Mitch’s revelation about his father and his brothers nagged at Hannah for the next couple of days and interfered with her rest at night. If the news article about him had been embellished, then what else had been twisted to make a better story? And if the real truth about Mitch wasn’t accurate, then what about Willard Greenly? Was he what he seemed?
There was only one way to find out. Her spirits lifted at the thought of doing research and the expectation of what she might discover. She’d been relieved when she’d learned the sheriff had been called out of town for a few days to testify in a case. It gave her time to sort through things in her mind.
She’d written her first report of the historical society, and the grateful ladies had arranged for all the women in Riverton to meet at the church to share their stories about the beginning of Riverton. Hannah had become a special friend to the women, most of whom were wives of prominent businessmen in town. She hadn’t had a chance to bring up the question of vote buying, but she’d learned Cosgrove had become wealthy overnight. Some of the talk around town was that he’d called in loans and undervalued mortgages because he knew about the railroad coming through town long before it was announced. One of those properties had belonged to Chester Goodman. Looking into the banker’s practices was next up on her list of things to investigate right after the election. What fueled her excitement today, however, was her new project. She’d decided to write a series of articles in support of the sheriff. Anonymously. If Mitch wouldn’t advocate for himself, she’d do it for him.
Dressing quickly in a simple skirt and jacket, she hurried from her aunt’s house and walked quickly toward the paper. Halfway there she saw Mitch. Her heart beat triple time. He was back and strolling along in that laconic way of his, making his presence known and letting people know he was on the job.
She fought off the urge to stop and watch him and quickened her steps more. Watching him could become a habit she might not want to break. After a stop at the telegraph office, she continued on. Donald, the young apprentice who worked for her aunt, looked up and smiled as she entered. “Morning, Donald.”
“Miss Hannah, I want to apologize again for putting up those posters for the sheriff. I thought I was helping.”
Hannah waved him off. “That’s all right. Where’s my aunt?” He gestured toward the office. The older woman was hunched over her desk and glanced up when she entered. “Hannah, come look at this. It was shoved under the door this morning.”
Hannah assumed her most bland expression. She’d slipped the article under the door of the newspaper office early this morning so Polly would find it first thing when she opened up. Crafting the articles about Mitch to disguise her writing style from her aunt had been difficult. Pretending to be ignorant of the posts would be even more so. Hannah perused the post. “Who wrote it?”
“At first I thought you might have, but the style is all wrong.”
“What are you going to do with it?”
“It’s good, and the people of this town need to be reminded of what Mitch has done. I’m going to print it. Someone has to campaign for the sheriff. Might as well be the Chronicle. After all, that’s what we do.”
Hannah managed a sweet smile, but her insides were all jittery with excitement. Now she could proceed with the other articles. The Chronicle was a twice-weekly paper, and there were two weeks until the election. That would allow her to write four pieces about Mitch. Hopefully she could make the townsfolk see what she saw—a man of honor and integrity who truly cared for the town and its security. A man who would dedicate his life and even sacrifice it for them if necessary. She prayed the people would see the light and cast their vote for him.
Now she had to start her investigation.
“Aunt Polly, do you keep back issues of the paper?”
“Yes. Why?”
“I need to do some research. How far back and what about the papers from before you took over?”
“The past issues of the Chronicle are in the storeroom. The old copies of the Post should be there, too, though I have no idea where to start looking. Those go back seven or eight years. What are you looking for?”
“The truth.” Pulling off her jacket, she laid it and her reticule on the side table before pushing through to the storeroom. The air was thick with dust and the smell of old paper and dry rot. She hoped her aunt had taken precautions to preserve the back issues. Her father always stored his in metal boxes and paid a special storage service to keep them in a cool location.
It took nearly an hour, but she finally located the box with the papers from five years ago. Spreading the issues out on the table she started to scan the contents. The truth was here someplace, and once she found it she knew exactly what she was going to do to make sure Mitch was elected sheriff again.
Hannah awoke on Wednesday morning filled with bubbling excitement. Her first article on Mitch had come out today, and her stomach fluttered at the thought of how he would react. Not well if she had to guess. She managed to keep her secret even though she felt badly about deceiving her aunt, but it was the only way to ensure it got published. She’d encouraged her aunt to put it on the front page. Time was running out, and Greenly gained ground every day. There was no guarantee her plan would work, but she had to try. Mitch deserved to remain as sheriff.
A quick glance at her lavalier watch showed she would have to hurry to meet with the women today. They were organizing an ice cream social on the church grounds for this weekend, and Hannah had volunteered to help. Having all the townsfolk in one location for an afternoon would give her an opportunity to ask questions under the guise of being new and curious.
But first she had to pick up a copy of the newspaper.
Riverton Chronicle
September 14, 1881
Election for Sheriff
Riverton’s first election for sheriff is under way. Speeches are being given, promises made, and qualifications presented. Change is the theme of the day. A more qualified man is required for the office. We need a sheriff who sees into the future, who will polish our image and attract more settlers so Riverton will become a beacon of decency.
What is the most important requirement for sheriff? Experience.
Candidate Greenly made his qualifications known. But what about the other candidate? He’s remained silent during this election, choosing to devote his time and energy toward doing his job—protecting Riverton and its citizens. Sheriff Kincaid has served our town faithfully for five-and-a-half years. He held the position of deputy in another county before coming to Riverton. In that time he has maintained the peace, protected the citizens and their property, and fostered goodwill among the people. He has conducted himself with honesty and dedication, and a deep sense of appreciation for the laws he’s sworn to uphold and the people he’s chosen to protect. I believe that experience should be rewarded.
The Advocate