Sagesse!?” Bero barked at her.

  “I thought you might want to know that Rangvald was injured when his wagon was attacked on the way into town with a delivery to the bank. The men who attacked the wagon— while they’re all dead, having been killed in self-defense— had all been before you in the last year.”

  Bero blinked slowly. “Oh?”

  “Their bodies are with the undertaker now,” Sophia replied. “All of them had violent crimes on their records, in case you were wondering how he had come to be injured.”

  “And what of him?” Bero asked frostily. “Holyday supposedly healed him.”

  “I’m here, your honor,” Rangvald said, standing up. “Because the sheriff pulled Holyday away, the last of my injuries had to be healed via concoctions from Henrick. If he’d been allowed to finish, the clan wouldn’t be out so much money right now.”

  “We’ll be asking the sheriff to reimburse those costs once he’s been shown to have falsely arrested Holyday,” Becker said.

  Bero exhaled slowly, closing his eyes, and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I see. Holyday, the charges are being dropped. However, since you are a shaman, you may only heal those associated with the clan, as the law states.”

  Sophia cleared her throat. “Your honor?”

  “What?”

  “The law doesn’t state that. It merely states that the clan or tribe are responsible for the shaman’s healing.”

  “Miss Sagesse, thank you,” Bero said with gritted teeth. “Now, since the charges are dismissed, all of you can leave. Grange, I’ll see you in my office. Elder Becker, you, too.” Slamming his gavel onto his desk, Bero snapped, “Case dismissed!”

  The moment those words left Bero’s mouth, the crowd cheered loudly. Fiala, Sonya, and Ayla went over the small wall to get to Doc. Fiala and Sonya hit him hard as they hugged him tightly, and Ayla stopped next to Sophia and fidgeted.

  “Sorry for worrying you both,” Doc said, kissing their heads. Looking over them at Ayla, he gave her a smile. “Sophia was your idea?”

  “Yes,” Ayla said. “I knew you’d need someone, and she’s trained in the law.”

  “You really are amazing,” Doc said. “Thank you. Thank you, too, Sophia. Bero is probably going to hold this against you.”

  Sophia smiled. “It doesn’t matter. I’m no longer the records clerk in town. I am the legal counsel for Luck’s Holdings.”

  “We have a lot to talk about, then,” Doc said.

  “Later,” Fiala said firmly as she tightened her grip on him. “Later...”

  “Later,” Doc agreed. “Lia, thank you for your help. My memory is a little fuzzy, but you got the dwarves not to attack Grange, didn’t you?”

  Lia gave him a bob of her head. “Bloodshed there would’ve made things worse.”

  “Indeed. Shall we go have breakfast or lunch?” Doc asked as his stomach growled. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast yesterday.”

  Chapter Forty

  Doc sighed as he sank into the warm water. He’d asked to hold off on food for a few minutes so he could clean up first. The memory of what he’d slept on the previous night wouldn’t allow him to eat before he’d cleaned up.

  A soft knock on the door came only a second before Sonya slipped inside. “Doc, do you mind if I help?”

  Doc gave her a tired smile. “Not at all. The rules of the house have to be followed, though. No funny business in here.”

  “Fiala told me that,” Sonya said as she rolled her dress sleeves up. “I’ll be proper. I just wanted to help.”

  “How did you two decide who it would be?” Doc asked, sitting forward in the tub so Sonya could reach his back.

  “I asked and she agreed. That was all.”

  “Huh, really? That’s nice. I was sure there was some roshambo or something.”

  “Ro… what?”

  “Rock, paper, scissors?” Doc asked.

  “I don’t understand. What do those items have in common?”

  Doc chuckled as Sonya scrubbed his back. “Nothing at all really, but as parts of a game, they come together nicely.”

  “A game?”

  “More a contest, but kids used it to settle small disputes all the time where I grew up.”

  “Oh?”

  “Rock beats scissors by smashing them, but gets defeated by paper, which can cover it, and scissors can cut paper. It’s a closed-loop of what beats what.”

  “What if both of them play the same thing?”

  “A tie, so they play again.”

  “Which gives a winner. I see. That’s very helpful. What kind of disputes were settled with this?”

  “Almost anything for a kid. Their place in line, who gets to go first in another game,” Doc explained as he stood up so Sonya could get his legs. “Hell, a court in my old world once used it to settle a civil case. Florida is weird that way.”

  Sonya smiled as she listened to him, her hands gliding the soap over his skin. “It does sound like a very interesting place. My uncle would love to go there. All of his theories could be proven.”

  “Yeah. Steam led the way for years. If I’d been an engineer or mechanic, I’d give him some insights, but that was never my thing. The idea of pushing technology further in a less advanced world was a key point in a lot of stories.”

  “You’re ready to rinse,” Sonya said as she rinsed the suds off her hands and went to dry them. “We’ll be waiting for you.”

  “I’ll be out quickly,” Doc assured her. “And Sonya... thank you. I’m sorry for worrying you both.”

  Sonya gave him a smile. “It’s okay. Now we know that Grange is going to be a problem, too. Unfortunately, the election for sheriff isn’t up for another year.”

  “Another bump in the road,” Doc said. “We’ll deal with him, too.”

  Making it to the dining room a few minutes later, Doc gave the women a smile, including Sophia. “Sorry
for the delay, but that cell was filthy. I had to get clean before I could even think of eating.”

  “Schmidt doesn’t take good care of the place,” Lia said, “and Goodman doesn’t care about how clean it is.”

  “Brunch,” Posy announced as she pushed a cart into the room.

  Doc’s stomach rumbled loudly when the scent of food hit his nose, and he began to drool a little. “Thank your mother for me, Posy?”

  “I will. I’m glad you’re okay, Doc,” Posy said as she put his plate in front of him. “Lia said it’d be okay, though, so I never worried.”

  “She was right, thankfully,” Doc said as he picked up his fork and began to eat.

  Everyone focused on their food, as none of them had had breakfast— they’d all wanted to make sure they were at the courthouse for Doc.

  ~*~*~

  Pushing his empty plate away, Doc drained the last of his second cup of coffee. “That’s better.”

  “Your cook is very talented,” Sophia told Lia.

  “Thank you,” Lia smiled.

  “Sophia,” Doc said, “thank you for your help. I had no idea we were recruiting you for the team.”

  Ayla cleared her throat. “You wanted someone who was proficient with law. Sophia has her diploma to practice law in any territory of the country. Her family is known for being entwined with the legal system.”

  Sophia gave Doc a tentative smile. “Ayla did say you would agree to me having the position. If you don’t—”

  “Welcome aboard,” Doc said, cutting her off. “Without you, the judge might’ve found a way to twist things. I’m very grateful. If you take this position, is it going to cause problems with your mother?”

  “No,” Sophia shook her head. “We both feel indebted for your help with my father and finding out why he died. I also think what you’re doing is admirable. You help people, without regard to their heritage, when so few people will look beyond the superficial.”

  “Some do, many don’t,” Lia agreed.

  “Did the bank and smelters get the ore?” Doc asked, recalling that Rangvald had been ambushed bringing a wagonload in.

  “Yes, but the bank is, yet again, unable to cover the amount,” Ayla said.

  “Not surprising,” Doc snorted. “I was glad to hear Rangvald is okay. Need to talk to him about preventive measures.”

  “He’s already aware,” Lia said. “They hadn’t expected an ambush so soon. There won’t be a repeat of this incident, but there are likely to be other, much bloodier affairs in the future. The money being moved will draw the people who are prepared to lose allies for the potential gain.”

  “That’s not surprising,” Doc sighed. “Rangvald’s ready for that?”

  “Yes, as is the clan,” Sonya said. “More of the extended clan and a few representatives of some other clans have arrived. They’ll be going with Rangvald tomorrow. They wanted to speak with you first, though, to meet the shaman.”

  “Guess I should be ready for that,” Doc said. “Sophia, did Ayla tell you what we’re looking to do?”

  “Yes. I’ll be working on the correct forms to make sure everything goes as you want it to.” Sophia fell silent for a second before she added, “Doc, about the dryad... You know that none of them are collared willingly, right?”

  “Rosa will,” Doc said. “She’s already agreed to it.”

  “‘Begged’ is the right word,” Fiala said primly.

  Sophia blinked at them, then shook her head. “Okay. I’ll draw up the paperwork, but you’ll need to get a collar.”

  “I already sent for one,” Ayla said. “Might take a little while to get here, but it was paid for already.”

  “Thank you, Ayla,” Doc said. “On a separate note, once you three are done with your horse training, Lia is going to show you how to handle guns. I want you to know the basics so you can at least have a chance to defend yourself or help us in a prolonged firefight.”

  Sonya nodded, but Fiala and Ayla looked a little unsure.

  “Does that include me?” Sophia asked. “I only ask since Ayla is involved, and she isn’t one of your wives.”

  “Anyone who goes with us,” Doc said. “That’d include you. Do you know how to ride?”

  Sophia shook her head. “Horses refuse to let me on them. My… feet are the problem.”

  Doc recalled her bird-like feet and nodded. “Coaches and wagons?”

  “Yes. I’m sorry,” Sophia said. “Maybe I shouldn—”

  “No, it’s fine. We’ll have supplies to take with us, so it’ll work. Can you drive a wagon?”

  “No,” Sophia said. “I’d be willing to learn, though.”

  “That can be arranged,” Lia said. “I’ll talk with Zava about it,” she added to Doc.

  “Thank you, Lia.”

  “When do you want to speak with the clan representatives?” Sonya asked.

  “Tonight would be best,” Doc said. “After dinner? Or can Daf pull off a big meal for tonight?”

  Posy had been coming into the room when he asked, so she bolted down the hall, her words trailing behind her, “I’ll ask!”

  “Guess we’ll find out in a moment,” Doc laughed.

  “Are you up to it?” Fiala asked. “You’ve had a rough day.”

  Doc leaned over and kissed her cheek. “I know, but it needs to be done. I have to make connections for later. This will be dinner and some questions, so I should be fine.”

  “Other tribes will want to meet you, too,” Lia added, “once you leave this town.”

  “How’s Joey?” Doc asked, suddenly recalling the injured man. “He’s fine, too, right?”

  “You healed him back to perfect health,” Lia replied. “He has a small pucker scar from the wound, but that’s it.”

  “Oh, good,” Doc exhaled. “It’s funny. I took my name based on a character from my old world, twisting it slightly to fit what I’m trying to do here. I couldn’t have picked a better name.”

  “Old world?” Sophia asked with puzzlement written on her face.

  “Ah, right,” Doc chuckled. “Well, if you’re going to be with us, might as well tell you everything.”

  ~*~*~

  “And that’s my story,” Doc finished.

  The others all watched Sophia, who was staring at Doc.

  Taking a deep breath, Sophia exhaled slowly. “There are legends... tales of the men and women who used to follow gods. Mostly, those books are seen as heresy and being caught with one can cause trouble, but I’ve read them. All of my family has read them. You might be able to ignore history, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. It’s unfortunate that the winners are the ones who write history, and they never write the truth— they only write what will make them look best.”

  “That’s true of my old world, too,” Doc nodded.

  Sophia’s orange eyes were intense as they met Doc’s. “I believe you, Doc. I’ve seen what you can do first hand. I’ve heard your voice when you seek to help others.” A soft smile touched her lips. “I would have preferred it more if it were the god or goddess of justice, but Luck will do.”

  Doc chuckled. “I’m glad she has your approval.”

  Sophia blinked, her cheeks going red. “No, that isn’t what I meant.”

  “I know,” Doc said kindly. “I’m glad you believe, though. The people closest to me need to, and you’ll be in the thick of what we have to do.”

  “Yes. Goodman, Suez, Grange, and the church will all try to pull you down.”

  “We won’t let them,” Sonya said, her words as hard as steel.

  “No, we won’t,” Fiala agreed grimly.

  “His mission must succeed,” Ayla nodded.

  “And he is surrounding himself with those who will risk everything to help him,” Lia smiled, but it quickly faded. “Blood, tears, and strife will rip at all of you. Steel your hearts and treasure the love and friendship you have. That’s what will help keep you going.”

  “That’s true, Lia,” Doc said. “I have faith, t
hough.”

  Lia met his eyes briefly. “I know. I also know the pain you’re likely to see. Excuse me, please.” Standing up, she left the room.

  Doc watched her go sadly. The pain he’d seen in her eyes made his heart ache.