Chapter 20 - The Hearing
The hearing lasted three days.
Rourke's attorney claimed Samuel was a violent man protecting stolen land.
They questioned his relationship with the Apache travelers.
They suggested he had fabricated the entire conspiracy.
Then Henry Vale presented the original survey.
Margaret presented the ledger.
Sheriff Bell confessed his payments.
Even Wade Mercer testified.
Finally, Samuel presented his father's old agreement.
The courtroom became silent.
The judge examined the document.
The agreement established shared access to the water source.
Rourke's entire transfer plan depended on pretending that agreement never existed.
The judge looked at Rourke.
"Where did this document come from?"
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Rourke said nothing.
For the first time, he looked afraid.
