It's not a question of who's right. It's a question of what's right.
As Matt listened to the judge, he began wondering what was really going on. Usually Ben Robertson was an honest man and not one to dawdle over things that concern the town. Whatever reason, the judge had for dragging this out would have to be a good one.
"Ben, once again I have to agree with the Marshall. If all we are waiting for is confirmation that the agreement we have already drawn up will withstand any legal disputes, then we should go ahead. Anything new can be added to the existing contract and signed if necessary by all parties."
Turning to the Marshall, he nodded, "Unless, there's anything else that you would like to go over, I suggest we go and see Miss Steelgrave to make a time when she can come here to sign the papers. It would a great honour, if you could also be one of the witnesses."
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
"Well sure, I mean, I'd be proud to witness this and put an end to the wait, unless," He looked at Robertson, "there's some reason to continually delay this project any further." This was all too contrived, in his opinion. The delay by sending what had been simple almost iron clad agreement to the capitol where it would become lost in the shuffle of papers for review, or approval or even a simple signature.
"I assume, Judge, that you have a copy of this agreement, if not the original for signatures?" He asked. That way we can have Miss Steelgrave appear and sign in the morning. Then we can get this thing started and not have her take the project to Columbia Falls after all. How does that sound?"
Speed smiled, any further delay and he would begin investigating the Judge, and get to the bottom of these senseless delays. There was something afoot here, something he suspected as dirty. He looked to both the judge and Matthew for their replies.
We may think we leave the past behind but it has a habit of catching up with us
"Well sure, I mean, I'd be proud to witness this and put an end to the wait, unless," He looked at Robertson, "there's some reason to continually delay this project any further."
"No, no reason to delay it other for those that I have already stated," the Judge answered slowly.
"I assume, Judge, that you have a copy of this agreement, if not the original for signatures?" He asked. That way we can have Miss Steelgrave appear and sign in the morning. Then we can get this thing started and not have her take the project to Columbia Falls after all. How does that sound?"
"Yes, of course I have a copy. It will be waiting for Miss Steelgrave and all town council to sign it here tomorrow morning. Would nine o'clock be fine?"
Ben smiled and hoped that his answer would be enough for the Marshall and Matt. If they agreed, then he would have the time he needed to do what he had to do next in order to delay the project as long as he could.
"The law is the law."
"Mining's not everyone's choice of hobbies, it just happens to be mine."
Nine AM, an end to the delays would happen, then the hospital could begin construction while the weather was still good. Mid-July meant it might be up, but not ready to open by the first expected snowfall, in October. Then again that might be a lot to hope for. Rain delays and such like could hold up progress. However, it would be a start on the project.
"That sounds fine Your Honor. Nine o'clock it is, then." Speed agreed, he would get back over to tell Leah the good news. "I trust that this will end all of these delays and the town will get it's hospital and end the threat of a move to Columbia Falls?" He smiled at Matt.