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“What time are you and Mother coming to pick up JM”— Peggy asked.
“About 1 p.m. right after they get home from church.”
“That’ll be good. You know I never went to church. Father didn’t believe in God. Do you?”
“If you had asked me that two years ago, I would have said no. Now I can say without doubt, yes.”
“Good. Rear our child the right way.”
“Don’t talk that way. I’ve got a feeling with Sam’s help you will be free one day soon.”
“That would be nice, however, I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now.”
It was about 2 p.m. when they got to the hospital. The word had leaked to the press that Peggy was being transferred to Atlanta Federal. A hundred or so reporters were out front and the federal guards had taken control. He was not allowed to see Peggy — the only reason he was allowed entry at all was to get the baby.
Jim was escorted out a side door so the reporters would not see him leave. Just before he left the building he asked the man who looked to be in charge of the operation when he could see Peggy again.
“Visitation is the last Saturday of the month. Now leave”— was his sharp reply.
Mother cried all the way home. Mike kept telling her: “Mother, you need to stop crying. You’re upsetting the baby.”
“I’m sorry, Mike. I’m trying to stop. It’s just so awful.”
At first, chaos had taken over the Barkley’s house with the new baby but slowly things began to settle down. With all the love and attention, JM was growing like a weed. He smiled, rolled over, began crawling, then walking — all the new things a baby does that wraps adults around their little fingers.
Jim made monthly trips to see Peggy. She was not allowed to see her son except on his birthday. Jim took JM to see Peggy on the little one’s second birthday when he got a call from Sam.
“What’s the news, Sam?”
“We finally received permission to look at the case in Dexter. Everything you said was true, but I’m afraid I have bad news. They ruled it a murder/suicide.”
“What?” — Jim yelled.
“The father shot the son for stealing $250, 000 and then turned the gun on himself. All the evidence points that way.”
“Did you tell them I confessed to the killing?
“Yes, we did. We pointed out your reasons for killing them but they had complete power over the money and politics of the town and county. They abused this power and walked on the people of the community. The worst thing was no matter what they did, they would never be charged with any legal wrongdoing. The Woods felt they were above the law, in fact acted as if they were the law.
“What did the people say about that?”
“The people we talked with were quick to tell us how the Woods had abused the law and the people of the community.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“The worst thing is the community is glad the Woods are dead and the case is closed and they don’t want it brought up again. One of the officials said it best: “If he did do it, he did us all a great favor. We want you to drop it. Let sleeping dogs stretch out!”
“Is there nothing you can do then, about Peggy, I mean?”
“I don’t think so. I’m afraid with what little we have now the GBI and Governor will feel the same.”
“Sam we’re running out of time.”
“I know! This may not be the best time and I hate to ask, but we are out of money. Walter and I have tried to do everything the cheapest way we could however we still need that private investigator if we are going to find what we need in time.”
“For God’s sake stop cutting corners! I told you I’ve got money. How much do you need? Forget that! I’ll send you $100,000 by certified mail on Monday. When that’s gone let me know.”
“Is that the money I think it is?”
“Yes, but can you think of a better way to spend it, Sam?”
“Not really! Jim, I’m beginning to believe Dexter is a dead end. I’m almost afraid to ask this, but is there another family where you straightened out there problems?”
“Yes the Stricklands.”
“I was afraid that would be your answer. Where and how many?”
“Hinesville, Georgia. Next to Ft. Stewart.”
“Is that near Savannah?”
“Just a little southwest.”
“I know the place.”
“It was twin brothers, Wayne and Blaine Strickland. Their father had made a fortune in forestry and the pitch business.”
“Don’t give me any more details. I will see what Walter and I can find out.”
“How long is this going to take? I can’t wait another six months.”
“Oh, no. We will have something in a couple of weeks. Jane has already made plans to have another family picnic in two weeks.”
“The Barkleys will love that.”
“They seem happy.”
“You should see them alone with JM. No kid has ever been loved more.”
“That’s easy to see.”
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