by Lee Barnett
I picked up the phone and dialled the number that had been in my family for seventy years. I told my mother I had been released and filled her in on how I had been whisked away from the prison in the middle of the night. Mom loves all things unconventional and was enthralled with the story. We chatted for bit and made plans to catch up before hanging up.
Some people found it difficult to believe that I would even consider speaking to my mom again after all that had happened. The fact is, she is still my mom, and because of that I will continue to be there for her. But I will never trust her again.
I am a different person from when I was a young woman and I have different priorities, but as time has passed I have learned to understand her better. There are many things about my mother I admire and many things I loathe, but these things will never change. She has made the conscious effort to be the person she has chosen to be just as I have made the conscious effort to be the person I am. But if there were any behaviours that were supposed to be predestined within our family, they stopped with Mom. I know my life could have been made easier, but it made me who I am – all the good, bad and the ugly of it has made me kinder, more compassionate and more understanding. I have my mom to thank for that.
Alone felt good. I crawled into the king-sized bed and did a few snow angels, relishing the Egyptian cotton thread count. I may have dozed for a little while before getting up to splash my face before Patty came to get me for drinks.
We went down in the elevator to a large room that was empty.
‘That’s strange,’ said Patty.
‘That’s okay,’ I said, ‘we could grab a beer someplace else.’
‘Not yet, let me check if it’s somewhere else. You sit here and I’ll be right back.’
A few minutes later, Patty returned and, out of the corner of my eye, I saw something blue.
‘Oh my God! It’s Susan!’ I grabbed her and hugged her with all my might. ‘You buggers! Ya’ll tricked me!’ Susan had said she was away on a business trip and I can’t deny I was a little disappointed, but this surprise was the best. I couldn’t wait to tell her about the past twenty-one years. With my arms still around her, I looked up to see Gordon and Sue walking into the room! I was thinking things couldn’t get any better when suddenly Gail and Myron appeared. By now I was totally in shock, especially considering Gail was still having chemo. ‘I wouldn’t have missed this for the world,’ she said, with tears streaming down her face.
‘Patty, you bugger. You really pulled this off. I had no idea!’
Gordon disappeared and returned with champagne, cheese and crackers, and Sue ran around with glasses and plates. I looked to Susan and Patty and smiled. A person is blessed just to have one incredible friend in their lives so I knew I was the luckiest person on earth.
During that extraordinary evening I learned that none of my old friends really knew what I’d done all those years ago – how I had prepared for our escape, the nuances of the journey and how we’d survived. But then I had no real idea what they had endured either, and how each and every one of them had been deeply affected by my disappearance. Gordon said that every time there was a crazy TV show or newspaper or magazine article featuring Harris they all chose not to respond, even when the reports were factually incorrect, because they didn’t want to cast any more attention onto me. Everyone’s phones had been tapped, their mail confiscated and they had all been subjected to repeated questioning by the FBI. Susan had even had a visit from the FBI after they knew where I was. My reckoning was that they were trying to incriminate her in my crime. Everyone agreed.
A day or two later, we pulled up to Gail and Myron’s house, such a calm and welcoming place where ancient oaks dripping in Spanish moss hung over the crystal-clear pool high above the Ashley River. I instantly understood why Sammy had suggested that I live there. When I went upstairs to put my few belongings in my room I opened the door and saw presents everywhere – small and large parcels were on the bed, the floor and a chest of drawers. The presents were wrapped in birthday paper, Christmas paper, Easter, Halloween, and for every holiday I had missed while locked up. An Australian flag was draped over a chair, and there were even old photos of Susan and me from our time in Africa. Gail explained that Sammy had done all of it and had spent days shopping and wrapping everything I would need and want when I got out. I picked up a homemade book in which Sammy had written poems and was completely overwhelmed. ‘She has always put me first,’ I said to myself.
My first days after my release were spent catching up with friends, and finally I got to see this much-loved landscape for the first time in so many years. Summerville and Charleston appeared to have doubled or tripled in size since the 1990s, but the old homes, heritage buildings and historical beauty remained undiminished. When we crossed the bridge to Isle of Palms towards Patty and Mike’s place, I couldn’t believe how much had changed, but at least there were houses and not high-rises. Patty and Mike’s house now had an extension on the back overlooking the water, but the real change was the three wonderful girls who called this house their home. We were joined by Babs who after twenty-two years didn’t look a day older. Mike was preparing a low country boil as a welcome home dinner. I smelled the spicy Cajun seasoning and knew there would be shrimp, sausage, crabs, potatoes, scallops and corn in the pot. Just perfect. While waiting for the dinner to cook I excused myself from the group. I wanted to take a moment just to be by myself.
I sauntered slowly down to the dock to see the sunset better. I lingered under a canopy of oak trees with a glass of wine in my hand. As I moved closer to the water I passed busy fiddle crabs scurrying in and out of their holes amongst the marsh grass, and drew in a deep lungful of pungent pluff mud and salt air before I sat on the jetty. Dangling my feet in water that reflected the golden sunset, I sipped my wine and looked at what was in front of me. White egrets squawked before settling onto broad oak trees whose branches spilled out above the water. In the distance was the unmistakable shape of blue herons. Suddenly the smells, sights and sounds of this very special part of the world filled all my senses. At last I had finally closed the circle. My face was soon wet with tears as I repeated for myself, for my daughter and for the universe, I kept my promise, ‘We did it. We made it.’
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
They say, ‘It takes a village’; in my case it’s taken four continents! Trust me when I say that penning my acknowledgements has been the biggest challenge in this writing process.
You see, I realise how unique I am when it comes to the unwavering, unconditional support I have been given throughout my life, and it pains me not to include each and every one of those people who helped in some way over the past twenty-five years.
Above all else, please believe that I have the utmost, heartfelt gratitude to you all for being such an integral part of my survival.
First and foremost I want to thank my two beautiful children, Samantha and Reece. Your unconditional love and support is more than any person is worthy of. From the day I knew of your existence, Samantha, my life changed from a carefree woman to a woman with a purpose. The mere existence of the two of you transformed an insecure young woman with little direction in life into a confident mother who will stop at nothing to protect her children. Until the day I die I will always know I did something extraordinary with my life just by being your mother.
Bradley Stevens, my wonderful future son-in-law, how do I thank you for being Samantha’s rock and, because of that, mine too? Your never-wavering support of us will be something I will admire for the rest of my life. Thank you Brad, from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you to my big brother Cliff Barnett, who had to wait until I became an international fugitive and a felon to realise that I wasn’t such a loser after all! Seriously Cliff, your support for Samantha after my arrest and during my hearings was invaluable not only to her but to me as well. In so many ways you have stepped up and given Reece the surrogate father he so desperately needed. Your presence in our lives sinc
e my arrest has been remarkable and it is appreciated beyond words. I look forward to many adult adventures with you in our golden years.
Mom, thank you for a life filled with adventure and for being the mother you were to me. It created an elasticity and resilience in me without which I would not have become the person or mother I am.
Susan Poag, where do I begin when it comes to thanking my oldest and dearest childhood friend who has always been more like a sister? You’ve stood by my side even when it caused you great difficulties. Throughout our friendship you have been the one who has also believed in me, thus giving me the strength to go on even during the toughest of times. It’s an honour for me to have you in my children’s lives. Your selfless love and support has kept me afloat and there is no doubt that without you this book would never have materialised. So happy to be sharing the next chapter of our lives together, because ‘life is either a great adventure or nothing at all’.
Thank you to my dear friend Patty Roth who quite literally held my hand throughout my ordeal in the ’90s. How many people would give up their lives to become a surrogate father for Samantha, support system for me and a voice for the truth? You were thrust into that role yet again once we were found offering Samantha a window into our past. You, Mike and the girls welcomed Samantha, Brad and Reece as long-lost family, giving this old lady some much needed peace of mind. While in prison, knowing you were always available for me just a phone call away kept me sane and probably caused many FBI agents to go insane listening in on our frequent mindless chatting sessions!
Thank you Lorraine Ryan for all you have done for me and for Samantha since our return. Without you and Susan Poag stepping in after we left by helping to pay for the court transcripts, I would have never been able to have the proof of what was done to us all those years ago. Forever grateful to Bob Black for holding on to those original bound transcripts for all these years.
How lucky can a person be to find out that all the people I walked out on so many years ago still loved me and supported me? I quite literally walked back into the arms of the people I left, no questions asked – just unconditional love. Many of those people are no longer with us, including my eldest brother Tommy who is never forgotten and is often celebrated by Susan and I as we howl at the full moon: thank you for spiriting Samantha and me away to safety; Aunt Clara Harleston and Ann Chabot who wrapped their loving arms around Samantha and me when I fought for justice, and held tighter when I lost my beautiful baby girl; Uncle Ernie Waring I wish you were here and that we could have a tot or two to celebrate our return.
Thank you those who remained vigilant wanting to know if we were safe but praying we would not be found. Jimmy Waring, thank you for all the nights you listened and held me as I cried for the loss of my baby. Thank you to Gordon King and Sue for your incredible support and for our friendship filled with laughs and shenanigans. And to Gail and Myron Johnson who not only opened their home to me but also gave me a family when I needed it the most. Memories of our time together will be embedded in my heart forever. Babs McCambridge, who started out as a neighbour, quickly became a dear friend to me and a surrogate grandmother to Samantha. My cousin Chris Moore and his wife Jill – thank you for always being there for the children and me. Your prayers have been felt.
A special shout-out to the team at CBS 48 Hours, especially Susan Zirinsky for taking on my story and for assigning the two most incredible producers, Liza Finley and Ryan Smith to the task.
Russell Mace, the first day I spoke to you my life became a little brighter. Tough job when you’re in prison and are facing a 23-year sentence! I wouldn’t have wanted to make the journey with anyone but you.
Thank you to the official A Team located in Australia. You guys outdid yourselves by jumping in and helping the friend you’d only known for a little over five years. Thanks to: Keri Gazzard, for your support starting with that fateful call on the day of my arrest, diving into the painful readings of my past and for giving Reece a place to return home to; Sharon and Jim Williams, I could not have survived these past five-plus years without your support; Raelene Brown, I bet the day you took your job with Bruce Michell you had no idea that you would spend the majority of your time helping Bruce help me. It’s been incredible to have been able to share it with such a remarkable young woman; Judy Michell, I know my intrusion into your lives has been a lot to deal with so please know how thankful I am that you were generous enough to share your husband’s time with a desperate woman and her children. You dived into my evidence with such determination, while being the strength behind the man who was at the forefront of my defence. And you did it with incredible selflessness, thank you Judy from the bottom of my heart; Bruce Michell, what can I say to my own personal Erin Brockovich? There really are no words for someone who dedicated their time, effort and heart to help the children and me during such a trying time. We’ve cried, laughed and fought throughout this ordeal. I’m truly blessed to have you as a friend.
Many people helped me by helping my children, giving me the peace of mind to carry on. Two young women need to be mentioned for all the assistance they give to Samantha. Hannah Paulinich, you were there from the beginning, reading things no young person should have to. I appreciate your softening the harder things Samantha had to face. Maddie Jones, you have always been there for Sammy, almost like a sister, always including her in your family when she has needed it the most. Thank you to the Lewis-Cooke family: Alyssa, Neil, Kieran and Brittany, you guys stepped up when I couldn’t and gave Reece the family he needed.
To my arresting FBI officers Ed and Mike, I drew the winning lotto ticket when it came to the two of you; heaven knows it could have been so much worse. To the Australian Federal Police who knocked on my door that fateful day, your kindness and decency did not go unnoticed. Pedr, you are not only an asset to the AFP but also to human kind. Thank you for caring at a time I needed it the most.
In recent years in the US, it has become something of a mantra that our law enforcement officials are people we should disparage. It is with my greatest hope we can someday correct this misrepresentation and support the hard-working people who keep us all safe.
For all the prison officers who made it their mission to treat me and many others as human beings, it’s a thankless job that gets very little recognition. Speaking from experience, if you treat inmates as humans, you release humans.
To the fellow inmates I met during my incarceration, our paths crossed for a reason and I pray that reason brings us all a happier future in a free atmosphere surrounded by people we love. Treatment, not incarceration would address prison over population. Remember your children are your most precious asset and should be cherished.
To my probation officer who will remain nameless, no words can express how much your compassion meant to me as I tried to navigate a life I’d left behind. Nathan Williams and Judge Gergel, you both have taught me that justice is still alive in the US. Thank you for being honest, decent and fair.
To all those who touched our lives during our journey, blood is not thicker then water.
A special thank you to our wonderful friends in South Africa who welcomed us into their home, giving us a family to love, lessening the loss we felt for our loved ones back home. To my sister-in-law Annamare Morkel, no matter how many times you tried to pry my past out of me with numerous glasses of wine poured from your papsak, you underestimated my resolve! Danel Morkel, what a wonderful addition to the children’s lives to have a cousin like you! In memory of Dad and Mom. You are missed every day but never forgotten. Juan, there is an indescribable bond when sharing your children with someone, what I would give to be able to still share it with you … You will have a place in our hearts forever.
To our Malaysia, Botswana and New Zealand friends, your love and support has always been felt. Thank you.
Thanks to my co-workers at Cengage, Pearson and Oxford University Press, especially Sharlene Coombs and Amanda Cunnington. May the Three Musketeers rise again!
<
br /> A special thanks to my Auburn University Lambda Chi, fellow little sister Patti Callahan Henry, who just happens to be a New York Times bestselling author. You needled and coerced me into writing this book and gave me the confidence to do it!
Thank you to Penguin Random House Australia for publishing my memoir. Thank you to Melanie Ostell for taking on the arduous task of chopping my manuscript to a third of its original size! Special thanks to copy editor Clive Hebard who rode in on his white horse in the last few weeks and saved the day.
To Kimberly Whalen, wow what a ride we’ve had together! Your strength, tenacity and experience were a godsend! Thank you
While I’m saddened to the core after discovering the injustices in the family court system, I am also enlightened by all of those who have taken the time to reach out to me in camaraderie. One specific person, Stefanie Pritchard, is a kindred spirit for life.
Until we as a society decide to put our children first, we will never be able to heal all of the wrongs that have been done to so many by the family court system.
I’d like to thank the powers that be who by thrusting me onto this journey rewarded me with the most incredible life experiences. Not only was I touched by each and every person I met along the way, I was also given the opportunity to experience people from all walks of life, religion, race and genders. Thus enhancing my previous knowledge that we are the same, it is only our outer layer that unfortunately allows for bigotry and hatred.
A lie cannot live.
– Martin Luther King
Lee Barnett eluded the FBI for almost two decades after fleeing the US with her infant daughter, circumnavigating the world before eventually settling on the Sunshine Coast. Then, nearly twenty years later, her luck ran out.