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IT WAS ALMOST 9:00 P.M. when the phone rang. Jim answered and immediately Sam began to apologize for calling so late.
“I wanted to let you know your idea of increasing the reward has shook up the Dexter community.”
“Did you get the rifle?”
“No, but every person in the county that owns a Springfield .30-06 has called trying to say that their weapon is the one we want.”
“That sounds great.”
“Yeah. We’re excited. In fact Walter is so excited he thinks it’s time to take the information and evidence we have to the Governor and request a complete pardon for Peggy. He feels we can prove that a serial killer killed the Fosters. Before we make that big a move we wanted your approval. What do you think?”
“How risky is it? If he says no, does it stop us from asking later?”
“We don’t think so but if we don’t ask he can’t say yes.”
“When do you want to do it?”
“Walter says it will take him at least two weeks to get all the legal papers and work done. Add another week to get an appointment with the Governor.”
“Do we need a lawyer?”
“It would be helpful. Who were you thinking of? Peggy’s lawyer?”
“Yeah. I’m sure Uncle Chuck would want to be involved in getting her released. I’ll give him a call first thing in the morning and set up a planning meeting with you and Walter. When would be a good time?”
“My best guess would be Thursday or Friday.”
“Fine, I’ll check to make sure that time is good for him and get back with you.”
“Thanks, Sam. You’ve made my day.”
Months later as the Barkleys were driving home, Mother asked: “Do you think it would be wrong to give JM a birthday party?”
“No, I don’t. You know you are only three once.”
“Should we have the party at home or someplace else?”
“Let’s do it at the Tastee Freeze and invite everyone in town!”
“Mike, you’re crazy. But it does sound like fun.”
“Let’s talk to Jim when he gets back from Atlanta.”
“How much longer will he be there?”
“Only a couple more days.”
Mother said: “I’ve got a great idea! Let’s talk to Jane and Sam. We could invite them to bring Michael and Sarah. What do you think about us all going to a picnic on top of Hogback?”
“A wonderful idea! Peggy has always said that Hogback was her favorite place in the whole world. This time of year it’s beautiful. Mother, that’s absolutely perfect. That’s what we’re going to do. I can taste the fried chicken and your potato salad now!”
“This family needs to start celebrating the good things that life has given us!”
“I agree.”
While unloading the car in the driveway, Mother asked: “Mike, would you check to see if we got today’s newspaper?”
When Mike opened the door, Mother could see he was pale as a ghost. He was holding the Atlanta Journal and staring at the headline.
“What is it, Mike? What’s wrong?”
Mike’s voice trembled as he read the words aloud, words that were final and inescapable: “The Warden at the Atlanta Federal Prison pronounced Margaret Taylor Coleman legally dead at 12:01 a.m.”
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