Bragg gave a low chuckle. "Because a guilty lawman is cheaper than an honest one."
The townspeople edged closer.
"Whitfield killed Thomas," Colette said. "You cleared his road west and frightened the witnesses."
Bragg did not deny it.
"You used the murder to control him."
"I used what he gave me."
"And when the council needed a new marshal?"
"Two councilmen owed me money. Whitfield needed a place where no one asked about Carver's Bend. Hollow Creek needed a badge."
"So you gave the town a badge that belonged to you."
Bragg looked toward Whitfield's dark office. "Every month he paid for the privilege of pretending otherwise."
The office door opened across the street. Lamplight framed Amos Whitfield. He held a Winchester rifle, and it was aimed at Mrs. Holloway.
"Release him," Whitfield ordered.
No one moved. The marshal stepped into the street, his rifle remaining steady.
"Silas Bragg is in my custody. Colette Marsh is under arrest for murder, assault, and inciting a riot."
The blacksmith glanced at Colette. She shook her head slightly. Whitfield wanted one frightened person to obey; one would become two, and two would become the whole town returning to its old silence.
Mrs. Holloway stepped onto the boardwalk. "I saw you kill Thomas Marsh."
Whitfield's rifle did not move, but his eyes changed. "You are confused."
"I saw him show the marked card. I saw you follow him outside. I saw you call his name before you fired."