Ben sighed heavily as he watched Leah leave. Turning back to Speed, he just shook his head. "Unfortunately, I had no choice. Even if her intentions are honourable, there's a lot of people who are very wary of anything that has the Steelgrave name behind it, including myself."

“I understand Ben.” Speed said. “But you have to admit that she went to a lot of trouble to get the right of way sign sealed and delivered. Instead of by passing Kalispell they’ll have a depot here. Pretty impressive.”

"Her mentioning the town needing a mayor is one of the reasons why I came by today. We've been giving permission to hold both a mayoral and county sheriff election. I wanted to let you know before I make the announcement that nominations are open since you will have to work with both men."

“Well, that won’t be a problem, lord knows this town’s big enough to need a Mayor, and having a Mayor will take a lot of the burden off of the council.” Speed informed him. “Any idea who’ll run for either office as yet?” Speed knew that the town needed a guiding hand from a Mayor, working with the Town Council. And he recognized two things, yes there were those, like Ben, that had no liking for any Steelgrave, nor would they readily accept anything from anyone of them without doubt. Then too, Leah was a woman.

“Scott would be a good choice, that’s for sure. He knows the town and it’s people which is important.” Speed observed. “I would vote for him, doubting anyone else would have his qualifications. Oh, and you can forget about me for County Sheriff, not with my own business launching come the thaw.”

“Elias Steelgrave, he could be a real problem, I agree on that. And yes, I would imagine that there are those that owe him in one way or another, that we must be careful of, as you say in both positions.”

As for Miss Steelgrave and her proposition, I fail to see any veiled threat in her plan. From what I know, she and her father are not on the best of terms, and her mother? Left the country as far as anyone knows. Could be somewhere in Montana, but who’s to say. Quite a mess, that family.”

Ben nodded, "Yes the family is a mess and has for Mrs. Steelgrave, I have been hearing rumour about town as to why she left.  Some of them are very nasty and in my opinion, no woman should be talked about in that way, even if she is a Steelgrave."

“Rumors are ugly things, I agree. Of course, anything about Elias Steelgrave, well, it’s not to be taken with a grain of salt, that’s for sure.” Speed agreed. “I’ve heard some of the same things here and there. What concerns me most is the loss of Whitefish and how he deals with that. Then to find out wh

He paused before continuing, "As for Miss Steelgrave, you may not see a threat but there are others that will.  It goes hand in hand with being a Steelgrave.  There are people in this town who have been or know someone who was the victim of Elias Steelgrave's brand of justice or business tactics.  Miss Steelgrave will have to prove that she is not her father's daughter and that is a battle I do not envy her."

“I’d agree Judge, I surely would, was she anyone else. But what I’m seeing of her, she’ll not back down for any man, and that includes her father and the entire town if need be.” Speed added. “I see the threat, but it’s not to Kalispell, Ben, not one bit.”

The door opened and Pronto Pike walked in, shaking off the snow. “Marshal, Judge. If this is a bad time I kin come back.”

Ben turned to look at the newcomer.  He had met Pike a while back and found him to an amiable sort of fellow.  "No, you're fine.  I only dropped by for a brief visit as I have to go and see the other members of the town council to decide on a date for this election. Hopefully, we should have it worked out by the end of the week.  It will be no later than mid-April."

Pronto stepped aside to wait his turn with the Marshal.

“That sounds good, people should be getting around more in spite of the spring chores.” Speed stated. And I’d wager we’ll have a slate of candidates by then. Appreciate you stopping in, Judge.”

He held out his hand to Speed, "Thanks for your time, marshal.  I'll drop by later in the week."

“Look forward to it.” Speed acknowledged.

On his way out, Ben acknowledged Pike, "Nice to see you again.  We can have a chat the next time I go over to the Lick Skillet for one of Mrs. Blakesley pies."

“Yes sir, that’d be fine, so long as she lets me outta the kitchen.” Pike said with a grin

As he opened the door, he gave a quick wave, "Have a good day, gentlemen."

Both men responded in kind. Then Speed looked to Pronto. “What brings you in, as if I didn’t have an idea already. Leah Steelgrave?"

“That’d be it, fer shore. Wants me as part of her security with a couple Evergreen hands that sided with her. Bein’s I’d be yer depity about then I figgered we oughtta palaver on it a bit afore it’s time ta act.” Pronto explained.

Speed thought a moment, “Be a good idea that at least one of us was there.” He gave that a second to register. “I full well intend to help protect this project, just as I figure you do. Question is, how does Mrs. Blakesly feel about it?”  

Pike gave him a curious look. “Really Pike? Hell son, half the town knows about you an’ her, and the rest’ll know before night fall.” Speed added. “Something to consider.”

“Yeah, been thinkin’ on thet, bein’s she’s already lost one husband, not that I proposed ‘er anythin’, just sayin’, yeah, we been keepin’ comp’nee. I see the risk, but I see what’s at stake too.” Pike replied. “She told me I oughtta do what’s right. Backin’ clean out might it, standing an’ fightin’ surely seems whot’s right. I figger I’m good as any of ‘em, maybe better’n some. Long’s I don’t git back shot.”

“Well then, I guess we throw our hats in the ring.” Speed allowed.