The Little Girl Who Lives Down The Lane - Part 9
By Barbara Lynn Terry

Chapter 13 - David Adams spends his day in court.

“The 36th district court is now in session, the Honorable Patricia M. Jackson, presiding, silence is commanded, gentlemen please take off your hats.”

“I will have the first case, John.”

“State v. Adams, case number MFC-5769, here for trial, your honor.”

“Mr. Adams, I see you are a hard man to locate. I was told by the apprehending jurisdiction that had you minded your own business, they would have never found out you were wanted here. They said you went down there with a chip on your shoulder, just daring someone to knock it off. Looks like it got knocked off, all right. Where is your attorney, Mr. Adams?”

“Excuse me, your honor, but, Arnold W. Spencer is in the federal jail for crimes against the United States, i.e., the making of counterfeit United States currency.”

“Thank you, John. Mr. Adams, the charges against you are very extensive and serious. This court cannot allow you to proceed without competent counsel. The court therefore appoints Michael Dean Dawes, to represent the defendant. Mr. Adams, you will wait in the Wayne County jail for counsel to talk to you. If I were you, I would do as my attorney tells me. Next case.”

David Adams was taken back to the jail to wait to meet his new attorney. ‘Tough luck, Spencer getting arrested at a time when he needed him the most’. What David didn’t know is that Mr. Dawes would take three days to visit him. Until then, David was left to his own devices. He also thought that Jonah turning the cops on him, when he tried to get Jonah out of the way, was sheer luck.

The two men had never met each other until that day in Pine Forest when they were in jail. They found that they knew some of the same people. Before that, however, they knew nothing about each other. David thought that he would get back at Jonah for getting his personal recognizance revoked. David knew it was Jonah, because nobody else knew he was out.

Of course, Jonah didn’t know it either, until the police showed up at Janice’s door. Jonah, of the two men, had never been convicted of a felony, but David Adams has. So, Jonah’s word would be taken over that of David Adams.

While David steamed in his cell, Jonah was enjoying the decent life of a fellow citizen, and did not act like he was charged with a heinous crime. In fact, Jonah and Janice had gone to movies, went out to dinner, took in a fashion show, and went dancing. The only dancing David was doing, was pacing back and forth.

Three days later, Mr. Dawes came to the Wayne County jail to see David Adams.

“Good afternoon, David, I’m Michael Dean Dawes, your new attorney. I want you to tell me your story. What you did you do to be here, and those kinds of things.”

“Listen, I didn’t do anything. It was that punk Carruthers. He killed a lady a few days ago, and had the nerve to tell the police it was me.”

“Did he have a reason for saying it was you?”

“No, he wasn’t even the…”

“So, it was you. Don’t worry, I won’t say anything. Your communication to me is private and privileged. My advice to you is to plead guilty and hope for a light sentence.”

“Yeah, but murder carries life in prison.”

“Not if it was in the heat of the moment. They call that manslaughter here. You could even plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter. That carries a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and/or a $7500 dollar fine. If you can prove it was involuntary manslaughter, you could only receive five years. The choice is yours. Go to trial on the murder charge and be sentenced to the rest of your life in prison, or plead to involuntary manslaughter. Either way you look at it, you can’t avoid a guilty plea, hoping for a not guilty verdict on the murder charge.

“It was that asshole Carruthers. He killed the woman. I wasn’t even there.”

“Well, okay, if you weren’t there, how would you know it was Jonah Wilson Carruthers? Who by the way, has never been convicted of a felony in Michigan or anywhere else. Who do you think the jury is going to believe? A person never convicted of a felony, or someone who has been convicted of two felonies.”

“I’ll get even with that turncoat, yet. Making the court revoke my personal recognizance.”

“Are you listening to yourself? You aren’t even thinking clearly. I don’t know exactly what you have against Jonah Carruthers, but you had better get it out of your head.”

“Listen, Mr. Baouse, you had better get me out of this.”

“Or what, David? Okay, you do it your way. We will see who is right, and my name is Dawes.”

“When do we go back in to court?”

“In the morning, David. Your trial is set for ten o’clock in the morning.”

Chapter 14 - David Adams is on trial.

”All rise, the 36th district court is now in session, the honorable Patricia M. Jackson, presiding. Silence is commanded, gentlemen take off your hats.” The judge came in and sat down. “Be seated.”

“John, I will have the first case, please.”

“Case number MFC-5769, State v. Adams, set for trial, your honor.”

“Thank you John. Appearances for the record.”

“Michael Dean Dawes for the defendant, your honor.”

“William Carson for the state, your honor.”

“Thank you, gentlemen. Are we ready to proceed with voir dire?” Both attorneys said that they were. “Very well, you may start Mr. Carson.”

William Carson questioned his first prospective juror.

“Juror number one, do you feel that you can render a true and just verdict in this case, based upon the evidence presented here at this trial?”

“Yes, sir, I can.”

“Mr. Dawes, would you like to question this juror?”

“Yes, your honor, thank you. Juror number one, do you think a defendant on trial for a major crime, is guilty until proven innocent?”

“If he isn’t guilty, then why would he be arrested?”

Mr. Dawes struck him as a juror.

Juror number two, same question,” Mr. Carson said.

“I can render a just and true verdict based on the evidence.”

Mr. Dawes stated his question. “Juror number two, same question.

“A person is only guilty based on the evidence presented during the trial.

“What if there is only a little evidence, but the defendant has a witness that proves the defendant was somewhere else?”

“Then, the testimony of the witness over powers the little evidence. I was told that I must render my verdict based upon a preponderance of the evidence. If one party’s evidence is weaker than the other party’s, then my verdict is based on the preponderance of the evidence.”

“Thank you, sir.” Mr Dawes left him on the list.

“Good morning, juror number three. Can you convict a person even though he or she has a witness that proves the defendant was elsewhere?”

“That’s a trick question, sir. You contradicted yourself. If a witness proves that the defendant was somewhere else, then, no, I can’t convict the defendant.”

This went on all morning long. Finally, both attorneys had a jury they could agree on. A jury of six women and six men were impaneled to determine the fate of David Adams. After the jury was picked, judge Jackson called the noon recess.

“This court is adjourned until 2:00 pm. John, make sure the jury gets lunch in the jury room.

Judge Jackson left the bench, and everyone, except for the jury, David Adams and Mr. Dawes, left, too. Mr. Dawes and David Adams retired to a conference room.

“David, we have a good jury. If you go to trial on the murder charge, you could be found not guilty. But, and there is a but, that if you do go to trial on the murder charge, the best you can hope for is a not guilty verdict. The second best you can look for is a hung jury. However, the district attorney may refile charges and impanel a whole new jury.

“You have to think very seriously about the outcome, and, you have to think realistically. Remember, if you are found guilty, that makes you a three time loser. I think you know the penalty for that.”

“Listen, Michael Dean Dawes, you HAD BETTER get me out of this. I’m not kidding. I have connections that can reach to the end of galaxy, if need be. I will tell you this, if you do not get me out of this, I swear I can and will get even. WITH YOU.”

“Alright, David, I think we are through here. I will have the deputies take you back to the jail so you can have your lunch.”

Mr. Dawes left the conference room and told the jail deputy that David was ready to go back to the jail. David was returned to the jail, just in time to get his lunch. He was talking to the prisoners on the tier what his attorney had said.

“I happen to know Mike Dawes,” A tall man with red hair told David. “He is fair, and if there is a camel’s hair chance he can win, he will do his best. Threatening him will do no good. You’re playing with dragon fire when you threaten Michael Dean Dawes.”

“Who is this fucker? Is he some kind of super lawyer?”

“No, David, he is just good. He knows when he can win and when he can’t.”

“Listen, Big Red, he had better get me out of this. I mean that.”

Fred “Big Red” Dawson was on trial for burglary. His six foot, eight inch frame towered over David Adams. He was a gentle soul, which is why he was shocked when he found that the police had a warrant issued for his arrest.

“David, if Mike Dawes said you had better plead guilty, he knows what he is talking about.”

“Shows what you know. It was that asshole Carruthers. He killed a woman and then pinned it on me. I will get even with him, too.”

“Excuse me? Adams, you have a problem. You think the world revolves around you. It doesn’t. You talk bad about being connected. Just who do you think you are connected with? I think you are nothing but a boisterous blowhard, that likes to hear himself talk. Nobody is going to pay you any more attention on this cell block. You are not right in the head.”

“You’ll see, Big Red, I know who my friends are. Right, Squeaky?”

James, “Squeaky” Morrison, looked at David Adams with disgust and walked away. He earned the nickname “Squeaky” when he had laryngitis.

“Squeaky, I thought we were friends. What gives with the cold shoulder?”

Squeaky said nothing, but went to join the poker game that was already being played. Squeaky Morrison waited his turn to sit down and play. David Adams walked over to Squeaky and grabbed him by the shirt.

“I said we’re friends. Right?”

Squeaky grabbed David’s arm, and held it behind David’s back.

“Listen to me, fucktard, if you ever grab me again, I will wipe up the tier with you. I don’t know who you think you are, but, just because I am the smallest guy in the block, doesn’t mean I am weak. Now, you get your ass outta here, and quit bragging about things you can’t deliver.”

“You just wait, you all just wait. I will show you what and how I can deliver what I say.”

With that, David paced up and down the tier. He was thinking about how to get even with those that either falsely accused him, or started trouble with him. One thing David couldn’t do, was make good on his threats. The deputy sheriff on the tier told David to get ready for court.

When David was ready, he was escorted to the court. He sat in a room, waiting to go in to the courtroom.

Finally, his case was called. When he walked in the courtroom, he didn’t see his attorney. The judge then spoke to David.

“Mr. Adams, Mr. Dawes has withdrawn from this case. He no longer represents you. This court appoints Cheryl Fields to represent you. Apparently, you didn’t take the court’s advice when I appointed Mr. Dawes. Now, either you listen to this attorney, because there will be no more appointed counsel for you. This is the last appointment. Court is hereby adjourned, so that the defendant can consult his attorney.”

“What gives, judge? I told him to get me out of this, because I didn’t do anything. It was that punk Carruthers. He’s the real criminal. He kills a woman for whatever reason and then tells the cops it was me. I swear, judge, I didn’t do anything.”

“Mr. Adams, Ms. Fields is not an attorney to be trifled with, like you did with Mr. Dawes. Now, either follow the advice of your attorney, or make the mistake of being your own attorney. Just remember this; he who represents himself, has a fool for a client. That is a quote by President Abraham Lincoln, when he was an attorney. So, Mr. Adams, if you wish to have a fool for a client, you may represent yourself. If you do represent yourself, you will be held to the same standards as any other lawyer. DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME, MR. ADAMS?”

“Listen, judge, you don’t scare me either. I suggest you give me a lawyer that will do his or even her job, and do it properly.”

“John, remove the defendant, before he gets another charge.”

The bailiff took David to the back to wait to go back to the jail.

When David got back to the tier, expecting to be asked what happened in court, he found nobody wanted to talk to him. He made the mistake of walking up to Big Red Dawson, and telling him that he could kick his ass all around the tier. The tier deputy came in silently. When he heard what David told Big Red, he decided that maybe it was time to let David get the lesson he has been working himself up to.

David grabbed Big Red, and that was all it took. Big Red picked David up and carried him to his bunk.

“Now stay there! Grab me again and I will kick your ass around the tier and around the block a few times. Nobody on this tier wants anything to do with you. Don’t come out of this cell unless it is to get your dinner tray. Do you understand me, punk?”

“I’ll get even with you, you big dumb ox.”

It was now time for the tier deputy to step in.

“Dawson, leave him alone. He is just trying to act big because he is in jail. Don’t pay him any mind.” Big Red just nodded his head.

“Alright, Joe, I’ll leave him alone, but he had never ever grab me again. I mean that.”

“I hear ya. Adams, mind your own business and quit bothering everybody.”

“You shut up, too. You’re nothing without that tin star.”

Joe Braver went out by his desk and took off his badge. He removed his shirt with the sheriff ensignias on it. Then he went back in to the cell area. He motioned for everybody to stay in the day room. He closed the day room door, and then went in by David Adams.

“Alright, I have no badge, no sheriff shirt. Now smart ass, let’s see what you can do.”

David never learns. He got off of his bunk and went out to the cat walk. He walked up to Joe and took his first swing. Joe blocked his swing. David took another swing, and Joe blocked it. David took another swing, and this time Joe let him have it.

“Strike three, punk.” Joe Braver picked David up, and set him gently on his bunk. “Dinner will be up in an hour. Stay right there until it comes, unless you have to use the facilities.”

Joe Braver went back outside of the cell area and opened the day room door. Then he went back by his desk and put his shirt and badge back on.

If there was ever a complaint against Joe, everybody on the tier was ready to say that David hit Joe and Joe defended himself by picking David up and placing him on his bunk. Joe came back in about five minutes later.

”Adams, your lawyer is here.”

David got off of his bunk and went out to the desk area. He saw a woman he would guess was about thirty or thirty five, five foot six, blonde hair, and wearing a smart skirt suit.

“Hey baby, what say we blow this place, and go somewhere and tango?”

Cheryl Fields grabbed David by his coveralls and shoved him in to the conference room.

“Listen shit for brains, I don’t like assholes with come ons. You’re nothing to me, except a paycheck. I have read your case file. You have gone through three attorneys, with me being the third. Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. You blame Jonah Wilson Carruthers for you being in here. I …”

“You damn right I blame him. He kills a woman, and then has the nerve to tell the cops I did it.”

“David, do you know where Jonah Carruthers was at the time the woman was murdered?”

“Yeah, he was killing the woman.”

“Really. According to records of the 36th District court, he was in front of judge Jackson on a motion to be released on his own recognizance. Even if he could fly, Mr. Carruthers could not make it to the muder scene in three minutes. Now, I want to know why you killed that woman.”

“Go to hell, bitch.”

“You know that I am very proud to be a Babe In Total Control of Herself. Anything else?”

All David could do was growl.

“Tell me why you killed that woman, or I will walk out of that door and leave you to your own devices. The choice is yours.”

“Why can’t I just go to trial on the murder charge? I know I will be found not guilty.”

“Because the evidence is stacked against you. The district attorney has you being identified in a photo lineup. You listen to someone for a change and get that chip off of your shoulder.”

“Go to hell.”

“Fine.” Cheryl Fields walked out of the conference room.

David sat there fuming. Why wasn’t anybody listening to him? He knew he was guilty, but he also figured he could get a not guilty verdict. He needed a lawyer that knew his business. He wanted one that knew how to sway a jury. But, his gut was telling him he will never find one.

His choices were go to trial and be found guilty, or plead to a lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. Both carried prison time. He pondered what to do. If he got five years for involuntary manslaughter, he would be out in five years. If he went to trial on the murder charge, he would spend the rest of his life in prison.

David wrestled within his own mind as to what he should do. Possibly go to trial or plead to the lesser charge. David knew there was no out. He had to do one or the other. So, he decided to plead to the lesser charge. This way he would be out in five years. Then he could get even with Jonah.

David Adams could not think of any good reason that he was ever friends with the likes of Jonah Wilson Carruthers and that delinquent son of his, who shares David’s first name. There was one fact that David Adams was forgetting; he was friends with Jonah because they had a lot of things in common and knew some of the same people. They hatched plan after plan in Jonah’s jail cell. He did keep his promise and contacted David’s attorney.

“Adams, get ready for court.”

It was five o’clock in the evening. Why would he be going to court now? Whatever the reason, this was probably not a good thing. The tier deputy took David down to the booking room to wait for the court deputies to come for him and three others.

The court deputies came for the four prisoners. They escorted them to the 36th District court. David was called in first. He was surprised to see Cheryl Fields talking to the judge.

“Mr. Adams, I understand that you wish to plead guilty to the lesser charge of involuntary manslaughter. Before this court can accept such a plea, I must ask you the following questions. Has anybody made any threats to you, to plead to the lesser charge?

“No, your honor.”

“Has anybody given you any monies or gifts to plead to the lesser charge?

“No, your honor.”

“Do you make this plea of your own free will, Mr. Adams?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Now, for the last and final question. David Adams, are you making this plea to the lesser charge, because you are guilty?

“Yes, your honor.”

“Then I will take your statement and leave nothing out.”

“Yes, your honor. I was driving along when this woman came running across the street. I didn’t know I had hit her, until the police arrested me, and said that my license plate was seen at the scene of the crime. I was taken aback at this charge, because when you hit someone, you should feel at least a jolt or something with the car. I didn’t feel anything like that, at all. I am sorry the woman is dead, and had she not run out in to the street, she would still be alive today. That is all I have to say. I am sorry, your honor.”

“Very well, Mr. Adams. One more question. Did anybody tell you what to say in court, today?”

“No, your honor.”

“Do you make this statement voluntarily and because it is the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

“Yes, your honor.”

“Mr. David Adams, the court accepts your plea of guilty to involuntary manslaughter, and by plea arrangement with the district attorney and your attorney, the court sentences you to five years in the Michigan state prison at Pontiac, Michigan, designated as the reception center for the crime upon which you have been convicted. It is so ordered. John, I will have the next case.”

David was escorted back to the jail. He was mentally preparing for his lengthy incarceration. He could now plot his revenge against Jonah Wilson Carruthers, who, unlike David, was actually connected to a worldwide organization. When he got to the prison, he was going to spread the word that Jonah was a snitch. What he didn’t realize is that some of the convicts at the prison, were part of the same organization as Jonah.

David had a fitful night, and before he knew it, it was breakfast time. About an hour after breakfast, the deputy called his name.

“David Adams, your bus is waiting.”

David looked like he was walking to his death from death row. Finally he was in the bus, and shackled to the floor and to a convict on either side of him. The bus pulled out of the sheriff’s garage and on the way to the state prison.

Chapter 15 - Meanwhile in Pine Forest.

John Shepard and family headed to the community center to attend the town meeting. There were only three things on the agenda, one of which was the naming of the brook.

When the naming of the brook was called, John Shepard raised his hand.

“The chair recognizes Mr. John Shepard of Ginger Lane.”

“Mr. Chairman, I move that the name of the brook be called now and forever, the River Brook.”

“It has been moved that the town’s brook be forever called the River Brook. Do I hear any argument to the contary?”

George Simons raised his hand. “The chair recognizes long time Pine Forest resident, George Simons.

“Mr. Chairman, I second the motion that the brook be forever called River Brook.”

“It has been moved and seconded that the name of our brook be forever called the River Brook. All who agree, raise your hand.”

The entire community center was in favor of the name.

“Is there any dissent?” Nobody raised their hand. “Then the name of the brook located in the city limits of Pine Forest shall be named the River Brook, by unanimous vote. That concludes our business for tonight. Thank you all for coming.”

John Shepard and family decided to stop at the restaurant for a little something. However, when they got there, there was only one booth left open. They all sat down, and a waitress they didn’t meet, before, came to wait on them.

“My name is Emily, and I am your waitress for tonight. May I take your orders, please?”

“Yes,” John Shepard answered. “I will have a cup of coffee and a slice of pumpkin pie.”

“I will have the same,” echoed Eileen Shepard. “Kathy will have a nice slice of lemon meringue pie, and a nice slice of chocolate cake for Jimmy. I will have coffee and the children will have milk.”

Emily put their orders up on the wheel, and then went to wait on someone else, who just came in.

“What did you children think about the town meeting tonight?” John Shepard asked his children.

“I thought it was democracy in action,” Jimmy Shepard answered his father. “We’re learning about how democracy works.”

“That’s great, Jimmy. But, in a town meeting, one person puts a motion on the floor. Someone then either seconds the motion and there is either a discussion or the motion is carried or defeated by a show of hands. Like tonight, for example, I put the motion on the floor, and it was seconded by George. There was a unanimous show of hands, which means everybody there liked the name. The River Brook is now official. It will go to the mayor for his signature.”

“What happens if the mayor doesn’t sign the the paper stating the name of the brook?”

“Well, Kathy, he will sign it, because most of the town showed up for this meeting. They unanimously carried my motion. The reason he will sign the paper, which, by the way, is called a bill. When the mayor signs the bill, it becomes one of the city ordinances. Signs will be made that will identify the River Brook.”

“I think it was good for the children to see how a town meeting is conducted,” Eileen Shepard noted. “See, the chairman has to recognize the person who’s hand was raised first. The person puts his or her thoughts in to a motion, and a second is asked for. If the motion is seconded, then a vote is asked for. A town meeting is the simplest form of demcracy, because everyone in town gets to vote on something tangible and on the mind of everyone there.”

“I liked watching it. I think I will write a paper on what I saw for my civics class.”

“That is a very good idea, Jimmy,” Eileen Shepard said, being proud of her son. “Kathy, you could tell your class what you saw tonight.”

“Yes, mom. I have to think about how I am going to say it, so I don’t goof.” At that moment, Steve Hastings came over.

“That was a good motion you put up, John. I think calling the brook, the River Brook, was a stroke of genius. I had something similar in mind, but your motion beat me all the way around the diamond.”

“Thank you, Steve. When we had our picnic at the brook, I noticed it was as wide as a river. Everybody in town called it a brook. So I figured, why not call it the River Brook.”

“Sheer genius, John, sheer genius.”

“Well, Steve, it looks like my kids are getting a little sleepy,” John told Steve, motioning with his head toward the children.

“I see what you mean, John. See you tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow, Steve.”

John and Eileen Shepard took the sleepy children back to Ginger Lane, and put them to bed. They were out like lights. Of course, it didn’t take much for them to go to sleep, because they had a very busy and tiring day.

John and Eileen Shepard stayed up for a bit longer and had a lemon/lime soda, each, to celebrate a successful town meeting.

“John,” Eileen Shepard said, bewildered. “How did you know the town would vote in favor of your motion?”

“I didn’t. I just put it out there to be either carried or defeated. It seems everybody liked the name. So, here’s to a successful motion.

“Tomorrow, I am going in to town and talk to the hardware store owner. I may have ideas how he can enlarge his store and sell a superior product for less than he is selling his present stock.

“Well, we can always use more stores to sell your hardware.”

“I thought we were in this together,” John told his wife.

“Alright, Mr. Shepard, you sell the hardware and I will count the money.”

“Of course you will. You are, after all, the bookkeeper and treasurer.”

“Let me put this another way, Mr. John Shepard. You sell the hardware and I will spend the money.”

“Of course, you will. As the bookkeeper and treasurer, you have to buy the metal to make new stock.”

John was evading Eileen’s facetious taunts. They kissed each other, and feigning being tired and a busy day tomorrow, they both went to bed. About three o’clock in the morning, John was awakened by the sound of sirens. John threw on his robe, and went to the living room and looked out of the window.

He saw the fire trucks in front of George’s house. John ran out to make sure that his friend and neighbor was safe.

“George, what happened?”

“Electrical fire. The majority of the house was saved, but we are going to need to remodel. We’re going to get a hotel room in town until the wiring and repairs to the house are made.”

“You will do no such a thing. You’re all staying with us, while those repairs are being made.”

“Oh, thank you, John, but, we couldn’t impose.”

“So, impose already. You’re staying with us.”

“I guess we’re invited to stay with our friends. Thank you, John.”

“Think nothing it. Is it safe to go and get some of your clothes?”

“I will have to ask the fire marshal.”

John Shepard and George Simons went by the fire marshal.

“Excuse me, but we are staying with our friends across the street. Is it safe to get our clothes?”

“Yes, but don’t stay here until the repairs are made. We don’t want a tragedy to happen.”

“I understand.”

George and John went to get clothes for the Simons family. They each had an armful, when they entered the Shepard home.

“John, what has happened?” Asked Eileen Shepard.

“George had a small electrical fire. They were able to save most of the house, but the fire marshal doesn’t want them staying there until all the repairs have been made. So,I invited them to stay with us.”

“Well, we do have the room. Of course, George, your family is more than welcome to stay here as long as it takes.”

“Thank you, Eileen.”

“Come, and I will show you where you will sleep.”

The Simons family followed Eileen Shepard, and she took them each to the three guest rooms. Mrs. Mae Harkins sure did love her space. She even provided enough rooms in case she had had company. George went down to the living room, where John Shepard was still up.

“I left the women to take care of getting everything settled. Are there any rules I need to know about?”

“Yeah, no loud parties after 4a.m.”

“If I am even up that late,” George facetiously told his friend.

“How long do you think the repairs will take, George?”

“I’m not sure, John. I know it is going to take quite a while. We now have to have a house inspector go through the house and record the damaged spots, and check the rest of the house for stability. Then there are carpenters, roofers and electricians. Maybe even a plumber.”

“I know a house inspector, and he does very good work. I could give him a call. He can be here in an hour.”

“Is there anybody that you don’t know, John?”

“Yes, George, I don’t know the President, yet.” Both, men laughed.

“Maybe you should give him a call, John. I want to know just what is needed to get my house back in order.”

”Alright, George, come on, you can even talk to him when I get him on the phone.

John Shepard dialed his long time friend, and stated George’s problem. John was told that he would be over in the morning, because he wanted the fire marshal to finish his investigation. John Shepard said that that was fine. Both parties hung up, and John told George what was said.

“That will be fine, John. I just want to know what needs to be repaired and what needs to be strengthened. I built that house with the intention that it would someday go to Jay.”

“Don’t worry, George, we will make that happen together.”

“Thank you, John,” George said apologetically.

George Simons and John Shepard wished each other a good night, and went to bed.
_________________________________________________________
Next: The people of Ginger Lane.

Author’s note: I have had a comment that said I go into too much detail when writing my stories. Every author has his or her way of writing. Some just touch on the fine points, leaving the reader to form his or her own opinion. I tell a detailed story so that the reader can see a time line. It is hard to follow a time line when if I were to say; David Adams plead guilty, and then immediately go to Pine Forest. My style of writing is to give a detailed time line. Thank you all for reading and commenting. Barbara.