They Sent Me to Prison for the Family Fire, So I Came Home to Sell the Ranch Out From Under Them novel · Chapter 20 of 24

Chapter 20: From the Witness Chair

Ansel's POV

I had never been inside that conference room.

For years I had stood on the sidewalk outside it while ranchers signed away what held them, and I had thought of the glass as a window into another kind of life.

Now I stood on the inside, a hundred people were watching me through it, and the bank manager was holding out a Bible.

"You've asked to testify," he said.

"It isn't a court, Mr. Callister.

"But the district attorney's office has called to say it will regard a statement made here as a recorded proceeding.

"I'm told that is unusual."

"Yes, sir," I said.

"Place your hand on it," the bank manager said.

I put my hand on it.

Maite sat across the table from me, in a plain chair at the foot, with her scarred hand flat on the wood.

She looked at me and did not smile.

I understood that she was not going to help me, and that it was a gift.

"State your name," the bank manager said.

"Ansel Callister."

"And your occupation."

"I was a brand inspector for the county for nine years," I said.

"I was let go six days ago for filing an amended statement."

"What do you wish to say?"

I looked at the glass.

The faces were close to it, pale in the morning, with children on shoulders.

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