A Dog Called Sam.
⸻
Foreword:
1946, rural Oklahoma, United States of America.
The war is over, and the dust bowl region is returning to a farmable state thanks to science, government intervention and training.
A decade of famine and dust storms still haunts many of the locals.
World War II has recently finished with the surrender of the Japanese Empire and the destruction of Nazi Germany.
On the face of it, two wars have been won, but the scars remain.
Children raised in this region were often malnourished and, as a result, not fully formed.
Mental illness or “Shell Shock” as it was known at the time was prevalent in returning soldiers. The science was still new, and often feared.
The dust bowl is still considered one of America’s greatest man-made disasters, with the inability to grow food causing the mass migration of over 2 million refugee farmer’s to areas like California.
While the land might have begun to heal, the people have not.
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Chapter 1
Quiet.
It hadn’t been quite like this for a long time.
Was he moving? Or was it just the light? He wasn’t sure. The walls were moving, so he must be moving because walls don’t move in the little room. Not any more. The walls stay still now. But it didn’t feel like he was standing still.
Throbbing won’t go away.
Maybe this is the way that it is now, no more knowing, no more understanding the difference between the walls and the light. Perhaps he could open his eyes. But wait. Are his eyes open? My eyes are open. Darkness still. Maybe not. Maybe light. Perhaps this is the way that it is. Maybe it’s better this way.
Noise noise noise, droning on and on. Not happy, not sad, just noises.
Talking! Who is talking to him?
I’ve never heard them before. I don’t know.
Where is he?
Blame blame blame, all his fault. Not my fault. My fault. All THEIR fault. Yes, that’s it. He shouldn’t have been there. He shouldn’t have been there then he wouldn’t have known what happened. They would’ve been able to tell him later.
They were there, not him.
This wasn’t fair.
Am I awake?
Walls aren’t moving any more. We must be still, still talking.
I don’t remember the last time I walked. Only moving.
Ahhhrrrghhh.
The light. Stings. He did have his eyes closed. The light hurts, but it’s better than the red.
He had seen too much red.
I see now.
Here are the voices, the people making the noises.
One world cuts through the mental clutter time and time again – Sam
They are mad. Not their voices, not the sounds, but their faces are mad. The walls were moving. I was moving, but I wasn’t walking.
Who is Sam?
I wish the talking would stop. I wish the angry faces would go away.
Maybe the ones that made the talking stop last time. They made the voices go away.
Close the eyes, see what happens.
⸻
Roy Johnson is wheeled into the room by one of the sheriff’s deputies. A local man, he is an outcast within his own town due to his mental condition. He is tightly restrained. It’s obvious to all who can see, the local lawmen have taken their feelings and fears
out on the man. It seems unlikely that he will be able to talk given his wounds.
It seems unlikely that he will even make trial.
The Sheriff kicks the chair the frail man sits on, “Johnson! Johnson! Wake up! I know you can hear us. We already know what you did. There’s no sense in playing dumb”.
“Sheriff. I’ll remind you that my client has rights and as such cannot be interrogated by you or your staff. Not until after I have spoken to him, and certainly not using the techniques you’ve used to date.”
The sheriff is in his late 50’s now. He’s been around a long time. He’s watched young men like this come and go, taking their modern values with them.
“Boy, what in god’s name is wrong with you. How do you sleep at night knowing you get things like this off. He should be put down like a dog. The governor’s already told the townsfolk he’ll hang for this. How about you get out of the way so that can happen.
People like you are part of the problem. This new city crap you’re peddling.
Sure, he’s feebleminded, but that doesn’t mean he didn’t do it.
Men like him are sent here by the devil!
Let me make this easy, for you. There is good and evil, and that piece of shit is evil.
Everyone knows it.
Let me tell you how this town works: we throw the rope and let God decide. That should be proof enough.”
Captain Robert Clay served two tours with the US Army corps during the war as an officer. He received multiple commendations. While he is an outsider to this town, the locals respect him given that he is a veteran. But ultimately, he is still an outsider with new world views.
“What is wrong with me?
Bill, it’s people like you who are the problem. You don’t KNOW who did it. You just know you need to show everyone they’re safe. But you know they’re not.
Tell me. How do you sleep at night knowing the truth? How many have hung so you get to say what a great job you’re doing while the guilty run free? 3 in the last few years?
Every time, it happens again.
Someone hangs, then more goes wrong.
You say Mr Johnson did it. Fine. If he did, then your job will be easy and mine impossible.”
The Sheriff is wild eyed and infuriated. He’s not used to being challenged. His grey eyes narrow at the suggestion that this guy could be innocent.
“It’s sheriff to you. Now listen, he confessed to killing little Sam Miller and there’s blood everywhere on his farm! What more do you want!”
“Sheriff, your witness to the “confession” has been vague at best, and your guys who picked my client up worked him so hard it’s a miracle he’s still with us. Half of that blood is probably his.
Now leave me with my client.”
Sheriff: exiting the room but turning at the last moment to ensure he gets the last word in.
“I’m watching you city boy. I know your type.”
⸻
Sam. That was his name. I remember now. I remember Sam.
How could I forget.
I miss him. Sam didn’t like the others; he would bark and lick my face when they came. I wish he’d come back.
He left after the others stayed. Always talking. They must’ve done something with him.
Maybe he ran away.
I’ve gotta get out of here so I can find him.
Maybe if this man stops talking, then maybe I could go and find Sam…
⸻
Bobby Clays entire demeanour changes with the departure of the sheriff. He’s been told that this man is slow. He’s also been told of this troubled life.
“Mr Johnson. My name is Bobby Clay. I’m a defence lawyer appointed to you by the state.
It’s my job to represent you should this go to trial.
Tell me, what can you recall about the Sunday the 7th of July?”
He didn’t even flinch, those guards have really done a number on this one.
“Mr Johnson, you should know that whatever you say to me is covered by attorney-client privilege as such, I cannot repeat what you say to anyone. You’re safe talking to me.
Now, do you know what happened to little Sam Miller?”
Now, as a general rule, Roy isn’t easy to understand at the best of times. He has a thick southern accent and in addition to that he tends to slur his words. With great strain Roy manages, “I wanna go home.”
“Well, I am working on that, Mr Johnson. But you need to work with me.
Did you know Sam Miller?”
I’m not going to get a lot of sense out of this guy.
“The Miller girl? She walked past our gate every day.”
He said, walked, that’s not a good start.
“That’s great, Mr Johnson. Now, do you know what happened to her?
Johnson: now animated and clearly distressed.
“She hit him first! She hit him with a stick! She deserved what she got.”
Somethings not right here. Where did all that life come from?
“Who hit who Mr Johnson? Did the Miller girl hit someone with a stick?”
Now sitting up, calm and resolute. One eye wide open and now seemingly focused.
“Yea, and she got what was coming.”
Robert Clay is shocked and chilled by the confession. His body recoils instinctively like it might after seeing a snake under a bush.
“Mr Johnson, as your legal counsel, I would advise you to not say anything else.”
The crazy son of a bitch did it. God-damn it.
“Guard! We’re all done here.”
Clay exits the room walking past the sheriff without saying anything.
“Told ya he did it” shouts the sheriff as Clay leaves the building.
————————–
The beatings we’re vicious. Some said that if Roy was smart enough to die, he might have. But he just seemed to hang in there. Every morning he woke up not knowing how he’d come to be in his cell.
Most mornings, he wasn’t even aware he was in a cell.
The sheriff was the ringleader in these ruthless beatings. Berating Roy like an animal for hours on end trying to ascertain the whereabouts of the girls body.
I can move again.
Pain
Pain
Pain.
Shooting through my ribs.
Throbbing in my head.
This small cold room again.
There was a door, but now it’s gone again.
No light now.
These walls don’t move. I can use my legs again. I can. I know I’m standing now because I got up. I think i got up.
The pain.
These walls, they don’t move — not like the other ones.
What is this place?
I miss Sam.
I want to go home. I want to go home to Sam.
Where are the other people. They are usually here.
You idiot, you nearly gave it away.
He’s hopeless.
He doesn’t know. He doesn’t know what happened. Look at him. He’s useless.
He’s useless. They’ll never find out.
That dog is gone.
We know he tried to stop us from doing what needed to be done. From doing the right thing.
We did the right thing.
More noise. More talking. Yelling this time.
Walls moving again, walls moving again.
Door’s everywhere.
There’s so many other people around, so many people shouting. Some of the ones that were there. Others too. Some go, but the same ones always stay.
Where, where, where was I then?
Where am I now?
⸻
Chapter 2
Bobby Clay didn’t sleep after his encounter with his new client. He didn’t expect the confession, not from such a simple man. Something about Johnson now deeply troubled him. He decided to see if he could get a little help from his former employer.
Army hospital – Psychologists office.
Dr Walter Thomas. Psychologist: Standing to attention as Bobby Clay enters.
“Well I’ll be, Captain Robert Clay!
I wasn’t expecting a bona fide war hero in my office today. I’m doctor Thomas but please, call me Walt. What brings you to these parts, Sir?”
He reaches to shake hands with Clay, somewhat starstruck.
“Good Morning. Please, it’s just Bobby now. I’m not with the Army anymore.
I moved out this way after the war. There ain’t so many jobs for 1st year lawyers back in California. Not with everyone coming home at once.”
“Well, I thought you would have had plenty of offers? With the news stories and all.”
“There were offers, but I guess I wanted to go where I was needed, and the truth is, after all the homecoming parades, I ain’t much for all the fuss.”
Walt pauses, then forces a smile. His eyes glassy.
“Sir, You wouldn’t remember, but your actions in the battle of Okinawa kept me and my brother alive.
I can’t ever thank you enough.”
“No need to thank me. I was just doing my job.
Which is why I’m here today, I came to ask a favour. I know you’re thin on the ground and have your hands full, but I need some help”
“The truth is Captain, most of the men don’t want to see me at all. They don’t want to talk about what happened. Can’t say I blame them.
So just let me know what you need. I would be glad to help”
“I have a client. I need him assessed.
Now, I know this is a little out of the ordinary, but I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important.
The local sheriff runs a tights ship around here and wants to see him swing. Frankly, I’ve seen about enough needless death for a lifetime.
I won’t say any more than that, I’ll let you draw your own conclusions”
“Captain, I have a gap tomorrow. I’ll head down to the jail and let you know what I find.”
“Thanks Walt, I’ll owe you one.”
“No trouble at all, Captain, after all you did for me, I think I’ll still owe you one. I’ll be in touch”.
————————
Chapter 3
Cold
Cold
Cold.
Always cold in the cell.
His bones had never been this cold.
Am I dead now?
Where is Sam?
Where did they put him?
Morning or night or day?
I feel something , maybe I am still alive.
The shouting has stopped.
It must be winter. It’s so cold. Sam will be cold.
I’ll get help.
Maybe they will know where Sam is.
He Bangs,
Bangs
Bangs
Bangs on the frozen door.
“Hello… Hello! Help!
What am I doing here?
Where am I?”
Moments later, the tiny window in the door opens. A hose pokes through. A deputy sprays cold water over Johnson’s nearly naked body.
“That won’t work round here, Johnson, you dog! We know what you did. You’re going to hang. Now quit your yellin or I’ll come in there.
Hang? What did I do?
“Hey! Where’s Sam?”
“Why don’t you tell us! Maybe they could give that girl the burial she deserves, you piece of shit.”
Her?
Sam is a boy and I’m his family.
We’re not talking to this guy anymore.
This guy’s a liar, and he doesn’t know where Sam is.
What happened to Sam.
Don’t worry Roy, Sam’s fine. Just keep quiet and don’t tell them anything. Let’s just get out of here.
No more talking to him.
He felt he could trust the other voice. They always knew what to do. Always right, ever since they came. Right after ma and pa went away.
⸻
Chapter 4
Judges office. The Sheriff pleads his case for a trial.
The recently appointed Judge Cornwall is a portly man. Showing age beyond his years, he is bald and is known to like a drink.
He thinks he has an great sense of humour. His wife disagrees. For years he tussled with the sheriff as the county’s only lawyer. Now that he has a little more power, his confidence has grown.
“Sheriff, now pardon me, but, now you’re trying to tell me that it’s this simpleton?
The man can barely string a sentence together. Heck, he never even leaves his farm!
Hell, the poor bastard doesn’t even seem to remember what happened to his kin.
Now tell me again: what in God’s name makes you think he killed the Miller girl?”
Sheriff Searle might not think too highly of Judge Cornwall, but he is a stickler for tradition and the law. So, he addresses him as he should.
“Your Honour, Helen Davis found the man covered in blood, screaming. Granted, not much of what he said made sense, but he kept saying the girl’s name, Sam.
What more do you need?”
“Well, Sheriff, a body might help.
As it stands, we have some hair and a hand.
Ah, Mr Clay, thank you for joining us.”
“Your Honour, I see you’ve got underway without me. Where are we so far?”
“Don’t get your panties in a bunch, Bobby. I’m just asking Bill here why he thinks this guy’s the one.”
“We have a confession from a man covered in blood! Blood all over his farm, what more do you need!”
“Well, Bobby, I have to say that despite the sheriff’s recent poor record, I am leaning towards sending this to trial. The evidence is damning, and the townsfolk are getting anxious. They want to see someone swing for that missing girl.”
“Your Honour, I think we would all like to see justice for the Millers.
Given the obvious trauma the man has been through, I would like the defendant to undergo psychoanalysis.
The ramblings the sheriff claims are a confession should be reviewed by a professional, and it just so happens there’s one in town with the Army Corps. He’s here working with some of the local men who made it home from the war.
I’d like to request he evaluate Mr Johnson and tell us what he thinks. We all know Mr Johnson is a simple man and if he did do it, then he should be in a state prison, heck, probably an asylum. That way we might get the chance to recover the body.
Maybe he did do it, but this man should have been cared for. Studied even. Hell, we might be able to prevent the next one.
“I ain’t letting no Doctor near that boy. That Doctor is here for our boys who made it back, not some killer!”
“I’ll allow it. I don’t like it, but I’ll let it happen. If for no other reason than I want to see how all this plays out. Science saved the region once, let’s see if it can help us out again. But for now, keep it to yourselves. Bobby, you know better than anyone how these folk feel about outsiders.
Bill, make Mr Johnson available for psychiatric evaluation as soon as Mr Clay can arrange it.
The trial will be on hold until we have a better understanding of the man.”
The Sheriff now clearly exasperated. “This is a disgrace! In the name of God! He’s guilty! He ain’t telling us nothing!”
“Save me your religious outbursts, Bill. I haven’t seen you in church since I’ve been Judge.”
⸻
Chapter 5
Roy has a visitor. The guards have taken him from his cell, and have restrained him for the meeting.
The walls are moving again. That means the people will talk to us again. What should we do?
Just leave it to us Roy. We’re your friends. We will help you. Just say what we tell you to, and we will make them go away so we can go home.
Home to Sam!
Sure.
——————-
The Psychologist isn’t particularly welcome in these parts. Science and new medicine are held in great suspicion. Being able to practice his chosen profession is quite a relief.
“Mr Johnson. My name is Dr Walter Thomas, and I’m a Doctor from the Army corp hospital. I would like to talk to you about recent events.”
“My head hurts. Do you know my brothers?”
“I’m afraid I’m not that sort of Doctor. And no, sorry, I never knew your brothers. I hear they were fine soldiers.
Mr Johnson, I have been to your home. Perhaps we could start there. What can you tell me about your home life?”
“It’s a good home. Daddy said it’s good soil, and it’s going to come good soon enough. We just need to keep working it. Just like his daddy before.”
“We, Mr Johnson? Didn’t your parents pass several years ago?”
“Yup, but that was an accident.”
“So who is “we””
Tell him about the dog.
“Just me n Sam.”
What, he thinks the girl lives with him? Something aint right here.
“Sam! Mr Johnson. Who is Sam? Do you mean Sam Johnson?”
“No, SAM, my dog.”
“Your dog. Interesting. And where is Sam now?”
Two Sam’s. What are the chances.
“At home. I need to get back to him. He’ll be hungry and daddy said if I don’t feed him then he’ll die like aunt Ruth did.”
“How did your aunt Ruth “die” Mr Johnson.”
“She starved. Chose to stay with the farm and died cos no crops was grown. Only dust back then.”
“Yes. The black dust blizzards. I’ve heard stories about them. Terrible stuff, your family stayed through them?”
“Ma daddy kept us alive. We worked at my aunt’s farm when I was little. My brothers too.”
“Your brothers. Do you miss them?”
“Yea, they’re still fighting the war. Home soon though”
“Mr Johnson, the war is over. All of our troops are home now.”
“Not my brothers. Not Jeb and Wal. They still fighting.”
“Mr Johnson. You do know that both of your brothers were killed in the war?
“No you’re wrong. Daddy said to keep the farm running for them. Right before the accident. They’ll be home soon enough.”
Mr Johnson, can you tell me more about the accident?
Tell him about your daddy’s gun going off while he was cleaning it.
“Daddy’s gun went off while he was cleaning it, and it killed him and momma. That’s what they said.”
“Who said that Mr Johnson?”
“My friend said it and he ain’t no liar Mr.”
That friend of yours ain’t real now is he…
“Ok, I see. Can you read Mr Johnson?”
“No Sir. Ma said we ain’t got no time for reading. Just the bible, but daddy always said there ain’t no god no more. Just dust n dirt.”
“When did he say that.”
“After my brothers went to war.”
“I see. You mentioned to Mr Clay your lawyer, that you knew the Miller girl?”
Tell him about the dog biting her. Tell him about her nasty stick, Roy. She was a mean girl.
“She hit him! She hit him right in the face.”
“What happened after that?”
“He bit her.”
“Who bit her? Did you bite the Miller girl?”
“No, Sam. Yup, right on the hand. He just wanted the stick. She had it coming.”
“Wait, you bit Sam Miller?”
“No! Sam, bit the miller girl”
“Your dogs name is Sam also. Ok, so what happened after that.”
“I chased her off.”
Well this is a right mess.
“So, where was Sam Miller the last time you saw her?”
“Runnin home. Wailing.”
“And she was alive?”
“Well, ya can’t run if you’re dead.”
Great job Roy. You did good. This man is an idiot. Every one knows you can’t run if you’re dead.
My lord, this sheriff might just be the worst lawman alive.
“Ok. Well, thank you for talking to me, Mr Johnson.”
“Can we go home now?”
“We, Mr Johnson? Ahh, I need to talk to the Judge about that.”
———————
Chapter 6
Jane Searle takes a seat. It’s a quaint chapel, old but well kept.”
“Father. Thank you for taking the time to see me.”
“Jane, it’s my pleasure. How is Bill, it’s been a while since we have seen him.”
“Father, as you know, he didn’t take the election well. He took it personally that he was passed over for judge.”
“Jane, he should see it as a compliment. We need a strong sheriff at a time like this. How is he going with the Miller case.”
“Fine, I believe father. He seems to think the Johnson boy will be hung this week.
Terrible, terrible business that.”
“Indeed it was Jane. Now what brings you in today?”
“Well father. It’s just, sometimes Bill can really test my faith. What does the bible say about loving your children?”
“Well Jane, I’m reminded of Psalm 127:3: Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward – I think that spells it out quite clearly. They are a gift that we should cherish.”
“That’s what I say to Bill. God gave him to me. That means I don’t get to quit. No matter what.”
“Jane, with everything you and Bill have been through, it’s normal for things to be a little tense.
But the twins are with the lord now.”
“No, this ain’t about Alice and Ronnie, Father.”
“Well, I’m not sure I understand?
“I’m sorry father. I have to go, I’ve said enough.”
“Jane, wait!”
Jane hastily exits the church. Leaving the priest confused by the interaction.
——————-
Chapter 7
Judges chambers. A fire burns in the corner. The room is a welcome respite from the bitter cold that envelops the area.
The doctor has arrived and has compiled his report.
“Dr Thomas, I presume. This is Sheriff William Searle, and I believe you already know Mr Clay. Help yourself to a drink.
You won’t mind if we get straight down to business. We have become rather pressed for time.
Now, Where is Mr Johnson at?”
“Well, your honour, based on my observation, the man has the mental age of an 8 year old. Add to that, he is clearly traumatised and deluded. Honestly, it’s a miracle he’s survived alone on that farm as long as he has.
There is clearly a lot of trauma that has gone on in his life, and as a result he seems to have repressed a lot of memories.
He seems to be completely unaware that his brothers are dead. He also seems to think that his parent’s suicide was an accident.
I would also add that the recent blunt force trauma to the head has compounded his ability to rationalise recent events. It’s hard to say, but I suspect that his mind is fractured”
“He had it coming!
We tried to tell him his folks killed themselves after they got word of the older boys deaths.
It ruined them.
We tried to tell him, but he wouldn’t have it.
We left him the note.
Can’t say I blame his folks though. I might have done it too if he was my legacy.
Most likely what set him off.
Clay bangs the desk. “That’s conjecture and you know it. There’s nothing here to say he did it.”
The judge is unamused by the exchange.
“Well then Doc, what’s your verdict, is he capable of trial?”
“I’m sorry, your honour. Trial? What for. His dog biting a girl?”
The judge nearly falls from his chair.
“What? He murdered her!”
“Well, according to him, the last time he saw the Miller girl, she was running home after his dog bit her hand. Apparently, she hit it with a stick.”
The Sheriff, now more sure of himself and starting to think this was a good idea after all. “That sounds like a motive to me!”
The judge sits up and puts his drink down.
“Now wait just a dang minute. You’re telling me that he’s changing his tune?
Sheriff, just what the hell are you lot up to, were you aware of any of this?
Bobby, did you know anything about this?”
The sheriff, now visibly annoyed by the revelation stands in a veiled attempt to assert his dominance over the younger men.
“Now hang on a minute, I object to the Dr asking these sorts of questions. He ain’t no lawman. And we didn’t need any more than what we have. He said enough! I’ll tell you now, that boy is guilty!”
The Doctor and Lawyer are war veterans. This archaic yelling posturing has no effect on them. The doctor continues with his findings.
“Your honour, I would also note that when I visited the Johnson farm there was a lot of blood. Sheriff, is it possible that some of the blood is from the arrest? I assume you took note of girls’ footprints in that area?
Also, I assumed a sample had been taken and sent for analysis, but when I called my colleagues, it hadn’t. So I took the liberty of sending one to a friend of mine in the city labs for analysis. Luckily, the ice had preserved it. ”
“Well, the truth is we didn’t get to check the scene properly with the snow and sleet falling that afternoon.”
“Sheriff, it seems like you missed a lot that day. Seems to me like Mr Johnson did the right thing and put the dog down after the incident.”
Clay takes the opportunity to pile it on. He knows if this goes to trial the man will hang. He’s also now realised that he might have been a little too quick to judge.
“As expected your honour, the Sheriff has no evidence bar a weak eyewitness testimony.”
“Not now Bobby!
Dr Thomas. Thank you for your time. You can go. I may call on you at a later date.
Sheriff. Get out of my office and go and sort your story. Either you have a confession or you don’t. And right now, you don’t!
And if I find out this blood is from some animal, it will be you swinging!
Bobby. Sit down!”
The sheriff and the Doctor exit the room. The wind howls and the temperature drops in the room.
“What is it, your honour.”
“Bobby, I’ve told you before. While it’s just us, call me Art.
Now, you know more than you’re letting on. You looked more shocked than anyone at what the Dr said.”
“Art. Mr Johnson gave me what I thought was a confession. I was certain he was saying that he murdered her. This is all my fault. I should’ve followed it up and asked more questions. He said that the girl hit his dog with a stick, and then she got what was coming to her. I never considered what “it” was. Seem’s it was the dog biting her on the hand. Not him killing her.
I will need to speak to him again to confirm what the Dr said. I’ve missed more than I should have.
“Good lord Bobby. Well, we all make mistakes. Back in my day I might have just told the sheriff then and there and had the boy hanged. Maybe we’re being a little hasty, the sheriff more than most.
Now say he didn’t do it, I need to know that if I let this simpleton walk, that he’s not going to cause me any trouble.”
“Let me talk to Mr Johnson again and get a better understanding of the situation.”
“Make it quick. The whole towns expecting a trial to be announced. Remember the reason you’re here, Bobby. The state’s losing patience with the sheriff. What, with the last judge being murdered and all. Then that business with Davis.
Remember. That’s my old seat you’re sitting in. Like I told you when you first arrived. Don’t be afraid to reach out. I’m here to help.”
“Thanks, Arthur. I appreciate it.”
———————
Chapter 8
Footsteps again. More shouting. The jail comes alive whenever the guards enter.
The doors opening, Roy. You know what to do.
Will we go home if I say it.
Absolutely. Just tell them what we said when they ask, and we can all go home.
“Get up Johnson. Your lawyers here.”
Now I can walk, now I can use my legs again. Sore, my back, my ribs. Everything is not the way that it was.
“Where is Sam. When can I go home.”
The walls are back again. I remember these walls. They’re moving because I’m moving now, it makes sense. I’m in the jail. Now I remember.
“Where are we going?”
“You’re going to talk to your lawyer. Here. Put these clothes on. Make yourself decent.”
Roy struggles with the shirt given his injuries. But the clothing is a welcome change from the blood soaked rags he has been kept in. He enters the room. This time of his own free will without being restrained in the wheelchair.
“Roy, it’s good to see you again. Guard, I’ll need 30 minutes alone with my client.”
“Roy, I understand you spoke with Dr. Thomas.”
“Yes, that’s right”
“Roy, you sound different. You sound, better…”
“I’m fine. Just the same. My head is a little better. I can think clearer now”
He seems more lucid this time. He even has a focused look about him.
“Well based on what you told the doctor it sounds like there’s been a misunderstanding. I have to apologise, the last time I was here I thought that you were admitting to doing something terrible to the Miller girl. Can you clarify for me? Did you hurt the Miller girl?”
“I never touched that girl. I wanted to. I just chased her down the road. After Sam bit her.”Good Roy. Perfect.
“Can you explain the blood that’s at your farm?”
“After the bite, Sam had to be put down”. What we hurt Sam? How can this be? I don’t remember that. Quiet, I’m gonna get us home.
“Roy, can you tell me exactly what happened with your dog?”
“After she hit him, Sam, he went crazy, and he had to put him down. Like he got the taste for it. There wasn’t a rifle and he had to use a knife. It was messy but it’s done now, that Dog won’t hurt anyone any more.”
He? This guy really has lost it. No surprise I guess. “Can you confirm for me the name of your dog?”
“Sam. His name is Sam”
“Roy, I think you can maybe understand how you’ve come to be in prison. There has obviously been a terrible misunderstanding. Can you tell me, Roy? Where is the dog now?”
“We had to get rid of it.”
“I see, so could you take us to the body of the dog that would relieve you of these charges?”
“I can’t do that. The dog is gone now.”
“Roy, well I’m going to speak to the judge, but it sounds like this has just been one really unfortunate misunderstanding for you. Do you know or can anybody tell us where you were on the Sunday that the other girl went missing?”
“Yes, I was at the farm”
“Can anyone, did anybody come by? Did anybody see you?”
“Yes, the sheriff’s wife Jane called pass.”
“Do you know what time that was?”
“Yea, in the morning just after the Miller girl showed up and hit my dog. Right after everyone got out of church.”
“That would have been around 11am then. Do you know what she was doing there? Did she say why she called?”
“She comes past on Sundays after church. Ever since Ma and Pa died. Sometimes she brings leftover food for me n Sam.”
“That’s very interesting. Why didn’t you mention it till now?”
“No one asked. When can we go home?”
“We?”
“Ahh, I um, Me.”
Well I’ll be…. The sheriff’s own wife, an alibi. I’ll speak to the judge this afternoon. We’ll see what we can do. Roy, can you tell me which hand Sam bit?”
“The same hand used with the stick. This one (holds up his right hand).”
“Thank you Roy. I’m going to ask that you be moved to the Army hospital”
“I want to go home! Sam will need food”
“Roy, there is nothing there for you now. I have to go, but I’ll be past to confirm what’s going to happen from here.”
Clay stands and leaves. This time he has a very different view on the situation. While he might not be certain that Johnson wasn’t involved. He knows there isn’t enough to hang him.
—————————
Chapter 9
“Bill come in, we need to talk. Robert, tell him what you told me.”
“Now that my client is on the mend, we’ve been able to get his full testimony. Apparently the Dr was right in what he said. It also seems he has an alibi around the time a girl went missing. He might be the last person to have seen her alive, but it doesn’t make him a murderer.”
“He’s lying. They always lie, his type. Don’t know, no better.”
“Bill, that hand you recovered. What hand was it, right or left?”
“Right, why?”
“Well, that is interesting. Sheriff, I assume that the hand is in normal condition despite it missing an arm and a body.”
“Well, yeah, it’s normal enough. It was pretty chewed up” What are you getting at?
“Johnson claims the dog messed up the girls hand. So by rights, it should have been chewed up a little.”
“Now you’re taking statements from the guilty! The governor is gonna be furious.”
“Honestly, Bill, if you found the person responsible for the last two murderers, we wouldn’t be in this mess. So don’t talk to me about what this means. And what’s your deal with folk like Mr. Johnson?”
“Like I said before, they ain’t right.”
“And another thing, Bill. I’ve spoken to the governor, we think you should take a step back from this case. We want to bring in the State police.”
“Over my dead body. This is my county”
“Sheriff, when the people will find out what we know and I don’t think they will understand. Might get a little more challenging for you. I’m asking you nicely, step aside.”
“What else do you know?”
“Bill, Mr Johnson’s testimony places your wife in the area at the time the girl went missing. In addition to that, she was with the Johnson boy after the dog incident. We think the hand needs to be sent for analysis with the blood. We need to know if the blood ties to the hand.”
“WHAT! How dare you bring my family into this. You’ve both gone crazy. I’m not stepping aside, the people of this town still have faith in me! All this city mumbo jumbo! You’ll both be run out of town when the folk find out!”
Sheriff storms out. Bobby turns to Judge Cornwall.
“Someone should probably tell the Millers before they find out from someone else. They’re just down the road from me. I’ll call in and introduce myself and let them know what’s happening”
“Ok Bobby, let me know who you go”
Bobby Clay does want to keep the Millers informed, but he also feels like there is more to this. The visit to the Millers might just answer some more of his questions.
———————
Chapter 9
“Were we expecting anyone dear?”
Mr and Mrs Miller have been through a lot. The idea that their daughter is dead is yet to hit home and they hold on to the possibility that without a body, she may still return.
Mr Miller opens the door to Bobby Clay.
Clay stands respectfully with his head slightly browed.
“Hello. How can we help you.”
“Mr Miller, my name is Bobby Clay. I’m the new defence attorney in town. I’m working on your case with Judge Cornwall and the sheriff.”
Mr Miller is exhausted. Perhaps he would normally be more likely to turn this strange man away if he wasn’t hoping for positive news.
“Come in then Mr Clay. It’s cold out. How can we help you this evening?”
The Millers place is warm and homely. The children’s toys add a sombre feel to the atmosphere. The picture of a little girl on the mantle is hard to look at.
“Mr and Mrs Miller. Thank you for seeing me. I’m so sorry for everything that’s happened. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.”
“Well, thank you, Mr Clay. Times have been tough, but my wife and I know God is with our little girl”
“Please call me, Bobby.”
Mrs Miller breaks her silence.
“Bobby, Isn’t it a little odd that the defence lawyer of the man who killed our daughter would want to see us before the trial?”
“Well, Mrs Miller, that’s why I’ve called. It would seem there has been a mis-understanding. It’s possible that Mr Johnson had nothing to do with the disappearance of your daughter. New evidence has suggested that he might not have been involved. More than likely he is going to be let out, and at this time there just isn’t enough evidence for a trial.”
Mr Miller is stunned by the news.
“Mr Clay! What are you saying!”
Mrs Miller is openly weeping.
“Mr Miller, I am sorry, but it seems there was a mistake during the interrogation. Mr Johnson has an alibi for the time that Sam went missing. Apparently Mrs Searle visited the Johnson farm at the time Sam disappeared. According to Mr Johnson, she had left before Mrs Searle arrived.
It also appears that his “confession” was taken under duress. Apparently there was some confusion around his dog, who was apparently also named Sam.”
“Mr Clay, that don’t make no sense. You said missing. Are you saying she might not be dead? Honey, this is the news we’ve been waiting for!”
“Well that’s still being confirmed. It would seem that the blood at the Johnson property may have been from the Johnson dog. We’re waiting on some tests to come back from Oklahoma City. They may be a few weeks yet.”
“We saw the Johnson dog that afternoon. It was roaming the streets like it always does.”
“That may be the case. It seems the dog was put down later, right before the sheriff arrived, explaining the blood. The Johnson boy never got the chance to explain himself. We believe that your daughter left the property after an incident with the dog”
“The dog?”
“Yes, Sam was involved in an altercation with the Johnson dog. She was scared and ran off.”
“Our little Sam. Somewhere all alone…. Hurt!”
“Mrs Miller, we don’t know enough to know what the full story is. But please know we are working on it”
“And the boy screaming, Sam. My goodness. I guess I can see what’s happened here.
That poor boy. After everything that’s happened to him.
What’s going to happen to him now.”
“Ma’am, he was banged up pretty good while he was in custody.
He’s going to be moved to the hospital for the time being until he can recover. As for your daughter, two detectives are on their way from the city. Now that the sheriffs’ family is involved, the judge wants another set of eyes on the case”
“William Searle, jumping the gun and flying off the handle without questioning the facts. That’s no surprise.
When he’s ready, I would like to see him – the Johnson boy. Lord knows he’s been through enough. And it might just be that he was the last one to see our baby alive. I’d like to know what happened”
Mr Miller interjects.
“That still doesn’t explain why you’re here. Why ain’t the sheriff telling us this? Ain’t this his job.”
“Well, the sheriff has a lot on his plate at the moment, and I thought it best you should be told before he’s released to the hospital.”
“I’m not surprised. Come on dear, its obvious what’s going on here. Bills screwed up and this young man is here to break the news. Bill’s probably over at that Davis woman’s house blaming every one but himself.
Well, thank you, Mr Clay. We appreciate you calling by.”
“And Mr Clay, I should say, I’m not at all surprised Mrs Searle was helping that boy. She’s been an absolute saint ever since Sam disappeared. She’s been over here every night with food, praying with us for Sam. And I know for a fact she misses her just as much as we do. Sam was very fond of her.”
“I’m not surprised. I know she’s very active in the community.”
“She’s the best bible school teacher you could hope for.
Well Robert, thanks for coming by.”
“I’m sorry, did you say Jane Searle is the bible teacher?”
“Yes that’s right.”
“Shouldn’t Sam have been with Mrs Searle that morning?”
“She was, but Jane let the children out early that day. Said it was too cold in the church basement. The furnace couldn’t keep up so she sent them home. Sam knows the way, so she set off here. She just never made it”
“Mr and Mrs Miller, I’ve taken enough of your time. Thank you again and for what it’s worth, everyone involved is doing all they can”
Bobby heads out into the cold evening. There is more to all of this than he was led to believe. Does she mean the widow of Jeremiah Davis, the man who was recently killed?
——————————-
Chapter 10
The sheriff’s home is one of the older homes in the area. The Searles have been a part of this community for generations. The home is impeccably maintained. Not that anyone has been inside to see. William Searle is an incredibly private man.
“Jane! What the hell is going on, have you been talking to that Johnson boy behind my back!”
“Now hold on Bill, nothing bad happened. I just took him some food. You know he’s not been so good on the farming. He barely has enough to survive!”
“Is this about Ron? God-damn it, Jane, that boy is a lost cause. I should have dealt with him already. You know he’s the reason our little girl is dead.”
“We’re being punished for a lack of faith is all. Ronnie is your son. We can’t keep locking him away like this. Please, Bill. The people are talking, they know he didn’t die”
“He’s dead to me and he ain’t no son of mine.”
“Oh William. I know you’ve been hurting since Alice died. But that ain’t Ronnie’s fault!”
“Don’t bring Alice into this! That devil child ain’t moving out of his hole! He should have been put down then and there!”
“He’s slow William, he didn’t know what he was doing. Come, pray with me, William.”
“Pray! I pray every night that that abomination will die. Every day, I wake up, and my prayers haven’t been answered. It should have been him! Not Alice!”
“William, don’t talk like that. You know he can hear you. At least come back to church with me.”
“Jane, this ain’t about the church. You know I can’t show my face in there anymore. Not after they voted for Cornwall over me.
And don’t change the subject.”
“Now Bill, I just dropped some food off. That’s all.”
“Well, a good job you’ve done. Now you’ve dragged us into the Miller case.”
“Bill, I feel sorry for him is all. What with his kin all gone. He’s like a little boy all alone out there.”
“Jane, he’s a grown man! He’s 19! Now, what time were you at the Johnson farm?”
“Well, I went after church. I took some leftovers from the service. If I had to guess it was around mid day.”
“Jane, please tell me that boy was covered in blood.”
“No, of course not Bill, I would have said something to you about that.”
The Sheriff walks to his window. Somewhat stunned by what he is learning.
“Well, looks like he’s gonna walk then. The whole town’s gonna go mad.”
“So he didn’t do it? Oh Bill, who did it then.”
“I don’t know any more. Cornwall wants to bring in the state police to help with the case.”
Jane: shifting her gaze to the window.
“Bill, you can’t let that happen. That would undermine your position.”
“No kidding. But when word gets out about this, I might not have a choice.”
The two spend the next hours sitting. But not speaking. They both understand how this looks.
—————-
Chapter 11
Judges office.
“Bobby, come on in. Help yourself to a drink.
How are things going? I ordered the transfer of Roy Johnson yesterday.
One of the Doctors went over this morning to examine him.
4 broken ribs a fractured skull, a few broken fingers and his arm is fractured in two places. The doc’s gonna have him moved today. Reckon he’ll be in there a while. They said it’s a miracle he’s still alive.”
“That’s good news, Art.”
“Tell me, any word on the hand and the blood that was sent away?”
“Not yet, it’s not due for a few weeks yet.
Art, tell me. Did you know Jane was the bible teacher.”
“Of course! Everybody knows that! Why, you thinking about taking a class?”
Bobby: lacking any awareness of the joke.
“No, sir. I was raised catholic. My mother would turn in her grave if stepped foot in that church.”
“Ha! Same god, different rules.”
“Don’t you think it’s a little odd that Jane would have been one of the last people to see Sam Miller alive? Surely she has been questioned? Surely she would have seen the hand and the blood?”
“I’m not sure old Bill knows which way is up anymore. But, what are you getting at? Jane Searle is a lovely woman. She runs a support group for mothers that lost their children during the war. That woman is the closest thing to a saint in this county.”
“I just think it odd that she was so close by when it all happened, but knows nothing of it. According to Roy, her visit was a normal one. Which means he hadn’t dealt with the dog yet.”
“Robert, you’re barking up the wrong tree. Stay out of it and let the state boys deal with it when they get here.”
“Ok, ok. But I might talk with Helen Davis. Just while her memory is fresh. She is the only witness to Roy’s supposed confession”
“Very well Robert. Just don’t go making too much noise.”
“What’s the deal with the sheriff and her?”
“Just gossip. The Searle’s have always had a bit of that around them. That said, the last judge seemed to think that the Davis case was all dealt with a little too quickly. Said given the rumours that the sheriff might have been too close. Personally, I think what a man gets up to is his business.”
“Thanks Art. I’ll see you soon”.
——————
Chapter 12
The basement of the sheriff’s house is well-kept and warm, but not like the main part of the house. This part is made up like a young boy’s bedroom.
Ronnie Searle is mentally impaired. He was born that way. His twin sister Alice was born normal.
Bill never liked Ronnie because he was different. But after Alice’s death, his dislike turned to hatred.
“Ronnie, sweetheart. You know Poppa doesn’t mean it.”
“He does momma. But it’s ok.”
“Ronnie, baby, don’t talk like that. Poppa is just dealing with a few problems at work. The new judge is putting a lot of pressure on Poppa.”
“Just like the old judge momma?”
“Ronnie darling, I told you we were never going to talk about that again.”
“Did I make him proud? Did I make Poppa proud?”
“You made me proud, son. And I know your dad would be proud of you too. He just has a funny way of showing it.”
“Is Mrs Davis ok now, momma?”
“She is sweetheart. Now like I said before, we’re not talking about those things anymore, it’s time for bed.”
“Will I be allowed out again soon, momma? I want to come visit school again. I like the pictures the other children make.”
“Soon darling. We just need things to settle down. Then you can go out again.”
——————
Chapter 13
County Jail. The sheriff enters the room. He clearly has a lot on his mind.
“Sheriff! A Doctor came this morning. Examined Johnson”
“Deputy, go get him. Take him out back.”
“You gonna loosen him up a little more, Sheriff?”
“Not now! They’re picking him up.”
“What! Who’s picking him up.”
“Do as I damn well say or it will be you taking his place in that cell, you fool!”
“But sheriff, he’s a killer! I thought he was goin to trial this week. I told everyone he would be swinging come Monday!”
“Well that ain’t the case now. Looks like maybe the boy didn’t do it.”
“Sheriff, that’s crazy, of course he did. If not him, Then who did?”
“Do your damn job, and maybe we’ll find out! And quit asking questions, we’ve got a suspect to find.”
The hospital van arrives and Roy is loaded into the back.
“I want to go home! I don’t want to go to the hospital!”
“Boy! If it were up to me you’d be with your folks. Now shut the hell up and get out of here before I change my mind.”
The van pulls away in a plume of smoke. The sheriff gazes into the distance, lost in his own thoughts.
—————
Chapter 14
Tall and blonde, Mrs Davis could best be described as a southern belle. Not local to the area, she moved here after marrying her late husband. Her promiscuous ways have caused issues in the town before. The handsome war hero at the door is just her type.
“Why hello there, you must be the famous Captain Bobby Clay. Come on in, Captain Clay. Can I get you a drink?”
“Thank you for seeing me Mrs Davis.
But Please, I just go by Bobby now.”
“Very well then. Now how about that drink. I still have some of Mr Davis’s favourite whiskey. He don’t have much use for it anymore.”
“Thank you, I’m sorry to hear about your husband. The accident must have been a shock.”
“Honey, Mr Davis was murdered. It was a shame, but I don’t miss him.
Now, what brings you round my way, Bobby?”
“I’m terribly sorry for your loss. I had no idea of the circumstances. I came to speak to you about your testimony relating to the Miller case”
“Let’s not talk about all that now. Tell me about yourself. Is there a Mrs Clay?”
She sure is forward.
“No ma’am, between study and the war I’m afraid there hasn’t been much time. I’m afraid I must ask. What exactly did you see?”
“Just the Johnson boy screaming Sam”
“Was he covered in blood?”
“Not exactly. Maybe a little”
“Mrs Davis, you told the Sheriff that he was covered in blood”
“Well, that wouldn’t be the first time o’ll Bill has taken liberties with what I’ve said. He also said, that I thought my husbands’ death was an accident”
“I’m not sure why I wasn’t aware of the nature of your husband’s passing?”
“That’s because the sheriff said it was an accident.”
“Why would he list it as an accident?”
“Well, at the time, some people said that he was kicked by our horse. But those same people were saying all sorts about me and Bill. Same people who say he has some secret kid. This town likes to gossip.
But I know that ain’t true. Horses ain’t got sharp angles on their hooves and whatever hit my Jeremiah was pointy.
I guess Bill just needed it to go away”
There’s a lot going on in this place.
“Did anyone follow up your concerns?”
“Only that nosy Jane Searle, the sheriff’s wife.
Come now, let’s not talk about all that. Let me get you another drink.”
“Thank you, but I shouldn’t. It’s been a long week. Jane Searle, you said she followed up on your complaints.”
“Not exactly, but she sure spent a lot of time here after it happened. Funny considering.
Now Bobby! Please stay a while, I could use the company. Let me fix you dinner.”
“Thank you, but I must go.”
Bobby leaves, more confused then when he arrived. That seems to be the theme around here.
————-
Chapter 15
Army hospital. The resident doctor is seeing to Roy Johnson.
“I want to go home. I didn’t do anything wrong!”
“You and me both champ. But I will say, I have driven past your place and I wouldn’t be in a rush if I was you.
Besides, you are still in terrible shape. We just need you for a few more weeks, and we’ll have you as good as new. Have something to eat and rest a while. Let your body heal. Besides, I think the nurse likes you!”
“I need to get home. My dog needs me.”
“Sure, take some of this and you can fly home if you like.”
The Doctor injects Roy with a large dose of morphine. Enough to put down a hippo.
While that might be ok normally, the issue is, Roy has never taken anything. Not alcohol, not drugs. The morphine the Doctor has prescribed is creating wild hallucinations. Roy is quickly losing touch with reality again. While dreaming he cries apologising to Sam and sobs uncontrollably. The nurses have reported seeing him spend hours talking with invisible people and arguing with them, demanding they get Sam food.
While the Doctors are trying to help his body, they are slowly destroying what is left of his fragile mind.
——————
Chapter 16
Judges office. The judge is enjoying a drink.
“Ah, the good Detectives I presume. Come on in.
Thank you for coming at such short notice.”
“Judge Cornwall, I’m Detective Argyle, this is Detective Prouse.”
“Great to meet you, your honour, truth be told, this has been a long time coming. We got your letter, and we also got the last judge’s letter. We’re sorry we didn’t act sooner.”
“We could have been here sooner, but we’re here now, so let’s get down to it. Detective Prouse and I have read your letter but tell me, Your Honour, what’s the situation with all these murders?”
“Well, the first 3 are straight forward enough. All three of them line up with different people coming and then the problems start. We do get a few transient folk through here, farmworkers so on. It’s the nature of where we are in the state, so when the sheriff tracked down and bring these men to justice. I didn’t really have a solid defence for them.
Truth be told, I thought all three of them were guilty myself. And the last judge, well, he was happy to see them swing. It keeps the townsfolk’s minds at ease when they think the danger is over. They left them there for a few weeks, just to make sure that any other passers-by knew what the deal was around here.
Detective Prouse: “Well, three murders in a short space of time is very strange for any rural town, especially in the state of Oklahoma. Why didn’t the Governor intervene or say anything?”
“Well, it’s not down to the governor. You got to remember, we don’t adhere to all your city rules. We’re not a chartered town. So, the people who are in control around here, they’re voted in. That’s me, the sheriff, and the county clerk. And, at the time, I guess none of us saw anything wrong with what was going on. Not with the first three. Now, the last three, that’s a different story.”
Detective Argyle: “Let’s start with the Davis murder. The last judge contacted us about that. He said that the sheriff was ‘a little too close’ to that one.”
“Well, the closest thing to a suspect was the sheriff. It would be fair to say he’d had a closer than normal relationship with Mrs Davis while Mr Davis was away. There were a few rumours around the tracks that maybe Jeremiah was a little hard on his wife after he came back, and well, you’ll see what I mean. It’s perhaps easier to pity her than others.”
Detective Argyle: “Well that is interesting, so you’re telling me that the woman that the sheriff was having an affair with, her husband dies under suspicious circumstances and nobody has anything to say about it?”
“Well, it wasn’t as simple as all that. Thing was, that man was dead and then buried pretty quick. And, you know, we don’t have a coroner or anything like that around here to be able to intervene. Heck, the only reason that we’ve got a hospital is that the army put one up.
Now, with the judge’s murder, there was just no one to look at. The man died with no one around. Neck cut on his own porch.
The judge did rattle a few cages in his time. But he was respected.”
Argyle: “Is it true he was signing birth certificates for younger men so they could join the war?”
“Yes that is true. A lot of folk around here never registered the birth of their children. It didn’t go over well when some of the boys figured out they could lie about their age. But these boys wanna be hero’s and well, people understood that the country needed them.
But this latest one, oh I don’t know. I just can’t put my finger on it. The sheriff seemed mighty quick to hang it around this Johnson boy’s neck. Now, I would say that there was blood, and ironically, of all people, Helen Davis was a witness. But now, I’m just not so sure. It doesn’t seem to fit. And the new lawyer in town, Bobby, he’ll be along shortly so you can meet him. Well, he doesn’t seem to think it fits either, so he pulled in a few favors from his army days and the psychologist was able to help him out.
It was revealing, to say the least. The man we’re dealing with? Well, let’s just say that, when they made that matchbox, they forgot a the matches.”
Detective Prouse: “Sounds like we should have been here much sooner”
“It may be something is going on here. But I’m going to warn you, the Sheriff ain’t going to be in a rush to hand everything over to you guys, so if you could take it slow, I think that’d work better for everybody.”
The sheriff and Bobby Clay arrive at the same time. The sheriff looks as angry as usual and Bobby looks confused.
“Bill, Bobby, come on in.
This is detective Argyle, and detective Prouse.
This is sheriff William Searle and Bobby Clay.”
Detective Prouse: “My Lord, Captain Bobby – Robert Clay? I never thought I’d see the day. Damn fine to meet you sir. Thank you for your efforts in the war.”
Detective Argyle: “Well, so it is, judge you failed to mention that we were gonna be working with a celebrity. Nice to meet you, Bobby.
And you too, sheriff.”
The sheriff was aware that Bobby had carried himself well in the war. But this is the first time he has been exposed to the man’s celebrity status. He doesn’t like it one bit.
“If you ladies have finished fussing. Let’s get down to the matter hand.”
Detective Argyle: “Yes, let’s get to business shall we? Sheriff, what made you think that Johnson boy was the killer and what makes you think there has been a murder?”
“Well, that’s simple. The family has a history of violence. The boy ain’t right. He was found screaming the girl’s name and covered in blood.
When we approached him at his farm, there was also a lot of blood in the area.”
“Now sheriff, I’m not sure that his parents committing suicide constitutes a history of violence?”
Detective Argyle: “Well, now it seems that this was all a misunderstanding? So where to from here? Perhaps we start with the unsolved ones first. Sheriff, what can you tell us about the Davis incident.”
“Nothing to tell. The man was kicked in the head by his own horse. It was an accident”
“Sheriff , I met with Mrs Davis yesterday. According to her, her husband was hit in the head with a sharp object. I haven’t seen too many horses with pointy shoes”
“Don’t get fresh with me. You weren’t here. It was the horse.”
Clay decides to start asking some of the questions that have come up.
“Sheriff, were you having an affair with Helen Davis?”
“That’s a lie! I just comforted the woman. You might mean something to these outsiders, but round here you’re nothing”
The judge feels uncomfortable with Bobby making the accusation.
“Well, Davis incident aside we’ve got plenty more.
The one prior to the Miller girl was my predecessor, Judge Duff. He was found with a cut throat on his own back porch.”
Detective Argyle: “Sheriff, was the Johnson man ever a suspect in any of these?”
“There was no reason to think that. The boy never left his farm. And what would the motive have been?”
Detective Argyle: “So who do we have to work with?”
The Judge sits back in his chair. Coincidentally turning to look at the sheriff.
“Well, it weren’t me, and Bobby just arrived.”
Before he could ask the sheriff what he thought it was too late.
“You trying to say it was me!”
In two large strides, the sheriff crossed the room and punched judge Cornwall square on the jaw. The judge fell backward out of his chair and onto the floor.
The two detectives move to restrain the Sheriff.
“Calm down, Bill. Detectives, let him go. I probably had that coming.
I’m sorry Bill, you’ve been under a lot of pressure and that wasn’t called for.”
Detective Argyle: “Judge, Captain Clay, would you leave us with the sheriff for a moment.”
Glancing at the detective’s the judge says:
“So much for taking it slow aye boys…”
Robert and Art leave the room and head off to the hospital to get the Judge checked out.
Detective Prouse: “Look, sheriff, you don’t want us here, and we don’t want to be here. I’d rather be back home. But all the same here I am. I want you to know we’re here to help.
So let’s deal with the biggest hole in this case right now.”
“I know I know, we don’t have a suspect.”
Detective Prouse: “Well, that might not be the case, tell me sheriff. You never mentioned in any of your reports that your wife was the last sane adult to see Sam Miller alive.
You also neglected to mention that you and the last judge had been having a few problems. Problems over the Davis death.
Now these accusations of an affair with the Davis woman?”
“Well. I had my challenges with the judge that’s true. But I never killed him.”
Detective Argyle: “Yeah, you don’t seem like the sort of guy that lashes out and fits of rage when things aren’t going his way.
Now, why didn’t you mention that you’re a wife was the last person to see the Miller girl alive?”
These sons of bitches think we’re involved.
“There was never any reason to suspect Jane, she would never….”
Detective Prouse: “Is that despite the fact that she was at the Johnson house?”
The sheriff, very aware of what’s at stake composes himself.
“Well, I only found that out myself last night. Prior to that, I assumed she was at the church.”
Detective Prouse: “Are the Millers a religious family”
“What’s your point.”
Detective Argyle: “Sheriff, Are you close with your wife?”
“Of course, I am.”
Detective Prouse: “Well, we would like to have a chat with her ourselves.”
The sheriff slouches, defeated and resigned to the facts at hand.
“Go right ahead. We’ve got nothing to hide. I’ll have her come down to the office in the morning.”
Detective Argyle: “Thanks for understanding, sheriff. We’ll try to get out of your way as quickly as possible.”
—————-
Chapter 17
The Davis resident’s. Bill had just arrived parking his car out the back as he always has. Still reeling from his encounter with the two detectives he is in no mood for Helen’s antics.
“Helen, we need to talk.”
“Well hey there stranger! What brings you round here.”
“Helen, I’m breaking it off. This whole thing was a mistake.”
“Oh, come now. Are you jealous because that young man came knocking?”
“You think this is about jealousy? It has nothing to do with him!”
“Well I was good enough for you 2 weeks ago! What’s changed Bill. You got something to hide?”
Bill strides across the room grabbing the petite but feisty younger woman by the neck.
“You listen here. You’ll shut your mouth or I’ll shut it for you.”
Helen drops to the ground, shocked and visibly shaken. This is very out of character for Bill. He is normally charming and gentle.
“Damn you Bill. You son of a bitch! I love you! You said we would be together when the time was right! Don’t you walk out on me!”
Bill glares at her. He has far too much on his plate to be dealing with this.
———-
Chapter 18
The local pastor is well respected and the church serves as a hub for community gatherings. Attendance has begun to rise again with the end of the tough times.
Detective Argyle: “Father, thank you for seeing us at such short notice. I believe the judge let you know we might call by?.”
“He did. Everyone is welcome in God’s house, come in. Will you take a drink?”
Detective Argyle: “No thank you, father, we will keep this brief. What can you tell us about the Searle Family?”
“Well, Jane and Bill were always devoted followers. Never missed a Sunday as long as I’ve been here. Stayed throughout the dust storms and everything. As loyal as you can be to the town. Bill must’ve been the best sheriff you could ever have. The law with a moustache and a hat that’s what folk say around here. Jane, well she’s about as close to Saint as you’re ever gonna find.
And after all that business with their little ones passing, it’s amazing that they’ve held it together. Faith in God has got them through.”
Detective Prouse: “As I understand that Bill has strayed from the flock, father”
“Yes, well that’s true. Bill hasn’t been around so much, but Jane’s never missed a day.”
Detective Argyle: “How would you say the relationship is between Jane and Bill?”
“Well, funny you should mention that. Jane was just here the other day, but I couldn’t make any sense of what she was saying. She seemed really upset about something. Talking about God’s views on children. Might be that she was talking about their late twins.
I think all this mess around the Johnson boy has put a lot of pressure on them and maybe they’ve been thinking more about their little ones”
Detective Prouse: “Did you see Sam Miller when she got out from bible school that day.”
“I’m afraid not. The door to the Bible school is around the back of the church. The children go in and out through the back door. I don’t see them come or go. Generally only I know because Jane comes in towards the end of the Service. That and the children make an awful racket outside.”
Detective Argyle: “So, you didn’t see the girl that day. What about the Millers were they at church that day?”
“Why yes. Like I said, they have never missed a day. Lovely folk the Millers terrible tragedy that. Is it true that the girl might still be alive somewhere?”
Detective Argyle: “Well, that’s why we’re here father. We want to get to the bottom of this.
Thank you for your time.”
“You’re very welcome. God bless you both.
Ah, I hate to ask. You won’t mention anything of what I said about their twins to Bill. He can be a little reactive when it come to mentioning those children ”
Detective Argyle: “Of course not. Father, are you concerned about repercussions?”
“Not at all, Bill would never hurt me”
Detective Prouse: “That’s what judge Cornwall thought until about an hour ago.
Father, thank you for your time.”
The detectives leave and are now outside in their car.
Prouse: “Well, I don’t know what, but the sheriffs got something to do with it.”
Argyle: “You thinking the wife might have the girl?”
Prouse: “Maybe. And what was the deal with the twins part?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. We haven’t spoken to his wife yet or the Millers.”
Argyle: “Let’s head over to the Sheriff’s place first thing. I think we should meet Mrs Searle on her own turf, not down at the offices with her husband.”
—————
Chapter 19
That evening at the Bobby Clays offices:
“Oh hey Bobby. Fancy seeing you here.”
“Well, Helen, this is my office. How are you?”
“Oh, I’m just fine. Now, when are you gonna let me cook you dinner?”
Oh, this one won’t quit.
“Well, I’ve got a lot on my plate at the moment, Helen. I’ll have to take a rain check.”
“Bobby, since your visit the other night, I’ve been thinking. You know, Jane never liked me and Bill being friends. She was always funny about it.”
Is she surprised that another woman would resent her husband visiting her home, given her reputation?
“Sorry, Helen. I’m not sure what you mean, the sheriff said that he was just there to comfort you after the death of your husband.”
“Oh no, Bobby. Bill and I have been friends for a long time. When my Jeremiah went off to war, Bill was there to comfort me. You know, sometimes you just need a man around the house.”
“Did anybody else know about this relationship?”
“Well, you know this town, it likes to gossip. I guess a lot of people were talking about it at the time. Anyway, it got me thinking after you left the other day. Why didn’t he listen to me?”
“Well, I’m afraid I can’t answer that, that’s a question for the sheriff. Didn’t you think it odd that the man you were in a relationship with, declared your husband’s death an accident? “
Helen. Seeing the sheriff’s car drive by.
“Bobby, I have to go now, enjoy your evening.”
Helen leaves and Bobby is now convinced the whole county is mad.
—————-
Chapter 20
Later that night at the sheriff’s house.
“Jane, please sit down. Have you ever considered that, out of all the murders? They seem to have some link to us?”
“Well, that’s natural, dear. This is a small town and you’re the sheriff, and I’m the bible teacher, we know everybody. It’s natural that we would know them”
“That’s not what I’m getting at. I mean to say, almost everyone that was murdered was close to us in one way or another.”
“Hush now Bill. That’s silly talk. Nobody liked that judge. The man mocked you in church over the Davis woman and signed all those certificates so folks little boys could go to war.
And Mr Davis was an accident. Just like you said. And don’t forget, he was beaten on Helen , something terrible. It could’ve been her dead if he was still alive.”
“That’s the problem, Jane. It’s a few things that point to us. Now I know we didn’t do it, but that’s not what these detectives are gonna think.
They want you to come down to the office tomorrow to tell them what you know.”
“Oh Bill! Just tell me what to say.”
“Just tell them the truth Jane. We didn’t do anything wrong.”
“Pray with me Bill.”
For the first time in a long time the sheriff kneels to pray with his wife. They pray for this to all go away.
—————
Chapter 21
“Come on in detectives. Let me get you a drink.”
Detective Argyle:
“It’s a little early, isn’t it?”
“You’ll have to excuse me. Things have been rather tense round here of late. And I have to say, Bill still packs one hell of a punch. Now, how are you getting on with the investigation?”
Prouse:
Well, it seems the last few incidents seem to trace back to the Searles in one way or another.
The judge with his “challenging” relationship with the Sheriff shows up dead after writing to the governor to express his concerns around the Davis case.
Then there is the Davis case with this supposed affair.
Then his own son and daughter who pass under mysterious circumstances.
Heck, you might even go so far as to say he may have been jealous of the Millers with their perfect family. The one they no longer had. His wife Jane appears to be spending a lot of time with the family after the disappearance?”
“I’m not sure I buy all that. This is a tight knit community. Many of us have been through a lot together.”
“Sorry, your honour. But you not buying it might be part of the problem. We think you are all a bit close to this. We just came past to pass on our thanks for all of your notes so far. We’re just letting you know that we’re gonna take it from here and we’re gonna be reporting directly back to the city.”
“Well, I don’t like it, but it is what I asked for.”
Detective Argyle: “Yes, and your predecessor too. You both sent similar letters. Unfortunately, we were here too late for the last one. But hopefully we’re here in time to stop the next. Good day your honour.”
While the Judge might not like it, the men raise valid points. The town was close and they had been through a lot together . Maybe that had clouded his judgement after all. It certainly wouldn’t have been the drink…
—————-
Chapter 22
Sheriff’s house. The sheriff has just left. Mrs Searle is surprised by a knock at the door and quickly rushes Ronnie out the back. Returning she opens the front door revealing two strange men.
Detective Argyle: “Mrs Searle, this is Detective Prouse, and I’m detective Argyle. Thank you for seeing us. I understand this is probably a very strange situation for you. May we come in?”
“Oh I seeLovely to meet you both. No trouble at all, detectives thank you for coming by.
I was of the understanding I would be meeting you later on with my husband.
Can I get you a drink? I’ve just baked biscuits.”
“No thank you, ma’am. If it’s all the same to you we would like to ask you a few questions.”
Argyle sits while Prouse lingers around the room. The man behind her is unsettling for Jane. They never have visitors.
“Sure thing, please go ahead.”
“Can you tell us where you were the day Sam Miller went missing.”
“Well, I was teaching class. It was cold as can be that day and the furnace wasn’t enough to keep the chill at bay. So I let the children go early.
Most went upstairs or played outside. But little Sam ran off. Nothing unusual about that, she was always a free spirit.”
“And that was the last time you saw her?”
“Yes it was”
“And what’s your relationship with Mrs Davis?”
The sudden switch of subject makes Jane uncomfortable. No one would normally address her like this.
“Well, I don’t like to speak ill of the dead but, her husband wasn’t exactly a saint. I admit, I don’t know her well. But maybe I could have been there for her more. She’s from out of town you know.”
“What were your feelings towards her after you found out she was cordial with your husband.”
Jane, Turning bright red:
“Detective. I haven’t really spoken to anyone about that. I really don’t have anything to say on those rumours.”
“What about your husband’s feelings towards Mr Davis?”
“Ahh, well. He wasn’t real concerned. Bill always says what goes on in man’s house is his business. Until he brings it onto the streets, then it’s the sheriff’s business. So, I don’t think he would have an opinion”
“Even though he was romantically involved with Mrs Davis?”
“Well, I had no idea this would be so humiliating. I might never have said yes to your visit.”
“It wasn’t a request Mrs Searle. You do understand the enormity of the situation?
There are a lot of dead or missing people showing up and your husband seems to keep getting it wrong.”
Jane is now restless and becoming obviously uncomfortable.
“I can’t speak to that. We do get a lot of vagrants and travelers coming through here.”
“Ok. So it was out of towners that did all of this? Is that your opinion?”
“Well, I’m just stating facts”
The questions are coming from all angles and Jane is struggling with the detective ms tactics. Suddenly there is a loud CRASH!
“What was that? Mrs Searle, is there someone else here?”
Detective Prouse sets off to investigate, convinced they are about to discover the missing girl.
Jane jumps up to head him off.
“No no. Just me. Please sit back down.”
Argyle: “Prouse. Check it out. Mrs Searle, sit down.”
Detective Prouse inspects the house. There is nothing obvious. He heads out the back to see what he can find.
A storm cellar door is in the rear of the house. He heads over to investigate. Opening the door he is surprised at what he sees.
Prouse: “Argyle. You might want to take a look at this.”
Jane: rushes to intervene.
“Please, please. He’s just a boy. He’s just a boy.”
Prouse: “Son. What’s your name”
“My name is Ronald Searle.”
“Hello Ronald, I’m detective Prouse and this is Detective Argyle. Ronald. What are you doing in the storm shelter? Is this where you sleep?”
“Yes. Daddy says I have to stay down here.”
“Please, he has the mind of a young boy. He doesn’t know what he’s saying”
Ronnie: agitated. “No I don’t! You always say that. But I’m smart. I’m helpful, I help you. I help poppa.”
Argyle: “What do you help them do son?”
“Please. He doesn’t know nothing.”
“I know Mr Davis was a bad man! I know that judge was mean to my poppa! I helped! I know things I AM SMART!”
Argyle: “Mrs Searle. I think you both had better come with us.”
Ronnie picks up a piece of pipe and lunges at Prouse striking him on the temple. He knocks out Prouse cold.
“Ronnie! Nooooo!”
Detective Argyle reaches for his revolver but Jane tackles Ronnie to the ground right before he can get the shot away.
Ronnie: sobbing and clutching to his mother. “Did I help moma, did I help?”
“Yes you did, my baby. Yes you did my brave little boy”
——————
Chapter 23
A small crowd has gathered out the front of the jailhouse. News has spread quickly of Jane Searle and this mysterious teenager’s arrest.
The sheriff bursts into the room. He’s clearly infuriated at what he considers to be a blatant sign of disrespect. Both against his family and his honour. When he sees his son his disgust is there for all to see.
“What in god’s name is going on here!”
“Please Bill. He was trying to protect me.”
The sheriff reaches for his keys to unlock the door and free his wife and child.
Detective Argyle steps between the sheriff and the cell. He underestimates the fury of the older man. Sheriff Searle removes his revolver from his holster and strikes the much younger detective across the face leaving him stunned and bleeding on the floor. He stares the man down as he closes in on the cell door.
Prouse, still nursing his wounds from his earlier encounter sits slack jawed and in shock. Despite being with the police department he hasn’t seen violence like this since the war. It’s all too real for him.
The sheriff unlocks the cell and rips the boy away, leaving his wife frozen and in awe at the scene before her.
He takes the boy and loads him into the back of this car. The crowd are left in a state of horror and confusion as the sheriff speeds away leaving his wife behind.
————-
Now pulled over on the side of the road the sheriff turns towards his son.
“What did you tell them!”
“Nothin poppa, nothin”
“Don’t lie to me”
“Poppa, I ain’t. I jus told em about when I helped. And that the judge and Mr Davis was bad men.”
“What!? What does that mean!”
“I only wanted to make you proud poppa.
You said Mrs Davis was beating his wife. So I helped.”
“You killed Davis? This was you all along? God damn it!
What about the Miller girl? What do you know about her?”
“She looks like Alice is all. I seen her pictures at mommas school sometimes.”
“Don’t you say her name. You don’t get to say her name.”
“I did it for you poppa! Please!”
The sheriff shaking, removes his revolver from his holster pointing directly at his son’s head. The realisation that this was his son all along is too much.
“This is for Alice and little Sam Miller.”
He squeezes the trigger, executing his own son in cold blood.
“Good God! What have I done!
This is all my fault!
Forgive me Alice.
Forgive me lord.”
Now slumped on the ground next to his lifeless son, he turns the revolver on himself.
Judge Cornwall and Robert Clay round the corner just in time to witness Sheriff William Ronald Searle perform his final execution as the county sheriff.
——————-
Chapter 23
It’s been quiet in the town for the last week. The funerals of Sheriff William Searle and Ronald Searle were somber affairs. The town gossip merchants have drawn the link between the murders and the Searles. The murder suicide has been taken as a sign of guilt and Jane Searles silence has done nothing but fuel the rumours.
What was a family held in high esteem for generations is now gone. Destroyed, not by the dust, but by inner turmoil, misfortune and pride.
———————
County clerk:
297 votes in favor of Bobby Clay.
37 votes in the favor of Jim King
And 1 vote in the favor of Davey Dick.
“Hey! Which one of you ninny’s voted for me!”
The crowd jeers at the name of Davey Dick. “Davey rigged the election” someone shouts.
His humor and self ridicule have been a much needed respite in this somber time.
The jovial exchange allows Bobby to compose himself.
“Excuse me ma’am. I never submitted my name for sheriff. I can’t be voted in”
Calls come from the crowd. All positive and in celebration of their new war hero sheriff nominee.
County clerk: “Mr Clay. That’s not how it works. Now do you accept it or not.”
Judge Arthur Cornwall comes forward placing his hand on Robert’s shoulder.
“And I didn’t ask to be judge. But here we are.
Please Bobby. The town needs this.”
“Well. I’m honoured. Can I have some time to consider it?”
Entire crowd- NO!
“Ah, well then since you put it that way. I guess I accept”
The crowd cheers. Women and men all rush to shake the new sheriff’s hand. This was the best news the town had heard in a very long time.
Gossip might travel fast in these parts. But not national news. When Bobby Clay first arrived only a handful of folks knew who he was. Now the whole town rejoiced in knowing that they had a real war hero to look up to. To show their young men how to act and to show the people of the county what justice really looked like.
—————-
Chapter 24
The Judge and the new Sheriff are celebrating with a drink in his chambers.
“Bobby, I’m real pleased you took the job. I guess we’re gonna need another lawyer, but I think we can manage for now.
A toast, to the new sheriff”
“Thanks Art. I can’t say when I stepped off that bird back on American soil that I thought I would end up here, but hey. Here we are.”
“Well I’m glad you did. I can’t imagine what else might have gone on.”
Detectives Argyle and Prouse enter the room. Both sporting bruises from their recent encounters.
“Gentlemen. You both look terrible! Here help yourselves to a drink. We’re celebrating the new Sheriff.”
Argyle: “Absolutely. Cheers!”
Prouse: “Well who would have thought it would have turned out that way.”
“We all knew he had a temper and a thirst for “justice “ but I didn’t see that coming. Judge, did anyone know about the boy?”
“Apparently there were whispers. I think most folk thought he had died at the same time as the daughter. I can’t believe he kept that kid a secret all these years. I guess it all fits why he blamed the Johnson boy and all.”
Prouse: “Helen mentioned that Ronnie was the reason his daughter died. Anyone know if that’s true?”
Argyle: “You son of a bitch. I knew you weren’t going to interview her!”
The men all laugh.
“Well normally I might think less of you Prouse, but in this case you’ve taken her off my tail, so cheers to that!”
Argyle: “You watch yourself Bobby, I hear she has a thing for sheriffs.”
3 men laugh but Bobby stares quietly out the window in contemplation.
Prouse: “Oh heck Captain, if I knew you were in love I would have never touched her.”
“It’s Sheriff now, and I assure you. It’s not that. You are very welcome to her bed.”
“Well Bobby, what is it then? You’re killing the mood.”
“The Miller girl. I guess this means we’ll never find her.”
Argyle: “We ain’t gone yet sheriff. Let’s see what we can get out of Mrs Searle. My money is on her having a few more skeletons in the closet.”
“Gee, You think? I can’t see it. Everyone thinks she’s a saint?”
Argyle: “Bobby, the first thing you need to remember about being in law enforcement is that everyone’s hiding something. You’re not a lawyer now. It’s not your job to get anyone off.
And don’t forget, those folks that called her saint had no idea she had her kid holed up in the basement”
“I guess that’s true. Maybe we’ll never find her. Maybe it was just one of the sheriff’s vagabonds.”
——————
Chapter 25
A few days go by. The bad weather has shifted on and winter is starting to release its grip on the town.
The new Sheriff has had to deal with the disgruntled deputies, and a few minor scuffles in the county, but nothing major.
The Miller case is never far from his mind. He has a close working relationship with the Judge and the two detectives.
“Morning Art.”
“Good morning Bobby. Can I get you a drink”
“No thanks Art. Hey, I’m heading over to the Johnson place this morning. I just got word he was let out”.
“Ok Bobby. You want me to come with you?”
“No thanks Art, me and Roy get along fine”
Sheriff Clay leaves. Shortly after the Detectives arrive at the Judges chambers.
————
“Roy! It’s good to see you again. You look well”
“Hello Mr Clay. Daddy always said it good manners to invite a visitor into your home”
“Thank you Roy, do you mind if I take a seat”
“Sure, sure. The Doctor told me you arrested Mrs Searle… I miss her”
“Not exactly. The two detectives from town have her staying at the jail while we get to the bottom of this Miller case”
Roy gets up to make coffee.
—————
The detectives burst into the Judges Chambers.
“Where’s Bobby!”
“Why he’s at the Johnson house”
“Son of bitch! Let’s go”
There is panic in the detective’s voices at the news.
“What’s going on” asks the Judge, stunned by the sudden action and commotion.
Argyle: “The test results are back. The damn hand matches the blood. The guys from town drove the rats out themselves. Said it’s a perfect match to the sample taken by the Doc!
It was Johnson all along!”
———
“No drink for me thanks Roy. I just came past to apologise for everything that’s happened”
A skinny dog slinks in through the back door.
“Roy, you have a new dog!”
Roy whistles: “here Sam”
The name slaps Bobby like a cold wet flannel, The last thing Clay sees is the wooden floor of the Johnson house. Then things go dark.
When he awakens he is confronted by a grizzly scene. Restrained in the basement he can see Roy Johnson is sitting against the wall next to the handless corpse of a young girl. The constant drip of water invading the silence. Johnson is patting his dog Sam. Sam is licking his face and whimpering. In his hand he holds a large blood stained knife.
“We just wanted to talk to her for a while. But she got scared of our dog, and she hit him. Mrs Searle interrupted before we could teach her the lesson.
We was gonna let her go, but the Sheriff showed up and beat us. I tried to tell you I needed to get back here. Now she’s dead and it’s all your fault”
“Roy. You said you didn’t hurt the Johnson girl.”
“We didn’t, just made her sorry is all. She was alive when we seen her last. They did this, not us”
A car pulls up outside.
Noises again. Not this time. Not going back to jail. Not swinging. This is not our fault.
Roy moves to Bobby, stuffing a bloody rag in his mouth. He sits silently with his knife to Bobby’s throat.
“Argyle! His car is here! BOBBY!”
Kicking in the old door the two detectives enter the home. They can hear whimpering coming from downstairs.
Bobby can hear the footsteps above, but can do nothing about it.
Placing his finger to his lips Prouse moves outside to the shelter doors finding one open. A frail dog runs out, stopping to glance at them before running off into the field.
The two men close in on the door. Peering cautiously inside.
Roy Johnson lunges at Prouse slashing wildly at his face, the knife black from old blood.
Argyle is quick to react, firing 3 shots towards the man killing him instantly.
They enter the storm shelter, finding the gagged and bound Bobby Clay.
“BOBBY! Are you alright?”
As Argyle pulls the gag. Cries escape the war hero’s mouth. This was all too much for him. This was too much for anyone. The two detectives turn to see the little girl’s body.
“It’s all my fault! I was so concerned with the sheriff I made my own mistakes!”
“No Bobby, this is on us. We were so focused on Mrs Searle we never came out here. It should have been the first thing we did”
“He did it. He cut her hand off to teach her a lesson. She died here alone because the sheriff took him away. Why did he never look for the body? Why”
“Nothing can be done about that, Bobby. The sheriff was facing his own demons. Let’s get you out of here.”
Argyle returns to town, taking Bobby to the Army hospital. Prouse Stays behind.
————
Chapter 26
“So let me get this right. You take out a whole island of Japs, then get thumped by a kid with the brain of a Labrador.
That kid couldn’t beat his bed sheets!”
The room stayed silent. The Doctor’s humour hits like a soft watermelon on the hard ground. Gallows humour was common in the Army. So was poor timing.
“Thanks Doc. I’m glad I made your day. I’m fine – I would like to go.”
“Sure. You’ve got a nasty bump and a hell of a cut. The last guy I worked on went on to beat down a war hero so I’d recommend you stay – but I’m not gonna stop you”
“Argyle, let’s go. We can swing by and pick up the judge. I’d like to arrange the transfer of Sam’s body myself.”
They head off to the Judges chambers to fill him in and arrange for the deputies and the local Doctor to follow them out.
The three men return to the scene. It’s been an hour or so.
They walk in to find Prouse with the dog and a cup of coffee in the kitchen.
“Poor guy. Looks like he ain’t eaten for weeks”
“He has now” said Prouse. “I killed a chicken and let him at it.”
Bobby moved closer and scratched the old mutt behind the ear.
“Boy, if you had any idea the fuss you’ve caused.
I can’t believe he never touched the girl”
“He probably kept her company while she slowly passed. Poor kid”
“Bobby. Did he ever tell you why?”
“If he is to be believed, he just wanted to talk. He said after she attacked the dog that she needed to learn a lesson. I gotta say. He wasn’t the same. It seemed… different. Not so innocent.
Seems he cut off her hand to teach her a lesson.
That was right after Jane came by. I’m not sure she knew anything about it.
According to him the Sheriff’s arrival interrupted him letting the girl go.
Poor kid was left here. Alone. To die”
Two more cars arrive with the deputies and the local Doctor to arrange the removal of the bodies.
While he is devastated, Sheriff Bobby Clay directs the men to their jobs.
“Doc, leave Johnson. I want that girl cleaned up before her parents are made aware that we’ve found her body. You other guys search the rest of the farm. Let’s not make that mistake again”
The judge and the other men moved into the basement with the Doctor.
The scene was as it was left: Johnson dead in the entrance. And the girl’s body is still in the corner. The Judge bends down next to her and touches her face. He shrieked like a bird when she moved.
“SHE’S ALIVE!”
————
Chapter 26
The scene at the hospital is chaotic. The Millers have learned of their daughter’s incredible survival and are trying to get into the closed area where doctors and nurses attend her dutifully.
Mrs Miller is crying and Mr Miller has broken into religious fever. The delivery of their child – alive, after this long can only be described as a miracle.
The Doctor comes out of the room.
“Mr and Mrs Miller. Your daughter is incredibly lucky. It seems the cold conditions have worked in her favour slowing her blood flow. Somehow she has stayed just warm enough to stay alive. She has a way to go, but it looks promising.”
Sheriff Bobby Clay comes over.
“I can’t tell you how pleased we all are to have found her alive. We’re presuming that the melting snow and frost provided her a source of water. Based on her weight. She has barely eaten”
“Bobby, please pray with us”
The Millers and Bobby join hands. With Mr Miller leading the prayer.
“Dear lord. Thank you for sending us Mr Clay in our time of need. Thank you for answering our prayers and returning our daughter. And Thank you for delivering justice where it was needed.
Amen”
“Thank you both. I’m going to leave you with your daughter. I will be in touch to talk you through the events. Doctor Thomas the Psychologist has offered to be here when Sam wakes up. He has an intimate knowledge of the situation.”
Mrs Miller, with tears streaming down her cheeks.
“Thank you Bobby.”
————
Chapter 27
It’s the next day at the judges chambers. Bobby has slept deeply for the first time since his arrival. As usual, the judge is enjoying a drink. The fire is roaring and for the first time in years, his desk is (mostly) clear.
“Bobby, come on in. Sit down, let me get you a drink.”
“Thanks Art. If ever I needed one it’s today.”
“That’s quite the shiner you’ve got there”
“You should see the other guy”
“Ha, I knew there was a sense of humour in there! I hear he had it coming”
“Did Argyle and Prouse catch you before they left?”
“No. They’re gone?”
“Left this morning. Prouse is off to pack his things. He seems to think he’s going to move out here and take up a role as one of your deputies”
“Mrs Davis weaving her magic again”
“Mrs Prouse if he has his way”
“So Art, what are we going to do with Mrs Searle”
“Part of me thinks she’s been through enough, the other part says she was complicit in two murders and subverted the course of justice.
Dr Thomas seems to think that there are grounds to admit her based on her husband’s role. He thinks she protected her son for as long as she did because she knew what Bill would do. There will be a trial. But not till we can get a lawyer out here”.
“I guess we will cross that bridge soon enough.
Any word on little Sam?”
“Mr Miller came by this morning. Said she woke up last night asking for the dog. Little Sam said he never left her side the whole time”
“Well, that’s a turn of events if ever I heard it. I guess it’s poetic that the dog that nearly got her killed would be the one that saved her life.”
Sam recovered fully. The physical scars were there for all to see but emotionally she never seemed to carry anything. She forgave Roy Johnson and was never seen without that mutt again. She said it never left her side throughout the whole ordeal. The doctors say the dog’s warmth was likely the difference between life and death.
The Millers have moved on, they know out of those involved in the affair, their ending was better than most. Mrs Miller is the new bible teacher.
Judge Cornwall still loves a drink. And now that things have settled down he even manages to find the time to try a new sport – golf.
Detective Argyle was given a commendation and a promotion to senior detective.
Detective Prouse stepped down from the police force. He and the new Mrs Helen Prouse have a small farm just outside town. Word has it that Mrs Prouse still has a thing for sheriffs.
Jane Searle stood trial on two counts of subverting the course of justice. She was sentenced to life in prison. Doctor Thomas succeeded in negotiating her release into his custody and the newly opened rehabilitation asylum on the grounds that she had to choose between the death of her son, or hiding the murders.
Sheriff Bobby Clay received a commendation from the governor. Some say it was a political stunt on the governor’s part prior to reelection.
As expected, Bobby tried to turn it down.
Many around the county tout his name for the next governor of Oklahoma.
Bobby spends time with the Millers, playing with the Sam’s. He finds little Sam Miller’s thirst for life a much needed contrast to his past and present.
He can often be seen with the Prouse’s. But not too late, and never alone with Mrs Prouse.
Bobby has struggled with the brutal reality of being home. He often reflects on his time during the war. Things were much easier then. At least every one was on the same page, kill or be killed. Here the motivations are old, confusing and hard to rationalise.
It’s far from being happily ever after. But at least now, the people can begin to heal.
—————
Characters
Roy Johnson – accused
William (Bill) Searle – Sheriff
Bobby Clay – defence lawyer
Arthur Cornwall – Judge
Dr Walter Thomas – Psychologist
Jane Searle – Sheriff’s wife
Ronnie Searle – Sheriff’s (secret) son.
Sam Miller – victim – missing presumed dead.
Mr and Mrs Miller – The parents of Sam Miller.
Helen Davis – witness of Roy’s confusion
Jeremiah Davis – murdered husband of Helen Davis. His death was suspicious. Officially, it was listed as an accident.
Judge Duff – murdered former county Judge. Murdered under suspicious circumstances.
Detective Argyle – Based in Oklahoma City and the partner of Detective Prouse.
Detective Prouse – Based in Oklahoma City and the partner of Detective Argyle.
———————-
Authors comments:
I wrote this book to get a few thoughts straight. An interview with the writer and director Robert Rodrigues, books by Stephen Pressfeild and Rick Rubin all inspired me to try the exercise.
ChatGPT was used for the research. The ability to ask for a passage from the bible that fits XYZ or to ensure that something was periodically correct was invaluable. Also being able to move a chapter to fix a plot hole, then have chat ensure that it didn’t break the story was priceless. There is no way I would have attempted this without it.
Almost all the dialogue was written with speech to text. This was an interesting experiment in itself. It works quite well, but caused a lot of issues later with grammatically correct words that were contextually wrong.
Overall, the whole process took around 2 weeks of maybe an hour or two a day. The entire process was incredibly enjoyable.
I don’t see this as a great piece of writing. But it is proof that a guy with the “brain of a Labrador” can write a coherent story.
Crime and drama is not normally my cup of tea, but for whatever reason I sat down and this came out. I initially leaned into Roy a lot more, but I felt the story fell over the longer I needed to linger in a fractured mind.
I am pretty black and white with my descriptions of mental illness and the labels attached to them. I wanted to honour the period. I think we should celebrate how far we have come since these times. This would have been a terrible time for returning veterans and those born with mental challenges.
I will say, the sheriff’s final chapter was hard to write. I’ve toned it down from the original version.
I learnt about the dust bowl period through the movie “Interstellar”. The earth in that movie is desolate and when I went to learn about whether there ever was a period that inspired the movie I learned of this very real event. The disaster was caused by the removal of native grasses that had deep root systems. When drought came the land dried out causing the top layer to die and turn to dust. Large dust storms would go on for days.
More than 2.5 million people migrated from the area.
A Dog Named Sam is a Southern Gothic psychological thriller set in the shadow of post-war rural Oklahoma — a place still reeling from dust, death, and deep secrets.
When a mentally fragile man named Roy Johnson is found covered in blood and mumbling a girl’s name, the town assumes the worst. With no body and no answers, justice becomes a matter of pride, fear, and old-world suspicion. As the sheriff pushes for a swift execution, war hero and defence lawyer Bobby Clay begins to suspect that the truth is far more twisted — and far closer to home.
But in a town where tradition masks trauma and everyone has something to hide, uncovering the truth could be more dangerous than letting it lie.
If you somehow get hold of this, I hope you enjoy it.
Andy.