Already the gallows were being erected in the empty field behind Main Street. Each pound of the hammer felt like someone was driving a nail into Maggie’s heart. What was wrong with these people? Couldn’t they have waited until the verdict was read? The sheriff greeted her with his usual “No visitors.” “I’ll only be a moment.” She flashed her Pinkerton badge as she walked by his desk. She no longer had time to play his games. Garrett sat on his cot writing in his notebook. He looked up as she neared his cell and look surprised to see her. “The children—” “They’re fine,” she said. “I was just writing them a letter.” She nodded. “They’ll like that.” She wished now she’d thought to have the children write to him. He set the notebook on the cot by his side. “Anything?” “I don’t know. Maybe.” He rose to his feet and grabbed the bars. “That sounds encouraging.” She stepped closer. Casting a look at the sheriff still at his desk glowering, she lowered her voice.
