Ashes of Silver Hollow: Justice Won’t Bow / Chapter 5: When Power Walks In
Ashes of Silver Hollow: Justice Won’t Bow

Ashes of Silver Hollow: Justice Won’t Bow

Author: Morgan Cooke

Chapter 5: When Power Walks In

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"The governor’s son is here!"

Nobody saw that coming. Franklin and Walter snapped to attention, panic all over their faces. The people of Silver Hollow went quiet, heads bowed. At the county office gates, everyone fell silent—except me. I stood tall, refusing to bow.

For a split second, it was like the world stopped breathing. I stayed on my feet—no way was I kneeling. My pride, my promise to Silver Hollow, wouldn’t let me.

Walter glared at me:

"The governor’s son is here and you still won’t show respect? What a disrespectful nobody!"

Franklin snorted:

"Leave him. Once he ticks off the governor’s son and gets himself arrested, he’ll get what’s coming!"

Their words were shaky, their bravado slipping. I could feel the tide turning.

I looked out as the governor’s son came into view. The townsfolk whispered, anxious:

"Mr. Jackson, that’s the governor’s son. If you don’t show respect, you could get arrested!"

Their fear was written all over their faces, but I shook my head, telling them to stay strong.

As soon as the governor’s son arrived, Franklin’s hands shook as he said:

"Welcome, sir!"

His voice wobbled, all that swagger gone. Walter looked like he might faint.

"I tried to get this nobody to show respect, but he refused—what a disgrace!"

Walter piped up:

"That’s right, sir. This guy’s nothing but trouble—should be arrested right now!"

The governor’s son walked right over and laid a hand on my shoulder:

"He’s like a big brother to me—why would I make him bow?"

His words rang out, steady and sure. The crowd went silent. I heard old Mr. Bailey choke up, muttering:

"Lord above, Silver Hollow’s got someone watching out for us! Mr. Jackson went to Savannah and found a real friend!"

His voice cracked, and a ripple of hope ran through the crowd.

"Mr. Jackson’s a good man—he deserves every blessing!"

The old man, half-deaf, said it loud enough for everyone. He patted my shoulder, leaning in close:

"Brother, you did good."

His words warmed me, steadying my nerves. I managed a shaky smile, grateful for the support.

Meanwhile, Walter crawled to the governor’s son’s feet:

"Sir, when did you and Jackson Reed become brothers? Don’t let him fool you—he’s siding with outlaws, stirring up trouble!"

Franklin was trembling, laying it on thick:

"Sir, I was just following the law, dealing with squatters, but this guy’s trying to get me fired!"

Their voices were frantic, desperate for any excuse. I watched the governor’s son, waiting to see what he’d do.

The governor’s son swept his gaze over the crowd, sneering:

"Get you fired? Most of the people here are old, women, and kids. The county staff are all strong men—how could they possibly force you?"

His words sliced through the lies, leaving nothing to hide behind. The crowd stirred, hope flickering stronger.

Franklin’s face turned stormy. Realizing he’d pushed too far, he tried to backpedal:

"I… I didn’t want to hurt anyone, but I couldn’t back down…"

His voice was small, all his confidence gone. I almost felt sorry for him—almost.

The governor’s son’s eyes hardened. When I was in Savannah, Dad had those security guys watching me, so he’d have heard what happened here fast. I hadn’t expected the governor’s son to show up so quick, but during my two weeks back home, he’d stuck to me like glue, hungry for stories about life out here. When the trouble hit, he was the first to step up.

I let out a slow breath and told him:

"Henry, you don’t have to worry—I can handle this myself…"

He squeezed my shoulder, his stare fierce. I knew he wouldn’t let me stand alone this time.

Suddenly, Walter shrieked:

"Sir, Jackson Reed just forged a letter from the governor! Manager Franklin didn’t believe him and tore it up—those scraps are proof!"

Walter’s voice was high, scrambling to shift the blame.

"How ridiculous! He claims the governor appointed him to oversee Silver Hollow, but even you haven’t been made a deputy yet!"

Franklin’s accusation hung in the air, but you could see nobody was buying it anymore.

From down the street, another staffer hurried up. This time, the procession was bigger than ever. Just as everyone started whispering, the staffer called out:

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