Chapter 91

“Folks, I have something I need to show you,” Sheriff Hunter said as he pulled a flash drive from the front pocket of his denim shirt.

Landon jumped up and ran out of the room. “I’ll get my laptop,” he called.

Lorna stepped in and asked if anyone wanted egg nog, and seeing as everyone did, Lance rose to help her bring in a tray. By the time he’d returned, and everyone had their mug, Landon had the laptop up and ready. Sheriff Hunter set it on the end of the coffee table. “I’ve copied several videos together with this, but you’ll see this first scene is actually at your driveway.”

Casey glanced at Wade in surprise. They’d both assumed whomever had set the barn on fire had crossed from Milton’s land.

The screen was dark but they were able to see three men on horseback creeping up the drive until they were out of sight.

“Was one of them Milton?” Allyson asked.

“We can’t see their faces too well, but yes, I am positive that third man is Milton,” the sheriff confirmed. “This next bit of footage, taken by another camera, is better.”

Wade leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his knees as the corral next to the barn came into view. Moments later, the three men were easy to see as they scurried past the railings. Their horses were out of the shot and Wade assumed they’d been left tied closer to the drive.

“Milton!” Casey exclaimed. “We have him on video!”

“Yes, you do.” Sheriff Hunter paused the footage. “They disappear into a camera blind spot, but you see them about two minutes later sneaking off. You can also see the flames just a few seconds after they leave. Do you want to see that?”

“Yes,” they cried in unison.

Wade watched intently as the three men disappeared just as the sheriff had said, then ran by the cameras again on their way out. “I recognize one of them. Dwight, isn’t it? Who’s the other one?”

“That’s Jackson. He’s new to the ranch,” the sheriff said.

The flames began to spread as they watched and Allyson covered her eyes. “He could have killed the horses. And what if someone had been in there?”

Casey motioned for the sheriff to turn it off as he pulled her close. “I can’t believe they were stupid enough to be seen on video!”

“I wonder if they thought the cameras were only along the fences,” Wade mused.

“So, what’s the next step?” Lance asked.

Sheriff Hunter grinned. “Milton Randle and the other two are spending their Christmas in jail.”

“Yes!” Wade shot his fist in the air.

“After reviewing all the footage, I rode over there first thing this morning. Had a chat with Dwight and Jackson. Told them I had video. Have to tell you, they flipped on the boss faster than I’ve ever witnessed. But, timing is everything, they say. See, Milton was supposed to pay them each five thousand for the job, and this morning—right before I showed up—he informed them he’d changed his mind because the barn didn’t burn to the ground. Let’s just say, neither Dwight nor Jackson were going to cover for Milton after that. I arrested them before talking to him.” A smile spread across his face. “When he came out the front door and saw those two in handcuffs, his face paled and he was visibly shaking.”

Wade couldn’t help it; he felt a little joy at hearing that.

“Now, he swears he didn’t do anything, but we’ve got the video and he can lie all he wants and it’s not going to matter. He’s sitting in a cell, just like his buddies.”

“What about everything else? Damaging our fence, killing our cattle?”

“I’m sorry, Casey. None of them have admitted to doing it. But they’re not going anywhere. None of them could afford bail.”

“They saw a judge today? On Christmas?” Wade was shocked.

“Judge Harrison came in, just for this. Ruby is behind you guys. Dwyer Ranch is a part of our town. Milton Randle is a sick, evil man. We’re not going to let him get away with anything. “And with him not being able to afford bail, that also means Milton isn’t as rich as he’s been making out to be all these years.”

“Not to sound too cheesy, but it really islike a Christmas miracle,” Allyson said. “Nobody was hurt in the fire. We’re all together. The men who committed the crime are in jail and we don’t have to worry about them getting out anytime soon.”

Lance squeezed Wade’s thigh. “And I’m married to you,” he whispered.