Free The Widow's Touch (A Whimsical Select Romance Novella) by Tamara Ternie

with a shaky hand. He walked toward her and handed her a piece of paper.  “This is Ellen’s new statement about the events that happened the night Shultz died.”
    “ Other than her account of how I killed him, it’s all lies,” she said after she perused the letter.  “What I testified to eight years ago was exactly what happened.  I walked in on them and he was beating and raping her.  I saw no alternative but to kill him, so I reached for the fire poker and stabbed him.”
    Jonathon nodded his head and the sincerity on his face relayed that he believed her. 
    “They have her against the wall, Eloda,” Jonathon said.  “She married last year and has recently given birth to a child.”
    “I know,” Eloda softly whispered.  “I’m sure she is scared.  With the gallows looming and ready in the courtyard, I am certain she will not deny them any request.”
    “What if I go and talk to her,” Jack offered to Jonathon.  “Do you think it may help?”
    “I doubt it,” he said and shook his head.  He turned to Eloda.  “She wanted me to tell you that she is forever in your debt for saving her that night, but she must stay loyal to her family, and that is by staying alive. She begged for your understanding and forgiveness.”
    “Please, let her know I understand.  Tell her I hold no resentment toward her.  I don’t want her burdened by guilt if they should hang me.  It’s not her fault.”
    “We are getting her the hell out of here tonight,” Jack exclaimed to Jonathon.  “We’ll say she escaped.”
    “I considered that as well, Jack.” Jonathon frowned.  “They’re ready for that.  Frank has been shooting his mouth about something going on between the two of you, so they have men watching this place in the event you go soft and let her go.  She steps one foot out of here without just reason, you’ll give them a justified reason to kill her.”
    “ And what of the trial?” she asked.  “Do you think it will conclude tomorrow?”
    “I don’t suspect Ellen’s testimony will take long.  Not much I can do in her cross examination other than to counter with her previous statement from your original trial.  After that, we will do our closing statements and it’ll probably go to the jury by evening.”
    “And if they choose to hang me?”
    “I’ll be honest; this town will not wait for an appeal.”  He closed his eyes.  “I’m sorry, Eloda.”
    Eloda gasped and her hand inadvertently went to her neck.  “Will they hang me tomorrow?” she asked frightened.  Jack embraced her from behind and drew Eloda against him.
    “It all depends on the town and their reaction to the verdict, ” he said, and he brushed an unsteady hand through his hair.  “I think we can all agree that in light of Ellen’s testimony, they will not be in favor of an acquittal.”
    Eloda breathed in deep and blew out her apprehensions.  She stepped away from Jack and smoothed her hand over her hair.  She faced them both , and after a few breaths to calm her nerves, she forced a smile.  “Then, I must get my affairs in order.”
    “Eloda,” Jack began, but she raised her hand and stopped his protest.
    “As I stated before, I’ll not go out struggling.  You must allow me to do what I need to at this time , Jack.  I want peace of mind at the end.”
    Jack fisted his hands at his sides and she knew his anger stemmed from his helplessness.  He moved toward his desk, defeated.  Sitting in his chair, he hid his face in his palms for several moments until he rose from his seat and slammed his fists atop his desk.  With great anguish, he cursed the profession he regarded with respect and honor his entire life.    
    “I’ll help you with whatever you need arranged,” he said, quietly.  He looked at her and she saw deep determination that glistened in his eyes before he added, “But I will find a way to get you safely out of here.”
    “I will also try to think of a way we can accomplish