Temple: A New Journey Begins
Please see the disclaimer on the Synopsis page.
With the help of Nicky Elder, Kermit went back and collected what evidence he could from Xia's house and the home of Bobby Carson. While at Carson's house he found something that belonged to his friend, Peter Caine. Bobby Carson had stolen from Peter as he lay dying in the cave the special jade pendant that had belonged to his father. It was an heirloom that should have been passed down to KC. Now he could return it to its rightful owner. Kermit arrived at the Sheriff's office to turn in everything that he had on the case.
Two other men could be seen sitting in chairs where they were being processed. Their hands were cuffed. Kermit recognized one while the other looked like an older version of the man they had arrested yesterday.
"Morning," the Sheriff waved as Kermit placed his stack of material on the counter.
"I see you've got company."
"Bobby Carson squealed on his father and Kyle Jameson. You were right. They had been stealing from the Shaolin for years. You won't believe just how much that mine is worth, and still is."
"I can believe it. Will any of it be returned to the rightful owner?" Kermit asked.
"I'd say about nearly all of it. There's enough there to buy a small country. I'm just finishing up one more arrest warrent."
"Who for?"
"Clarence Cavanaugh."
"Clarence had nothing to do with the mine. It was his father who started it all. He's clean."
"You don't think he should be held responsible?" the Sheriff questioned.
"For what his father did?" Kermit questioned. "He was never involved with it. Besides, he said he would pay restitution. He'd be willing to pay up to the original amount his father stole from the mine before he died. That's payment enough."
"Bobby also admitted to murdering Peter Caine," The Sheriff dropped his last bombshell. "We'll be sending a team of people up there to retrieve the body"
Kermit did not know what to say at that, but in this case, telling at least part of the truth would be better than out right lying. "You won't find his body."
"Why?"
"Vance, Sam Lowery, Kwai Chang Caine, and myself have already been up to the cave and to the temple. We didn't find any body."
"So what happened to it?" the Sheriff questioned.
"Maybe it was removed years ago," Kermit suggested.
"But by whom? And where was it buried?"
"I would not know." Kermit continued to shuffle the stack of papers and evidence that he collected then changed the subject. "I have everything here, the deed, copies of the claims that had been filed. I'm assuming someone went over to Kyle Jameson's place and collected what evidence they could?"
"I'll send Benson over there."
"Check the roll top desk. There is also a chunk of pure platinum sitting on top of it."
"I want to thank you for your help on this case."
"There's no need Sheriff," Kermit stated. "Let me give you some advise; take things more seriously than you have been. People died in this town. I don't care if they were a bunch of monks. They were people and they deserved more consideration than they got. When election time comes, I don't think people will look too kindly on what happened here once they know the full truth."
"Please, you don't know what it's been like. I came to this town hoping to do some good. I was as open minded as the next guy. But I didn't intend to run into characters like Clarence Cavanaugh or Kyle Jameson, not to mention several others that seemed to have the whole town cowering in fear."
"You're the law of this town. You're supposed to protect people's rights, including those who are different."
"You're right," The Sheriff conceded. "I didn't do my job. I let you handle everything. I allowed people like Jameson and Cavanaugh to walk all over me."
"And why was that?" Kermit sarcastically confronted the Sheriff.
"Because I was afraid. I didn't want to get involved, so I let an outsider handle my job for me. But I've learned my lesson. The monks have suffered enough. It's time the feuding come to an end. If Caine wants to rebuild that temple, the town won't stop him. I'll see to it."
"Oh yeah."
"So where will you go from here?" the Sheriff asked.
"I'll be heading back to Chinatown, but I'll be back. There's the trial. I want to make certain all three people pay for what they did, especially Bobby Carson."
"I'll make certain they will pay."
"You do that, Sheriff."
Kermit left the Sheriff's office and headed to his car. No one seemed to give him a second look. He could get used to being in a town this size. It's what his tired mind and body needed. And he would be back, if only to see an old friend once again.
Continues with Part 57
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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