Comfort and Affliction

by Michael Frosolono

  “The High Council? Is there a problem?”

  “No, I personally want to give you a case of Jim Beam for what you did so well the other night. The High Council will promote you to the rank of lieutenant in the Army of the Restoration, at my recommendation.”

  “My honor and privilege to serve. I’ll be present and ready for more orders.”

  “Over and out.”

  “Long live the Movement. Our day comes.”

  After he ended the call, Whitfield spoke to himself in a quiet voice, “Yet your days end tonight.”

  CHAPTER 28

  Monday, 06 October

  Eric and Joseph drank their third cups of coffee at the breakfast table after Allison left for federal court in Athens. “Reverend Eric, seems like you and Mom should be going on a honeymoon rather than both continuing to work so soon after the happy day,” Joseph said.

  “We’ll do something later on. We have too much to take care of right now.”

  “What’s on your agenda today?”

  “It’s my day off. I’d like to read a book.”

  “Which one?”

  “I’ll choose from the several on my list.” Eric’s iPhone rang. “Jameson here. How may I help you, Chief?”

  “Sheriff Brodman and I would like your professional opinion about what appears to be a murder. We want you to look at the body.”

  “Gunshot wound?”

  “A big one going out the victim’s back.”

  “You want me to come to the station?”

  “No, I’ll swing by your house in few minutes, if you can be ready by then.”

  “I can.”

  “See you in a few.”

  “What did Chief Holderfield want with you?” Joseph asked.

  “He wants me to look at a body.”

  “How ‘bout I come with you?”

  “Joseph, Chief Holderfield didn’t issue an invitation to you. Besides, today is a school day. If you’re going to pick up Cathy and not be late for first bell, you’d better hit the road.”

  Chief Holderfield’s Tahoe, with Eric riding shotgun, came to a stop at the intersection of Stonebridge and Whitfield roads. Yellow crime scene tape cordoned off a body and a car on the roadside. The chief pulled two pairs of rubber gloves and booties from a box on the floorboard. “We’ll need to wear these booties and gloves to avoid contaminating the crime scene.”

  “When will the GBI crime scene personnel get here?” Eric asked.

  “They’re on the way from Atlanta. Sheriff Brodman wants you to see the body before they arrive and he loses control of the site.”

  Eric and Chief Holderfield walked side-by-side to the body where Sheriff Brodman stood. “Harrison,” Chief Holderfield said, “let me introduce you to Reverend Eric Jameson.”

  “Good morning, gentlemen,” Sheriff Brodman said. “Reverend Jameson, it’s good to meet you in the flesh. I know a lot about you by reputation, which is why I asked Jack to bring you here. Thanks for coming.” The sheriff knelt to pull apart the unbuttoned front of the dead man’s shirt. “The deputy on patrol in this area and I made a quick examination of the wound shortly after he called me to the scene. Reverend Jameson, if you will, please look at the size of this bullet hole.”

  Eric saw the large entry wound in the body’s chest. “Do you know the identity of the victim?”

  “He’s one of ours, Deputy Gilbert Rice.” The two lawmen exchanged a quick glance before they rolled the dead man onto his left side and pulled up his shirt to reveal an extremely large exit wound in the back. “The size of these wounds prompted me to request your presence.” The sheriff and chief returned Rice’s body to its original position.

  “Why?” Eric asked.

  “The wounds look like they came from a military-type weapon. Do you have any thoughts?”

  “I’d say someone shot Deputy Rice with a weapon like a Barrett .50-caliber sniper rifle or a .50-caliber pistol like the Israeli Desert Eagle. The non-military versions of these weapons regrettably can be purchased openly on the civilian market.”

  “You’re familiar with the Barrett rifle and the Desert Eagle?” Chief Holderfield asked.

  “Somewhat.”

  “How about a dumdum bullet? Could one of them from a smaller weapon produce the damage we see?”

  “I doubt it,” Eric said. “A dumdum round most likely would have disintegrated inside his body without exiting. Let’s think about what we can and cannot see.” He stood a few feet away from the body. “Deputy Rice lies flat on his back,” Eric pointed down the road to a grove of trees, “and a .50-caliber round fired into his chest from those trees would have knocked him backwards. If the killer used a pistol, he would have needed to be close to Deputy Rice, which could have alerted him to danger.” Eric thought for a few moments before speaking again. “I think the angles of fire rule out a pistol.”

  “Why?” Sheriff Brodman asked.

  “The way the body fell indicates a frontal shot from down the road. If the killer stopped near the victim, the body would be in a different position, probably with the head near the ditch, feet toward the road. Why would the killer stop to fire a pistol at close range and risk giving Deputy Rice time to defend himself?”

  “Perhaps they knew each other?” Sheriff Brodman asked.

  “They may have known each other, but the position of the body indicates the kill shot came from further down the road, probably from those trees. If the killer drove along the road, he would have stopped, gotten out of the car, and put the sniper rifle on the roof or hood, also alerting Deputy Rice.”

  The chief pulled on his chin. “Could the killer have made the shot from the backseat of the car with someone else driving?”

  Eric thought a moment. “Look, .50-caliber sniper rifles are big weapons. If we consider reasonable lines of fire, the killer most likely would have had to fire holding the weapon outside the window—a very difficult, probably borderline impossible shot. On the other hand, if the driver put the car with its side perpendicular to Deputy Rice, the barrel poking out the rear window would have alerted the deputy to something fishy.” Eric pointed down the road to a grove of trees. “I still think the shot likely came from there.”

  “Those trees must be close to a thousand yards from here,” Sheriff Brodman said, “a heck of a distance for a kill shot.”

  Eric shook his head. “Not really. The stated effective range of a Barrett with a standard full-metal-jacketed round is about eighteen hundred yards. If the killer used a reasonably good scope and knew what he was doing, he’d have no problem. Deputy Rice would have never known what hit him.”

  “So,” Chief Holderfield asked, “we can infer you’ve used the Barrett?”

  Eric smiled. “Unless the killer was short on time, which I doubt, he would have had an opportunity to establish a hidden firing position from the trees. If you direct the crime scene people to look among the trees along the edge nearest to here, they might find the firing position.” Eric laughed. “They might even get lucky and find the ejected cartridge, if the killer was careless or too lazy to clean up the site. The cartridge might help identify the weapon.”

  “We’ll insist on a thorough search of the woods,” Sheriff Brodman said

  “The spent bullet should be somewhere along this line,” Eric said, as he pointed out the most likely direction the bullet would have followed upon exiting Rice’s body. “The bullet also could help you identify the weapon, and maybe the killer.” Eric began to walk slowly along the line he had pointed out, looking at the grass- and weed-covered ground. “I think the county must have cut this area a short while ago, which could be good for us.” He stopped after a few yards and pointed to the ground. “I think the bullet is here.”

  The sheriff and chief walked carefully to where Eric stood. “You’ve got sharp eyes, Reverend Jameson,” Chief Holderfield said. “I think you’ve found the bullet.”

  “How did you manage to see it against all of this ground clutter?” Sheriff Brodman asked.r />
  “Looking closely by letting my eyes travel slowly and continuously without stopping to stare.”

  “You all please stay here,” Sheriff Brodman said. “I need to get something from my car.” In a few moments, he came back to place a yellow evidence flag close to the bullet. “The crime scene guys and gals can’t miss this flag unless they’re blind as bats.” He stood to speak directly to Eric. “Reverend Jameson, you may be called as a witness when we make a case against the killer or killers.”

  “Understood,” Eric said.

  “His bride can coach him about giving a deposition and how to testify,” the chief chuckled.

  “Your bride?” Sheriff Brodman asked.

  “Reverend Jameson and Counselor Allison Stevens were married yesterday,” Chief Holderfield said.

  “Congratulations to you, Reverend Jameson,” the sheriff said. “I know your bride. She’s a formidable lawyer, and a nice lady, even if we often find ourselves on different sides at trials.”

  “She is,” Eric said. “I’m blessed.”

  Sheriff Brodman asked, “Jack, why don’t you take the good Reverend back to Vickery? I know where to find him, if the occasion arises.”

  CHAPTER 29

  Tuesday, 07 Oct

  Eric’s iPhone rang shortly after he and Big Al began planning for the worship service on the forthcoming Sunday. Caller ID again showed Chief Holderfield. “Chief, how may I help you today?”

  “Do you know where Big Al might be?”

  “He’s with me in my office. Do you want to talk with him?”

  “You and Big Al stay there. I’m on the way.”

  “We’re waiting.”

  “See you in a few.”

  “Do we have a problem?” Big Al asked.

  “Let’s wait until the chief arrives.”

  Two Vickery City police vehicles soon stopped in front of the church. Chief Holderfield exited his Tahoe and walked quickly to the church. Eric saw two officers in the front seat of the other patrol car.

  The chief and Mary exchanged greetings as he passed through her office. He shut the door to Eric’s office. “We need to talk.”

  “Sounds serious,” Eric said.

  “Extremely.”

  “Talk to us, Chief. We’re listening,” Big Al said.

  “First of all, Reverend Jameson, where’s your wife?”

  “In Athens. She has a trial in federal district court.”

  The chief held up his hand to forestall any further conversation. He placed a call on his cell phone. “Tiny, we guessed right, the counselor’s in Athens. Send the two guys ASAP to the federal building. You’ll call the guards at the building to have her detained inside? Good.” The chief disconnected.

  “Allison’s in danger?” Eric asked.

  “All of you could be. Where’s Joseph?”

  “It’s after school, so he’s probably at home or with Cathy. Big Al, do you know if they’re together?”

  “Why should this day be any different from any other day with those two?” Big Al said.

  “The two of them have cell phones?” the chief asked. Both Eric and Big Al replied affirmatively. “Please call and locate them.”

  Eric sensed great danger. He knew the chief wanted to make preparations before revealing the nature of the threat. Both Eric and Big Al placed calls. Eric activated the speaker on his iPhone.

  Joseph answered first. “What’s up, Reverend Eric?”

  “Are you with Cathy?” Eric kept his voice calm.

  “Yes. Why?”

  “Where are you?”

  “At the coffee shop. What’s going down?”

  Big Al passed the phone to the chief.

  “Joseph, Chief Holderfield here. Listen carefully to me. You and Cathy stay inside Jean’s until my men get there. They’ll take you somewhere safe. You hear me loud and clear?”

  “I do. What’s happening?”

  “Just stay there. You’ll find out more in a little while.”

  “Okay.” Joseph disconnected.

  The chief once again called Captain Timmons. “Tiny, the kids are at Jean’s.” Chief Holderfield looked at Eric and Big Al. “Captain Timmons will collect Joseph and Cathy. They’ll be safe with him. Where do you want him to bring them?”

  “Here,” Eric said.

  “All right. Tiny, bring the kids to the church.” The chief disconnected. “Captain Timmons, my officers,” Chief Holderfield pointed to the patrol car, “and I will accompany you to your homes, if that’s where you want to go.”

  Big Al could not keep the panic out of his voice. “Chief, what in the world?”

  “The county district attorney received orders from the state attorney general late yesterday afternoon to convene the grand jury to indict Ralph Whitfield on various criminal charges. Sheriff Brodman and his men are scouring the county for Whitfield. The sheriff thinks someone may have tipped off Whitfield about the indictment.”

  “Whitfield can’t be the sole reason why you’re here,” Eric said.

  “Indeed not. Someone shot Judge Prentice late yesterday afternoon, apparently with the same, or a similar, weapon used to kill Deputy Rice.”

  “The judge is dead?” Eric asked.

  “Yes. According to his wife, the judge went to the deck on the rear of their house to smoke a cigar. Mrs. Prentice wouldn’t let her husband smoke in the house. She was looking out the large glass sliding doors and saw her husband fall backwards. She thought at first he’d had a heart attack, but then she saw the blood. Mrs. Prentice called the Athens-Clark County EMS and law enforcement.”

  “Where is Mrs. Prentice?” Eric asked.

  “At home under sedation. Two of her sons and their wives are with Mrs. Prentice.” The chief took a big breath. “There’s more. Early this morning, Raymond Taliaferro walked out his front door to get the paper. He luckily tripped at the last step, just as a bullet grazed the top of his head. He heard the shot and ran back inside the house. Two more shots hit the front door, but Mr. Taliaferro had crawled off to the side.”

  “You have a protective detail with Raymond?”

  “He called the sheriff’s office because he lives in the county. Two deputies took him to the emergency room at the hospital. Mr. Taliaferro left town to an undisclosed location. We can contact him via cell phone if necessary.”

  Big Al clasped his hands. “Good Lord Almighty, what’s happening?”

  “Whitfield’s looking for revenge over the outcome of the court case that revealed he’s a crook,” Eric said.

  “Most people already knew he’s crooked and as mean as a snake,” Big Al said. “I’m glad to hear the legal system can make a case against him.”

  “Chief,” Eric asked, “you’re giving protection to anybody Whitfield may want to kill?”

  “We are, and like you heard a few minutes ago, we’re sending men to Athens. My men will insist your wife ride home in our patrol car. One of the officers will drive her car close behind.”

  Eric turned to Big Al. “Time to hunker down, go into defensive positions. What do you want to do?”

  “Chief Holderfield,” Big Al asked, “do you have the manpower to provide security to everybody involved?”

  “Reverend Eric, I understand you’ve moved into Allison’s home, and Big Al and his family live in the Methodist parsonage.”

  “Correct.”

  “Good,” Chief Holderfield said. “I’ll station cars with two of my men in front of both residences, 24/7, until we catch Whitfield, assuming you intend to hunker down in your residences.”

  “Big Al and I can’t run away. We must minister to our combined congregations.”

  “I’m pretty sure running from danger has never been part of your character,” Chief Holderfield said. “What about your wife? Will she want to hunker down?”

  “Probably not, but I’ll use my influence. Allison expects to conclude the trial in Athens today. If so, she can work from her home office until you capture or kill Whitfield. We’ll keep Joseph a
nd Cathy confined. They can get their school assignments via telephone or email and work on them at home.”

  “I’ll recruit some of our strong men to help out with security. Several of our men have had military training.” Big Al said.

  “Let me meet with them first, Big Al,” Chief Holderfield said. “We need to have an understanding about exactly what your men will do.”

  “Good idea. I’ll put the fear of the Lord into my men about following orders from your officers, and not going ballistic.”

  “Good. I suppose the men will be armed?”

  “Probably so.”

  “I’ll have words with them about firearms. No rifles, no pistols—licensed or unlicensed. Shotguns only. We’ll want to reduce the probability of collateral damage to the neighbors if a firefight breaks out. You think your men will follow those instructions?”

  “Like I said, I’ll put the fear of the Lord in them.” Big Al spoke to Eric, “Can you help station my men in the best positions?”

  Eric looked to Chief Holderfield. “I’ll be glad to help, with your approval.”

  “Sure thing,” the chief said. “Just let my officers know exactly where you place Big Al’s men. We don’t want any friendly-fire accidents.”

  “What about Miz Lizbeth?” Eric asked. “She must also be on Whitfield’s hit list.”

  “She’s been notified and has recruited the men working on the property to provide protection. Miz Lizbeth told the sheriff she’ll also bring in some additional men from the processing plant.”

  “I hope Sheriff Brockman instructed her to stay inside the Big House and away from windows.”

  “I’m sure Harrison made that clear to her. He’s also increasing patrols around her property.”

  Eric asked, “Was Deputy Rice working undercover in the local unit of the Southern Restoration Movement?”

  “No,” Chief Holderfield said. “We have reason to believe he was fully committed to the Restoration Movement.”