“I need speak regarding old complaint.”
Crowell folded arms.
Evelyn said:
“Now?”
Sheriff sighed.
“There’s warrant.”
Jonah nodded as if expected.
“For theft?”
“Yes.”
“Also assault.”
Jonah frowned.
“Whose?”
Crowell answered:
“Mine.”
Jonah laughed.
“You tripped over desk.”
Sheriff closed eyes.
Evelyn looked between.
“You’re arresting witness against bank based on accusation from bank manager?”
Mason lowered voice.
“I didn’t issue warrant.”
“Judge did two years ago.”
“I have to serve.”
Jonah touched Evelyn’s arm with left hand.
Very lightly.
“It’s all right.”
“No.”
“It isn’t.”
“I can handle.”
“You have one hand.”
“I’ve been arrested before.”
“That is not comforting.”
He smiled.
“Evelyn.”
It was first time he said her given name.
Something tightened in her.
Jonah continued.
“Go to Helena.”
“Find examiner.”
“Ask for central clearing journal dated October seventeenth.”
“Code BC-41.”
“Do not let anyone tell you records were destroyed.”
Crowell shouted:
“Sheriff!”
Mason took Jonah.
Evelyn stood motionless.
Jonah looked back once.
Not afraid.
That made her angrier.
She followed to jail.
Mason allowed five minutes.
Jonah sat behind bars.
His sling filthy.
Evelyn crossed arms.
“You intended this.”
“No.”
“You knew possible.”
“Yes.”
“Why come?”
“Because foreclosure date.”
She stared.
“You could have mailed receipt.”
“Crowell intercepts local mail?”
“I don't know.”
“I wasn’t risking.”
Evelyn stepped closer.
“What is in Helena?”
“Central daily settlement journal.”
“If your father’s draft cleared, headquarters received transfer.”
“Crowell could alter local books.”
“Not central.”
“Who do I see?”
“Territorial examiner Clara Whitmore.”
“A woman?”
Jonah smiled.
“You sound surprised.”
“I’m pleased.”
“Good.”
“How do you know her?”
“She investigated bank after fire.”
“Why didn’t she stop Crowell?”
“No evidence.”
“I disappeared.”
“Burke died.”
“Books clean enough.”
Evelyn looked at him.
“You disappearing helped him.”
“I know.”
The shame was obvious.
She softened.
“Why did you?”
“Because I was twenty-eight.”
“Beaten.”
“Broke.”
“Everyone called thief.”
“I chose surviving.”
Evelyn thought of all the times she had judged herself for merely surviving.
She nodded.
“Fair.”
Jonah looked surprised.