Chapter Forty-Seven
Bucky and Steve reached the house at a gallop, the sides of their horses heaving, covered in lather. Pietro ran out to greet them as Steve ordered Tucker to stop so quickly and so hard that the stallion reared and wheeled, nearly unseating Steve.
“We heard a gunshot.” He said, looking to Pietro, who looked worried. At Steve’s words, however, he broke out in a wide grin.
“That was Runa.” He explained as Steve and Bucky hurried to dismount. Pietro took the reins for Fuego and Tucker, “Three people came by. Coulson said they were his parents.” There was scorn and venom in his voice at the word “his”, and it left no doubt in Steve and Bucky’s minds about who he was talking about. “One of the men was going to hit me, called me an ignorant cowhand. Runa pulled out her gun as cool as you please and told them to get off the ranch. When they wouldn’t back down she shot the ground at his feet. They took off quick after that.”
Steve almost sagged with relief when he heard Pietro’s story, while Bucky just grinned. “She did?”
“Held her own until they left, then she about near collapsed. Coulson, Happy Sam, and Wanda got her inside.”
“Thanks.” Steve said gratefully, turning and hurrying into the house, Bucky hot on his heels.
As they entered the house they were met by Coulson, who opened his mouth to explain, but Steve shook his head.
“Just tell me where she is and if she’s all right.”
“She’s in her rocker. We gave her a half dose of laudanum. In her water. Pietro told you?”
“He told us enough.” Bucky said. “She’s going to be mad enough to spit nails when she wakes up and realizes you gave her laudanum.” Runa never liked taking the laudanum, and while she accepted it early on in her convalescence, she was currently refusing to take it unless it was forced on her.
“I made the call. I figured making her upset was better than the state she was in.”
“Pietro said she nearly collapsed.” Steve tried to peer past Coulson through the door into the sitting room.
“She was shaking badly once the Rumlows had gone. It was as if all the fight left her at once.” Phil tried to explain, “Shock, I think.”
“Shock would be about right. I’m shocked that she actually fired at them. I thought the gun was just going to be for show.” Bucky explained to Phil.
“So did I. So did all of us.” Steve laughed softly, shaking his head. “I’d like to see her.” He told Phil, who stepped out of his way with a smile of his own. Steve strode past him into the sitting room, where Happy Sam was reading a book and Runa was seated in her rocker, sleeping. Steve slowed when he saw her, tried to quiet his footsteps, but she pried her eyes open and tried to raise her head at the sound of his approach.
“It’s just me, sweetheart.” Steve said softly as he reached her side, reaching down to take one of her hands in his.
“It’s supper time?” She asked, confused.
“No. Bucky and I heard the gunshot and came running.”
She flushed, waking up a bit more. “That was me.”
“That’s what Pietro and Coulson told us.” Bucky said from behind Steve. “You did us proud, darlin, but I have just one question for you.”
Runa frowned. “What?”
“How could you miss at close range?”
She blinked drowsily at Bucky, before she laughed. “I was aiming at the ground in front of him. Though I was tempted to shoot him.”
“You should have.” Steve muttered. Bucky placed a hand on his shoulder to help settle him.
“Well if it’s the ground you were aiming for, and the ground you hit, I’d say you did just fine.” Bucky assured her.
“Come on, sweetheart. Let me get you to bed.” Steve said, reaching to help her up, but she swatted his hands away.
“It’s not even suppertime. I’m not going to bed yet.” She scowled.
“All right, but if you don’t go to bed now, you’re going to be listening to us at the supper table telling everyone about what you did and how proud we are.” Steve warned. She flushed at that.
“All I did was fire a gun.”
“All you did was finally stand up to them.” He countered softly, smiling down at her. “Now they’ll know they can never walk all over you again.”
“Amen to that.” Happy Sam said from his chair. “Maybe once the trial is over they’ll leave you alone for good.”
“Hopefully.” Bucky agreed quietly. “Did someone come by and say when the trial will be?”
“Not yet.” Coulson said from behind them, “But Sheriff Rhodes promised he would come by and tell us himself.”
“Can’t come soon enough.” Runa murmured. She wanted this trial over and done with.
They all did.
~*~
It was two days later and just after supper that Sheriff Rhodes rode up the drive to Bluestone Ranch. Steve and Runa were outside, by the corral that Gingersnap and Allegro were in. Runa had just fed mare and colt each an apple collected from the base of the trees in the orchard, and smiled to see the Sheriff approaching.
“Sheriff Rhodes. It’s good to see you.” Runa said as the Sheriff dismounted near the corral.
“It’s good to see you up and about Missus Rogers.” He tipped his hat to her, before tilting it back, trying to look stern, but unable to keep from grinning. “Although I do have to ask, what is this about shooting at an upstanding citizen? I’ve had a call for your arrest, you know.”
“I didn’t shoot at them, I shot at the ground. If I had shot at them I wouldn’t have missed.”
“According to Bucky, she’s not lying. She’s good at hitting her target.” Steve looked to Runa, grinning, “What was it he called you when Pietro and Coulson told everyone about you shooting at Mister Rumlow at supper?”
“A surprisingly accurate menace.” She supplied helpfully.
“That’s it exactly.” Steve laughed. “You didn’t really believe them, did you, Sheriff? We have witnesses to the altercation. Phil Coulson, Sam Sawyer, as well as the Maximoff twins.”
“Given the source of the complaints, I think I’ll find Missus Rogers innocent of all accusations. Unlike a mister Theodore Rumlow, who is sharing a cell with his son after trying to bribe Judge Murdock into finding a certain murdering kidnapper arsonist not guilty on all charges.”
Runa gasped. “He didn’t!”
“He did indeed. Unfortunately for him, within earshot of Foggy Nelson, Judge Murdock’s valet, and Cecilia, one of the girls who works at Nat’s.”
“Which means you have more than enough corroboration to hold him for trial.” Steve couldn’t help but smile.
“Exactly that.” The Sheriff smiled in return. “That’s not why I came out here, but I thought you would like to know that bit of news.”
“You came to tell us when to show up for the trial, now that Judge Murdock is in town.” Steve’s smile faded.
Sheriff Rhodes gave a single nod. “This is the largest case he’ll be trying while he’s here, so he’s going to go through all the smaller disputes and cases tomorrow. The Rumlow trial will start Friday morning at eight. You’re required to be there, Missus Rogers, and Happy Sam as well, if he can make the trip. The Judge will want to hear his account of things. The Pinkerton man, Coulson, he’ll need to be there as well.”
“I gave him a few things he said will help with the trial.” Steve frowned, before sighing when he saw Runa’s curious look. “The letters she sent, pretending to be you.”
“The letters? Why would he want those?” Runa frowned.
“Wait, what letters? Who pretended to be you, Missus Rogers?” Sheriff Rhodes frowned, and Runa flushed, looking down.
“I suppose it will be common knowledge, if he’s going to be using the letters in the trial.” Runa sighed, before looking up at Sheriff Rhodes, meeting his gaze, “I didn’t answer Steve’s advertisement. Missus Rumlow did, pretending to be me, and then coerced me into going along with it.”
Sheriff Rhodes looked stunned, “You didn’t-? She-? And then their son came out here to-? What the hell? Sorry, Missus Rogers.”
“No, it’s all right. We were all wondering the same thing ourselves.” She assured him. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Maybe we’ll find out at the trial.” Steve reasoned. “Hopefully, we’ll find out at the trial. Otherwise, we’ll probably all keep on not knowing.”
“Probably.” Runa sighed, “Sheriff, would you like some cake and coffee before you head back to town? Wanda made it, they still aren’t letting me do much of anything.”
Sheriff Rhodes laughed. “Cake and coffee would be welcome, Missus Rogers, no matter who made it.”
~*~
Steve entered the church that Friday with trepidation, worried about the outcome of this trial. The church was the only place large enough for a trial since they didn’t have a courthouse yet, and it seemed like half the town had shown up for the trial. The church was only about half full, but it was still a good number who wanted to see justice done. The pulpit at the front of the church had been replaced with a desk and chair, where Judge Murdock sat, his eyes hidden behind smoked lenses. He was blind, but quite capable, and everyone on his circuit knew it. Fourteen men sat on two benches that had been moved slightly away from the others, all local men, called in to do their duty as jurors. Then Brock was led in by the deputy, and forced into a chair in front of the pews, facing the judge.
Steve led Runa to one of the front pews, told in advance by Sheriff Rhodes that they needed to be up near the front. Steve made certain Runa was settled into her seat near the middle of the bench before he sat down beside her, Bucky taking a place on her other side, Happy Sam beyond Bucky, and all the rest of those who called Bluestone Ranch home flanking them on both sides, and sitting in the pew directly in front of them in the front row. They would make certain nothing could get to Runa, something agreed upon the previous night after Runa had gone to bed. It was unlikely that Brock or his parents would try to come at her, or hire someone else to do so, but they wanted to be careful, just in case. As Dum Dum had pointed out, there was no telling what snakes like them would try.
The Bartons sat on the bench behind Steve, Bucky, and Runa, Nat joining them. Across the aisle, the Rumlows sat on the first bench, looking as if they had been sucking on lemons and had dung under their noses.
Steve scanned the room, and frowned slightly when he saw Coulson and Reverend Fury lead in a tall, older, distinguished looking man, and a woman of middle years in a serviceable dark gray dress.
“Wonder who they are.” He murmured, and those near to Steve turned to look. Runa let out a gasp, one that he could easily tell was delighted.
“It’s Titus and Iris!” She breathed out softly. “Whatever are they doing here?”
“If Coulson had a hand in it, they’re here to help.” Bucky grinned as Coulson led the two to share a bench with the Bartons and Nat. He and Steve nodded greetings at the two newcomers, while Runa couldn’t help but smile.
“There will be time for talking later.” Titus said kindly to her before she could say anything. Runa managed a nod, before settling back into her seat, looking happier than Steve had seen her in a while. He only hoped the happiness lasted a bit longer, but he doubted it. This trial would be hard on all of them, but particularly her. He knew she didn’t want everyone to know the true circumstances of how she came to answer his ad, but it was going to come out, and likely a lot more, if the Rumlows stooped as low as he feared they would.
At a sign from Judge Murdock, Foggy Nelson called everyone to order, and those who had been standing quickly found seats, the buzz of conversation dying out.
“What do we have today, Sheriff?” Judge Murdock finally asked.
“Brock Rumlow, from Washington D.C., charged with horse theft, burning down Bluestone Ranch, murdering James Falsworth, attempting to murder Sam Sawyer, beating and kidnapping Runa Rogers, and hiring someone to murder both Steve Rogers and James Barnes.”
“Is that all?” Judge Murdock asked dryly, clearly a rhetorical question. “Mister Rumlow, how do you plead?”
“Not guilty, your honor.” Brock said in as charming a voice as he could muster.
“Tell me in your own words what happened to cause such a misunderstanding that you are accused with this laundry list of crimes.” Judge Murdock invited him to speak.
So Brock did begin to speak, telling about a long courtship and understanding between him and Runa, how she had gotten cold feet only weeks before the wedding and had then taken off for Texas, where a sweet-talking cowboy had enticed her to come marry him instead. How Brock had come to Texas to talk her into seeing reason. How he had taken her aside to talk on the Fourth of July, and she confessed to him that her husband was cruel to her, hurt her. How he had gone out to the ranch the following Monday to collect her and her things, only to find her battered and bruised, how the two men had come at him to stop Runa from leaving with him, how they had hurt her and how he was just trying to protect the woman he loved.
The story rang false to everyone in the makeshift courtroom. It was almost laughable. Almost, because it was still plausible to anyone who didn’t know Steve or Runa.
“Is that really the best he could come up with?” Bucky muttered under his breath.
“Hush.” Steve muttered in response.
“Missus Rogers, might we hear your version of events?” Judge Murdock asked. Runa took a deep breath and stood, wringing her hands together before forcing herself to hold them clasped in front of her.
She told the truth, every bit of it. That Brock had flirted with her a bit when she was younger, before she really knew better, but that had been put to an end some years before. She told how she had received the summons from Missus Rumlow, and of the conversation that followed, where Runa was told she would marry Steve or else be charged for a crime she had not committed. There were a few murmurs at that, finding out she didn’t come to marry Steve willingly, but the murmurs quickly died down at a gesture from Judge Murdock. Runa continued on, about how she had married Steve, how he had been good to her, how everyone at Bluestone had been. Then she told of Brock’s arrival, his insistence she go away with him, leave Steve and everyone behind for him. Her voice caught a few times and her breath hitched as she told about the day he had come to the ranch, telling in full detail what she remembered happening.
“So, your husband has never laid a hand on you in anger or malic?” Judge Murdock asked.
“Not once.” Runa agreed softly.
“That girl is an ungrateful liar.” Donna Rumlow stood, looking furious. “Your honor, she seduced my son-”
“Sit down and be quiet or I will charge you with contempt of court.” Judge Murdock thundered. Donna Rumlow sputtered something uncharitable, before sitting down. Alexander Peirce quickly stood.
“Your honor, if I may, as council for the defense, ask questions of both Brock Rumlow and Runa Freydis?”
“Rogers.” Judge Murdock corrected.
“My apology, Runa Rogers.”
“Don’t you let him frighten you, darlin’.” Steve heard Bucky whisper to Runa, the words barely carrying to him.
“You just keep telling the truth, sweetheart.” Steve murmured in agreement, “No one with half a brain in their head would believe Rumlow.”
Runa nodded slightly, standing a little straighter, her head a little higher. Steve could almost hear her say the words “I will not let them bully me” and smiled. She was stronger than he had ever imagined her being.
The cross examination was difficult, Peirce trying to get Runa to agree that there had been a previous contract, that she had agreed to run off with Brock when she was only fifteen, but she denied it fiercely. Then he tried to claim that she had known Brock carnally, and there had been murmurs in court again. Runa had flushed, and bit her lips.
“He tried. Once. I was fifteen and his father found us when I cried out for him to stop, for someone to help me. Mister Rumlow pulled Brock off of me and whipped me for acting a whore.”
The gasps and mutters in court were louder now, and Steve reached up, gently pulling apart Runa’s hands and holding one securely. She looked down at him and he could see unshed tears in her eyes, and his heart ached for her.
“I’m here for you. You can do this.” He assured her softly. She managed a tremulous smile, before looking ahead once more.
Alexander Peirce did his best to discredit Runa, make her out to be a fickle, loose woman only after Steve’s perceived wealth, which caused Coulson to let out a sharp laugh.
“Who was that?” Judge Murdock demanded.
Coulson stood. “My apologies, your honor. I’m Phil Coulson, with the Pinkerton Detective Agency. I was hired to find miss Rogers, and she has since retained my services as a protector and advisor until this situation with the Rumlow family can be rectified.”
“And you found Mister Peirce’s comments amusing?”
“Yes, your honor. While Bluestone Ranch is prosperous, no one could call the owners wealthy. Well, until Miss Freydis married one of the owners, Steven Rogers, and became Missus Rogers.”
“I’m sorry, could you elaborate on that?”
“On her twenty-first birthday, Missus Rogers inherited several estates, including those of her parents, her grandparents, and her uncle. The assets of her inheritances have been carefully managed by a diverse team of lawyers and account managers, increasing the inheritances substantially. She could buy and sell the Rumlow family several times over and never even notice.”
Shock rippled through the building, and Runa looked down. There were so many things she hadn’t wanted nosed about being revealed today. People looked at you different when you had money, treated you different, and she wanted things to continue on the same way as they had since her arrival.
“Of course, Missus Rogers had no idea about any of this, having been told by the Rumlows since she was twelve, when they became her legal guardians, that the funds had been exhausted, and she was a pauper who needed to work to earn her room and board.”
“That’s a lie!” Theodore Rumlow spouted.
“Every word of it is the truth.” Titus said in clipped tones.
“Mister Rumlow, be silent. Will the other speaker please rise and elaborate?”
Titus stood. “My name is Titus Blake. I served as the Rumlows’ butler for eight years. Before that, I served as butler for Lars Freydis, and before that I served in the house of his brother, Rolf Freydis, who was Missus Rogers’ father. I have known Missus Rogers her entire life. After the fire that claimed the lives of her uncle and his friend Mister Madison, Missus Rogers was given to the care of Mister and Missus Rumlow. When I went to work for the Rumlow family a year later, I found Missus Rogers working in the house as a maid of all work. When I asked for the reason of her change in circumstances, she told me that she had been informed by Mister and Missus Rumlow that there was no money in the accounts left to her, and she needed to work for them to provide for herself.”
“I have letters from Mister Theodore Rumlow requesting funds from those accounts, so I can prove there was no misunderstanding. I also have a copy of the ad placed by Mister Rogers, as well as the letters he received, and those he sent, provided to me by Mister and Missus Rogers. The letters from Missus Rogers are clearly not in her handwriting.”
“I’d like to have Mister Nelson examine the documents, while we hear from the remainder of the witnesses.”
“None of that has any bearing on this trial.” Alexander Peirce protested.
“It has every bearing on this trial, if you’re trying to paint your client to be a paragon of virtue you say he is.” Judge Murdock almost snorted. “It sets a pattern of behavior, and shows the motive for the assaults and murder.”
“I didn’t-!” Brock sputtered, but Judge Murdock turned his head in his direction, fixing him with an impressive scowl.
“I would like to hear from the other victim. Sam Sawyer, I believe?”
The trial moved on, Happy Sam giving his version of events, how he and Falsworth had been eyeing Brock’s friend as he eyed the ranch buildings. How they had heard Runa cry out, had gone running in to help her, neither of them trusting the man she had seemed so eager to get away from during the dancing on the Fourth of July. How Brock had shot Falsworth, how Happy Sam had struggled with Brock to try and buy Runa time to get away. How he had been stabbed, and been unable to do anything more than watch while Brock beat Runa bloody for trying to defend him. He recounted how Brock had drugged Runa before carrying her from the house, and how smoke had filled the air soon after.
Then Steve was asked to tell his tale, how he saw the smoke on the horizon, realized the ranch was burning. How they had searched for Runa, had been horrified to see the others bring out Falsworth and Happy Sam. Bucky told a similar tale. Then Laura was asked to speak, explaining how they had seen the smoke and hitched up the wagon immediately, racing to help the people at Bluestone. How terrified they had been when gunshots rang out and Steve, then Bucky, fell to the ground with blood spreading across their shirts. Clint told about how he had once been a sharp shooter, and how he had been able to figure out where the man was firing from and take him down before he could hurt anyone else.
Mister Stanley told about how Brock had come into the train station carrying Runa, and even little Cassie was called up to tell her tale of what happened. Thor and Luis told their parts of the tale, and then Bruce was called on to tell his part, about the injuries sustained by everyone involved, as well as how Brock’s matched up according to the stories told by the others.
And finally, the owner of the livery stable testified about how Brock had taken a horse from his stables without paying the fees.
Alexander Peirce tried to question the others, tried to find cracks in the stories, but was coming up short. Finally, Judge Murdock looked to the jury.
“Gentlemen, if you would like to adjourn to deliberate, I believe Jasper Sitwell has closed his restaurant for everyone but you for the duration of your deliberation. The rest of us will wait until you return.”
Runa squeezed Steve’s hand.
“It will be all right.” He said confidently. “You’ll see. No one will believe that story of his.”
“I hope you’re right.” Runa said quietly.
“Of course he’s right.” Laura said from behind them. “No one with any sense is going to believe that story he cooked up, or about how that lawyer is trying to make it all out to be your fault.”
Runa half turned in her seat so she could smile at Laura, but her smile brightened when she looked past Laura to Iris and Titus.
“We got a telegram that said you were in trouble, and Brock was going to be on trial for hurting you. It said that if we wanted to help, your lawyers would provide tickets out here. We only arrived yesterday.” Iris explained.
“It’s good to see you. Although I wish it was under better circumstances.” Titus agreed.
“I’ve missed you both so much.” Runa said, and Steve had a suspicion that she was blinking back tears. “We have to arrange a visit, this is… It’s not the best place to catch up.”
“The house isn’t much right now, but we can bring you out to visit the ranch, or bring Runa in to town to see you. I’m sure Pepper won’t mind you taking over her sitting room for a visit for a while.” Bucky suggested, also turned in his seat so he could better speak to the people in the row behind them.
“That would be nice, Mister Barnes.” Iris said quietly.
“Oh no, no Mister Barnes. You two are family, to hear Runa tell it, so you can call me Bucky.” Bucky grinned at Iris.
“All right, Bucky then.” Iris smiled back.
“How long were you two planning on staying in Amaranto Springs?” Steve asked.
“We were looking at making the visit permanent.” Titus drawled. “We realized that testifying against Mister Brock in court would be the same as turning in our notice to leave the employ of the Rumlows, so we made certain to bring all our things with us for a fresh start.”
“You’re staying?” Runa asked eagerly, and so hopefully.
“We also missed having your sunshine nearby.” Iris smiled at Runa.
“I missed having the two of you nearby as well.” Runa confessed.
“Jury’s back.” Titus said quietly, not looking surprised in the slightest by the quick turnaround.
“Already?” Runa turned to look, and indeed, the twelve jurors were filing back into the room.
“I think that’s a new record.” Steve murmured as they all turned to settle back into their seats. Judge Murdock did not look surprised in the slightest when he was informed the jurors were back so soon. He waited until the jury was settled back down, before he turned his head in their direction.
“For the charge of horse theft, how do you find the defendant?”
The jury foreman stood. “Guilty.”
“For the charge of arson, how do you find the defendant?”
“Guilty. Judge, it might save us all a heap of time to say we find him guilty of the whole kit and caboodle.”
Judge Murdock nodded. “Thank you. You may be seated.” He turned his head in the direction of Brock Rumlow.
“You are aware that horse theft alone is a hangable offense?” He asked Brock lightly.
“Your honor, I didn’t-”
“It was a yes or no question, Mister Rumlow.”
Brock was silent for a time, before finally answering. “Yes.”
Judge Murdock pursed his lips together and nodded slightly. “Brock Rumlow, a court of your peers has found you guilty of horse theft, arson, murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and kidnapping. As a judge for the state of Texas, it is my job to pass verdict.” He was silent a moment, weighing his words, “I sentence your estate to pay reparations for the destruction of all property on Bluestone Ranch. I say your estate, because you will not be around to pay the reparations yourself. Judge Rhodes, can a scaffolding be prepared before tomorrow?”
There were murmurs in the room.
“Yes, your honor.” Sheriff Rhodes said quietly.
“Very good. Mister Rumlow, tomorrow morning at eight a.m. you are to be taken and hung by the neck until you are dead.
Brock had gone pale, and he sputtered. “You can’t do that!” while his mother let out a theatrical wail of despair at the fate of her only son.
“You will find, Mister Rumlow, that I can. Here we judge people on their actions, not on their money, and through your actions you have made it clear that you are a threat to the community of Amaranto Springs. Sheriff Rhodes, take the condemned to his cell. He is allowed to have visitors, but he must remain under guard at all time.”
“Yes, your honor.” Sheriff Rhodes said.
Runa gripped Steve’s hand tightly. Steve gave her hand a squeeze, looking down to her, seeing the grief on her face.
“It’s not your fault.” He whispered.
“I know, but… It still feels like it.” She confessed softly as Sheriff Rhodes and his deputy escorted Brock from the building. “I know he killed Falsworth, tried to kill Happy Sam and wanted to kill you and Bucky and I don’t know who else, but… That doesn’t mean I have to like this.”
“You wouldn’t be you if you did.” He looked to Bucky. “Think we can make room on the ranch for two more tomorrow?”
Bucky nodded as people began to disperse, knowing what Steve intended without them talking about it. “I’ll talk to them about it. We’ll figure out how to make it work. Darlin,” He looked down to Runa, “Steve’s going to take you and Happy Sam over to see Doc. I’ll make certain Iris and Titus get to the boarding house safe before we come for you, all right?”
“All right… Today wouldn’t be a very good day for a visit anyway.” She turned to look back at Iris, who smiled at her.
“We’ll find a time for a good long visit, tomorrow or the next day.” She promised.
“You go and see the doctor. Let your husband take care of you.” Titus added.
Runa smiled at them, and nodded.