Earlier at the church;

The Lord did not forget, though, and neither would he, for as long as he lived. He had repented, yes, but he did not regret. The truth of the fact was that Reverend Thomas Reed was a priest, yes, but also a soldier, a hunter, and a killer. At least in defense of a trial, he would be on the side of the law.

"Of course." he said, quietly, then with more certainty he repeated; "Of course."

A more regular, easy smile crept back onto his face, and he seemed a mite more relaxed.

"I'll stand with you, Marshal. What day is it scheduled to begin?"

"Looks to be May second, or just after, depending on the Judge. Appreciate the help, Father, but it's like I said, maybe nothing happens, maybe all hell breaks loose." Speed clarified, then added, "Can't be sure, but the two from the robbery, Marley and Simpson, they might be open to a bit of comfort before they meet their maker. Be obliged if you'd stop by the jail before their trial."

"I'll be there." Thomas declared, an air of finality about him. "And you can let those two know that a priest will be with them."

With that, he gave the Marshal one last smile and stepped back from the narthex, though with a fair bit more material for his Sunday service.

At the Stardust Saloon:

"Well, I am guessing you aren't here to have a drink? So.....fill me in then,"  Ralph answered.

"Well, I'll take a cup of coffee, if you've got any on." Speed began, but before he could continue...

"Wait! Don't tell me....Arabella git herself into some trouble?" he wouldn't put it past the girl, she certainly was a handful."

Speed laughed, calming him a bit from the stressors of preparing for the trial. "Hardly, she is all that and then some to be sure, Ralph, but I'm here about the coming trial for Case. First, I'd like the use of your roof. I'd like to put some riflemen up there in the event that there's trouble. The other thing, if you're not a witness, the city'll pay you to be up on your roof. And any damages to your place."

"Well, hell. You know, I know that. Just a busy time and I reckon I just let that slip." Speed said, candid about how busy things were for him. I best be speaking to Miss Devereau then, that is if she might be available."

Speed needed to get help, even though he was not sure if or when there would be any trouble. It seemed to him that precaution was was the better part of any situation. It was a small slip, but it was common knowledge that he had somehow forgotten.

"As I said, if you were to able to stand with us, the town will pay you." Speed reminded him.

"I'll help long as I get paid and if Matilda sez it's alright with her," Ralph agreed but with conditions.

“Hold that coffee will you Ralph, and thanks.” Straight to the stairs he went, and then up to the second floor to speak with Matilda Devereau. The roof of the saloon was vital to his security plan. He wanted no one on the ground except for himself. Shooting down, with ample cover was far easier than standing in the street, where he planned to be, facing men on horseback.

He stood before the door with the gold knocker, as Ralph had described. He took a breath then used the knocker to rap twice. This was a new experience as he didn’t recall ever speaking with her before, however he was positive she knew who he was.

"No ma'am, nothing wrong. I need to ask a favor of you. You know, of course, about the trial coming up for Case Steelgrave." He began.

"I would like to use the roof of your business to station two, maybe three men with rifles in the event of any trouble. Something like what we witnessed with the Evergreen riders."

"And, I'm asking for your permission to use Ralph, who said he would stand with us on your say so. I realize I'm asking a lot, but the safety of all those involved in the trial is likely at stake here." Now would come the moment of truth for his plan. There were other rooftops, but none as perfect as the Stardust's.

"Alright, you can use my roof. And if Ralph is willin', he is free to do as he wills. I suppose it's the former soldier in him. But here's hopin' nothing like this even occurs."

Speed was able to smile at her response and her permission. No doubt anyone planning to derail the trial would want control of that rooftop. Now it would be in the hands of the law. All that was needed were men to man the rooftops. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this, and if there should be any damage to your property, I’ll see that the town takes care of it.”

“Ralph has asked to be paid, I’ll cover that out of the collected fines I have.” Speed concluded, “and again, thank you Miss Devereau.”