Mitch took hold of Hannah’s upper arm and marched her out of the bank. She’d tried to explain, but he refused to let her speak. He didn’t want Cosgrove twisting anything she had to say. And he would. No doubt. But Mitch also knew Hannah, and he knew whatever was behind her snooping she’d only been trying to help someone.
Inside the jail he walked her to the back and opened a cell door. His heart tightened. He didn’t want to lock her up, but if he didn’t Cosgrove would raise a ruckus, and no matter the outcome of the vote tomorrow Mitch would be out of a job. Not until the door was closed did he dare a look into her eyes. She was scared and angry and oh, so vulnerable that he wanted to wrap his arms around her and comfort her, but he couldn’t.
“You want to tell me what you were doing in that office?”
“I heard Cosgrove and Jenkins talking about the new names of the people who sold their votes. He said he had the list. Then he mentioned Chester and I thought if I could find either the list or maybe Chester’s mortgage I could prove Cosgrove had stolen it and you could get it back.”
Mitch rubbed his forehead. “Even if you had, that’s not up to me. That would be a matter for the judge to decide.”
“But if I could find that list, then we could expose those people and make them vote their heart and not their money.”
“Hannah, it doesn’t work that way. Right now the only one who broke the law is you.” His voice had risen as he spoke. He hadn’t meant to shout, but he was worried what might happen to her. “Breaking into someone’s office is a criminal act. If you don’t understand that, then you should catch the next train back to Cincinnati before you find yourself in trouble I can’t get you out of.”
As if suddenly deflated, she sank onto the cot. He couldn’t help notice how out of place she looked. Her rose-colored dress, the cameo at her throat, and her soft honeytoned hair didn’t belong in his rough and dirty jail cell.
“How long do I have to stay here?”
“I don’t know. It’ll depend on when Cosgrove comes to press charges.”
He couldn’t look at her any longer. It hurt too much. He turned to go. He had a lot of thinking to do.
“Mitch, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make trouble.”
“I know. You never do.”
Mitch tried to block out the image of the lovely Hannah locked in his jail. He came up with as many reasons within the law to release her as he could. Though he doubted the banker would agree to any of them. Cosgrove would want to press charges to the hilt. An unfamiliar sound reached his ears and he strained to make it out. When he realized it was Hannah crying, his heart ached. There was nothing he could do for her. Well, there was one thing. He could pray that Cosgrove would grow a heart before he got here. He wasn’t a religious man, but he believed and he read his Bible when he could.
Mitch stared at the door to the jail then at the clock on the wall. It had been nearly forty-five minutes, and Cosgrove had yet to show up. Maybe his prayers had been answered. A commotion outside on the sidewalk brought him to his feet as the door opened and Mrs. Cosgrove entered. What was she doing here? “Good day, ma’am?” Slowly Horace Cosgrove entered the office and stood a few feet behind his wife, his expression grim.
“Hardly a good day, Sheriff, when you arrest a fine young woman like Hannah. I’m here to see that she’s released immediately.”
“Does this mean your husband is not pressing charges?”
“He most certainly is not.” She glanced over her shoulder at her spouse. “In fact, I’m here to verify her accusations.” Opening her reticule she pulled out a piece of paper. “I believe she was looking for this. It’s a list of the people who foolishly sold their votes for a few pieces of silver.”
Mitch took the list. There were names here that surprised him. “You know that vote buying isn’t illegal. I can’t arrest either these people or your husband.”
“More’s the pity. I know that, but Horace is going to make an announcement that those who took money for their votes are released from their commitment and are free to vote as they please. Isn’t that right, dear?”
Cosgrove swallowed, his face pale. “That’s correct. I made a big mistake.”
“All right.” Relief washed through Mitch as he picked up the keys and went to the back to set Hannah free.
She was gripping the bars, her face angled between the rough iron rods. “Did I hear Mrs. Cosgrove correctly? She found the list?”
“She did, and apparently she influenced her husband not to press charges.”
She stepped out of the cell and into his arms.” I’m so sorry, Mitch. Really.”
She stepped back, leaving a cold aching sensation in his chest. He followed her out into the office, struggling to sort out the strange feeling in his chest.
Mrs. Cosgrove hurried forward and gave Hannah a hug. “I’m so sorry for all this.”
“It’s not your fault. I was wrong to look through your husband’s office.”
“Well, you should have come to me. I know where he hides things he wants to deny. I found the list in his safe at home. And I think he understands the consequences if he tries to win an election underhandedly.”
“Thank you. I can never repay you for this.”
“You already have. You have been a delightful addition to our town, and we look forward to more of your inspiring ideas. Don’t you agree, Sheriff?”
Mitch looked into Hannah’s green eyes and saw hope. Did she want him to agree? “I’m sure the folks here would like that.” He watched as that light of hope faded from her eyes. He wasn’t sure what he’d done, but the rift between them was as wide as ever.
He would never understand women.