Chapter 19

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As the weeks went by, the Duttons were all on pins & needles waiting to hear news on the investigation involving Kayce.

Beth was enraged over what was happening. She absolutely adored Kayce & would do anything to help him, but the fact that she couldn't upset her even more.

Still, the anger she was feeling was the last thing she, Rip, John, Kayce, & Monica were thinking about as they entered the Missouri River Courthouse in Great Falls for a hearing.

They were greeted by Maggie Hawthorne, who had talked with Jamie on the phone about an hour before the rest of the Duttons showed up.

She had kept him up to date on everything while also keeping his involvement a secret.

"Are you all ready?" she asked.

"Ready as we'll ever be," said Beth who took Rip's hand in hers.

Maggie & the Duttons walked into the courtroom ready for anything.

However, just as they all sat down & began waiting for the judge, Thomas Hendricks-Smith showed up.

Seeing the British real estate developer there with a smirk on his face caused John to tense up with anger, which Beth noticed.

"Relax, Daddy. Ignore him," she said softly as she put her hand on his shoulder. He smiled & gently patted her hand.

The judge then came in, & the hearing began.

Everything mentioned in the motion Maggie had filed was addressed. Testimony from current Montana Livestock Commissioner Kyle Lansky & a private investigator named Adam Howell was included as well.

Thomas Hendricks-Smith watched everything unfold with anger. Everything he had hoped would happen wasn't happening.

He thought that he could put Rip in jail. That failed. Now it looked like Kayce was going to be cleared.

Thomas then realized that someone had to be helping them. Someone who knew the Duttons very well.

However, his thoughts were interrupted by the judge.

"After hearing everything today, I have decided that this investigation is bogus & will be discontinued," said the judge. "Kayce Dutton, you are free to leave."

"Thank you, your honor," said an emotional Kayce who turned & hugged Maggie.

"Thank you for everything," said Kayce with tears in his eyes.

"You're welcome," said Maggie with a smile.

After receiving handshakes & thank yous from the rest of the Duttons, Maggie left & went back home to Washington, D.C.

Meanwhile, Thomas Hendricks-Smith was fuming. However, he wasn't done causing trouble for the Duttons.

All he had to do was find another target, & he knew exactly who he had in mind.
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While that was going on, Jamie was at home enjoying time with Isabella when he heard his phone ding, indicating that he had gotten a text.

He grabbed it off his coffee table & read it, resulting in him smiling.

Maggie had done it. She had helped clear Kayce.

However, worry came over Jamie. He wondered if either him or Beth were going to be next in Thomas Hendricks-Smith's plan to destroy the Duttons in order to get the ranch.

Jamie wouldn't find out until later, & he wasn't looking forward to it.

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