She looked over at the stack of boxes.

Shirley said, “Got a lot of work to do.”

“I’m sure. I’m really worried about my father.”

“Somebody told me he was heading out of town.”

“Who was that?”

“Don’t recall. Probably heard it over at Rita’s.”

“You’re friends with Abby Riker?”

At that moment an interior door opened and Judge Mosley ambled out. He wore a suit and held his driving cap in one hand.

“Shirley, I’m—” He broke off when he saw Annabelle. His smile was instant.

“Well, who is this?”

Annabelle shook his hand and felt his fingers linger just a beat too long on hers. She explained who she was and why she was here.

“Ben seemed to be a very interesting man,” said Mosley. “I wish I’d gotten to know him better. I hope you find him. Well, I have to be off.”

“Up to the prison, Judge?” said Shirley.

“That’s right.” He turned to Annabelle. “I go up there once a week and resolve disputes between the prisoners and the guards. And there are many, I’m afraid.”

“I’m sure.”

“Rehabilitation is the key,” he said. “Although not many of the folks at Blue Spruce will ever see the light of day as free men, they still deserve some respect and dignity.”

“That’s what Josh thought,” blurted out Shirley.

They turned to look at her.

She reddened. “My husband. He was a guard up there.” She glanced at Annabelle. “He’s the one who died in the . . . accident. He thought you should treat folks with respect regardless of what they’ve done, prisoner or not.”

“Exactly,” said Mosley. “I would be the first to admit that Howard Tyree is not exactly sold on that concept, but that’s why it bears repeating. And my weekly presence I hope lets everyone see that common ground in fact can be reached.”

“Howard Tyree?” said Annabelle sharply.

“He’s the sheriff’s brother,” answered Shirley. “The warden up at Dead Rock.”

Mosley smiled at Annabelle. “Its official name is Blue Spruce, but folks ’round here call it Dead Rock.”

Shirley snapped, “They call it Dead Rock because a bunch of miners got trapped in a cave-in. Never could get to them. Sealed up in there and they built a damn prison on top of them. And one of ’em was my daddy.”

Tears smeared Shirley’s mascara while Annabelle and Mosley looked politely away. The judge finally said, “Mining is a very dangerous business.”

“I can see that,” replied Annabelle.

“Well, good day, ladies.”

After he’d gone, Annabelle rose. “I guess I’ll let you get back to work.”

“Sorry I couldn’t help you,” Shirley said gruffly.

Oh, you already have, lady.

Chapter 65

CHAPTER 65