Doing Time In Texas, Book 3

by James E Ferrell

  “This is an unusual rifle. I don’t think I have ever seen a barrel this long or a scope this nice. No doubt it is setup for long distance shooting. I need to take this with me…for some tests. I will give you a receipt and return it later.” For more than an hour Cage looked through Judd’s belongings. “I don’t see anything else that looks important. If you come across anything else, please give me a call,” Cage said before he left the ranch.

  Willow stood looking at the apartment. After the funeral she would gather all of Judd’s clothes and hire someone to help run this ranch. Picking up his overalls draped over a chair she heard a metallic sound as something hit the floor. Looking down, she saw a key and for a long time she stood looking at the key. She had seen that key before. It came to her the key was to the old safe her late husband had given Judd years ago. Looking around the room, the safe was not to be found. It was too large to hide in here. Dropping the key in her apron pocket she figured she would look for it later.

  C23 - Every Road Leads to Huntsville

  Monday morning in Huntsville, the courthouse was bustling. Reporters from all corners of Texas entered the building as soon as it had been unlocked. By ten o’clock the Judgejudge had to have the building cleared of anyone who was not conducting business in the building. No one was allowed in but the rangers who were waiting for Captain Eastman to arrive from Austin. Reporters mingled with one another and curious citizens around the courthouse. Captain Eastman got out of his sedan and headed for the courthouse only to be swamped by a flurry of reporters.

  “Captain what about the dead man?” One reporter called out. “Isn’t he the uncle of the man killed at the cemetery?”

  “How about the woman he tried to kill? Will she live?” shouted another.

  “Have you found the mastermind behind all this?” a third reporter called out.

  “Is someone lurking around the cemetery killing people at night?” said another.

  Captain Eastman pushed through the crowd into the courthouse. Standing in the hall next to the courtroom, George Ford looked out of place in jeans with the old weathered leather briefcase. Shaking hands with the Judgejudge, Eastman continued down the hall until the two came to George.

  “George, this is the head of the Texas Rangers out of Austin,” Judge Stewart introduced the Captain. The two shook hands while the Judgejudge continued, “What are you doing now that you have the bar exam behind you?”

  “Judge, I’m here to represent Mr. Baker in this matter,” George Ford stated.

  “George, we haven’t charged Baker with anything yet. By the way, I heard about that dog incident the other day. Your dog really got old man Franks in an uproar. I would have given anything to have seen that,” Judge Stewart said.

  “That was not my dog…I only paid the bill because Mr. Franks was so irate,” George said.

  The judge continued to tease the young lawyer and said, “That’s what a good lawyer should always say. Nothing is ever the fault of the accused.”

  Disgusted with the kidding, George sat down as the judge and ranger walked on down the hall.

  “Captain Eastman, I hope you have something good to tell me…like a break in the case?” Stewart asked.

  “Judge Stewart, all my bungling criminals are getting themselves killed before I can get some answers,” replied Captain Eastman.

  “Well, I guess we can be glad that the victims win out once in a while. Let’s go in my chambers and have a cup of coffee. It looks like we might be at this for a while. George, you might as well come along. We have a lot to discuss,” the judge called back over his shoulder.

  Once in his chambers the judge said, “Daniel, at your request, I issued warrants for one Chubby Hawkins and Fred Mayfield. I read that Hawkins was found dead behind the Greyhound bus station in Houston. What progress have you made apprehending Fred Mayfield?”

  “Nothing has turned up on Mayfield yet. I think he may be trying to figure out what to do next with the law and the mob both breathing down his neck,” Captain Eastman replied.

  Later that morning Cage arrived at the courthouse with Alice and Billy Parks. Instantly they were swamped by reporters as the three made their way into the courthouse. Eastman had stationed a ranger at each door to make sure no one entered that did not have business there. Anyone in the company of a ranger was immediately covered with reporters asking questions. As he entered the courthouse Cage saw Silas and Ellis signaling him from the corner of the building. Once inside he found Captain Eastman.

  Walking up to Captain Eastman, Cage said, “Captain, these are the Parks, Billy and Alice. May I leave them with you for a moment? Silas is outside and looks like he needs to see me. I will be back after I see what he wants.” Outside Cage made his way through the crowd and met Silas at the far end of the square.

  “There is a rumor in the black community that a man is here in town claiming he was at the shooting of Thomas Taylor. He evidently talked to a kid by the name of Sammy Johnson night before last. Ellis went and talked to the mother and Sammy. He says the story sounds true,” Silas said.

  “How old is this kid?” Cage asked.

  “Sammy is about seven or eight and prone to exaggerate a might, so it took Ellis a while to get the story straight. The man walked with a limp and his name is Fred,” Silas replied.

  Looking around at the crowd Cage said, “Silas, you and Ellis walk around town. See if you can find a man with a limp. I will relate this to the Captain and join you in the search.” As Silas and Ellis left, Cage was tapped on the shoulder.

  “I understand you are looking for me?” Beaver said.

  Cage responded, “Come on, Beaver! I’m headed back in the courthouse. Let’s see if we can get in through this crowd!” Walking across the courthouse lawn a horde of reporters surrounded Beaver and Cage as they tried for the door.

  “Ellis, if anyone will know if there is a man in town with a limp it will be Judy at the diner. Everyone that comes to Huntsville eventually eats there. That will be a good starting place,” Silas said.

  Standing close to the front picture window Judy was never far from the table where Fred sat. Making her acquaintance had been good for him. He was eating well and feeling good. Keeping a clean shave and dressing better, he looked ten years younger. Getting up from the table Fred paid his bill and ventured outside to sit on the ledge. Sammy was back playing cars when Fred walked over to the brick ledge.

  “Hello, Sammy,” Fred said.

  It took Sammy a second look before he recognized Fred with the new look Judy had bestowed on him. Sammy decided he liked Fred and came to sit by him. “Sammy, this town is full of people,” Fred said.

  “It’s all stirred up, because of the ghost out at the cemetery killing people,” Sammy said. While they sat watching all the excitement around the courthouse, Silas and Ellis passed by and entered the diner. Across the street a figure had taken notice of Fred and was making his way through the throngs of people. Wrapped in a newspaper, he held a gun with a silencer. With all this excitement Val would have no problem disappearing in this confusion.

  “Judy, have you seen a man with a limp around town who goes by the name of Fred Mayfield?” Silas asked. Without saying anything she pointed through the front window of the diner at Fred sitting on the brick ledge.

  “Wow…we walked right past him!” Ellis said.

  Val cocked the small caliber pistol and stepped up on the curb. A few more steps, one shot and drop the pistol and newspaper in the waste can just around the corner. Almost running out the door, Silas bumped into Val and they came face to face. “Sorry, Mister, I wasn’t looking where I was going,” Silas said. Val said nothing but continued on down the sidewalk.

  “Mr. Mayfield, I am Silas, and this is Ellis. We have been looking for you for the Texas Rangers,” Silas said hurriedly.

  “Well, it’s about time someone was looking for me,” Fred said. He had not noticed the big man that brushed by Silas. If he had, he would have known how close he had come to dea
th that Monday morning. Silas couldn’t believe his luck. Looking at the crowd around the courthouse they hoped to spy Cage. Val cursed quietly and looked back at Fred as he rounded the building.

  “Mr. Mayfield, we will just wait here until the ranger that sent us comes out of the courthouse.” It wasn’t long until Cage exited the courthouse and stood looking around searching for Silas. Locating him in front of the diner, Cage moved over to where they stood.

  “Cage, this is Mr. Mayfield. Yesterday he tried to give himself up to the sheriff, but Bart was too busy to talk to him,” Silas said raising his eye brows.

  “He is a fortunate man! Turning himself over to the sheriff may have gotten him killed. Let’s get him in the courthouse. You and Ellis just earned yourselves a free pass into this hearing,” Cage said with a smile.

  Behind them Judy stepped from the diner with a parasol in her hand. “Mr. Ranger, where ever you take Fred, you are taking me. I know all about Fred and these reporters would surely like to talk to me,” she said defiantly.

  Seeing at the determined look in her eyes, Cage decided it was best not to argue. The reporters had been watching the ranger and now surrounded the small group as they made their way toward the courthouse. The only thing visible was the ranger’s hat and Judy’s parasol. Cage had to ward off the reporters and keep the parasol from poking him in the eye as they made their way up the steps of the courthouse.

  Smitty and Val blended into the crowd of reporters and watched as the ranger led their truck driver into the courthouse.

  “I almost had him,” Val said as he adjusted the pistol beneath his coat.

  “I need to get inside that courthouse,” Smitty said. “That old man can do us some serious damage! The fact that they have Fred is not going to sit well with McDonald.”

  “Go back to the car, Val, and keep an eye on me.” Smitty said.

  “What you got on your mind?” Val asked.

  Smitty looked around the courthouse grounds. His gaze stopped and he smiled. Leaning against the door of his office watching the crowd the sheriff looked dismayed.

  “Val, you go sit in the car, I think I’ve found a way in,” Smitty said.

  “Smitty forget this…you’re not in Chicago. You get in there and you will have to shoot your way out again! This is crazy!” Val said.

  “Just keep the car ready and I’ll see if I can get Fred alone. If not, I will come back out the same way I go in,” Smitty said. The two parted and Smitty walked around the courthouse and stopped next to the sheriff and asked, “Where’s Willy Baker and the broad?”

  “They are being held in a cabin down in the woods behind where the barn stood. They are surrounded by an army of rangers. Why you asking?” Bart questioned.

  “I’m down here to clean up your mess, Sheriff…one other question. Is there any way into this building that is not guarded?” Smitty asked.

  Physically shaken Bart blurted out, “You must be crazy! Every door has a ranger stationed by it! If you could get inside, which is not very likely, what would you do besides get yourself killed?”

  Placing his cold eyes on Bart, Smitty said, “The man they just led in there can put us away for the rest of our lives. I need to shut him up if I can. You are in this as deep as the rest of us so shut up and get me in that building.”

  Bart swallowed hard and looked at the courthouse. He then said, “The only entrance is through the basement. I use that way in sometimes when I enter the courthouse. I’m going to the diner to get dinner…I will unlock it on my way by. Watch out for the janitor.”

  Looking around Smitty spied a hat that had been laid on a bench. The card on the band of the hat identified the hat as belonging to a reporter from a Houston paper. Picking up the hat Smitty walked over to the car where Val waited.

  “Do you think this is a good idea?” Val asked.

  Smitty replied, “No, but I can’t think of anything else to do. I will go in and case the joint…Get the car around where you can watch the basement door. If you see me come out, follow me around and pick me up when I get to the street. I know where the Bakers are. When we leave, we will finish Willy and his broad once and for all then leave Texas for good. Being here has not been a good experience.”

  Val looked around at the courthouse and shook his head and said, “Smitty, you always had more guts than brains. I don’t like this. Maybe we should just tell McDonald it is too late to put out the fires.”

  “You tell him, not me,” Smitty said.

  C24 - A Bad Day in Court

  Looking around the court room Judge Stewart cleared his throat. “This,” he said, “is an inquiry into the ongoing criminal activity we have been experiencing here in Huntsville. We will hear from all of you who may shed some light on this case. If you’re here and you have nothing to contribute to this hearing you will be removed before this inquiry begins. You are not under oath but what you say will be considered as truthful and I will be mighty upset if it should not be so. Today we intend to consider criminal charges against Mr. Baker and anyone else that falls into this web.” Shifting in his chair he continued, “Some of you should know that Mr. Baker appeared in Huntsville the day the first murders were committed, and he is implicated by his own admission in the murder of Taylor. Captain Eastman, would you explain where Mr. Baker is at this time?”

  “Your Honor, he is in protective custody under house arrest suffering from a previous attempt on his life which has left him near death and may not survive,” Captain Eastman responded.

  “Would you explain with a little more detail?” Judge Stewart asked.

  “A Chicago mobster is a suspect in the barn fire on the Baker’s property which left Mr. Baker near dead. The FBI is involved in this case and apparently Baker’s actions are far reaching. I was in contact with the FBI a few minutes ago and expect more arrests very soon. Yesterday morning around three a.m. a rancher from the Navasota area with an unknown accomplice tried to finish the job. The rancher, Judd Smith, was killed but not before he stabbed Baker’s wife,” the captain said.

  “Mr. Prosecutor, are there any charges against anyone that you need to reveal at this time?” the Judgejudge asked.

  “No, Your Honor. Everything at present is rather loose and will take some time to put together. I do not think there is any information we need to keep from this conversation, but I would like to reserve the right to have it stricken from the records should we go to trial,” the prosecutor stated.

  “Identify those in the courtroom for me and how do they play in all of this?” Judge Stewart asked.

  “I will introduce the Parks, Alice and Billy, who are friends of Mr. Baker and may be able to shed some light on what has happened. Will the Parks please stand up so the judge can see you?” Prosecutor Perkins asked.

  “The second witness is Ronald Joseph “Beaver” Watson who was a recent resident of the local prison and served time with Mr. Baker. Mr. Watson has chosen to remain here in Texas and is presently working for Carl Benson at the rail yard. He has recently been hired permanently by the Southern Pacific Railroad. He and his family just recently moved to the Benson Ranch west of town,” stated the prosecutor

  “We won’t hold the time spent up the street against you, Mr. Watson. Welcome to Texas,” the judge said. Beaver smiled broadly and nodded.

  “Mr. Carl Benson is here as a friend of the court,” the prosecutor stated.

  “Hello, Carl! Have all the legal papers been done to your satisfaction?” asked the Judgejudge.

  “Thanks, Judge Stewart! Everything is in order,” Benson replied.

  “How are you feeling these days?” the judge inquired.

  Carl Benson nodded his head and said, “Not much pain yet, but getting worse. Having Katie and Shelby around helps though,” Benson said.

  The judge smiled. He knew how much Benson had enjoyed Katie being around as well as being attended to by her mother.

  The prosecutor continued with the introductions to the court, “Your Honor, the next man is Fr
ed Mayfield who was at the scene when the killing of Thomas Taylor was committed. He is not represented by council at this time.”

  “What are Silas and Ellis doing back there?” the judge asked.

  “They are close to the case and may have some input that would be useful,” the prosecutor replied.

  The judge continued to survey the courtroom, “Well, I see Judy back there. What is her involvement?”

  “She is a friend of Fred Mayfield and came along to give him moral support. Judy knows a lot about Mr. Mayfield that may be damaging to this trial outside this courtroom,” Perkins said shyly.

  Judy waved at the Judgejudge and was greeted warmly in return.

  “Now, Judy, you couldn’t keep a secret if your life depended on it. So, tell me why I shouldn’t have you removed?” asked the judge.

  “Your Honor, I know more about Fred than anyone except maybe his momma. All those reporters would die to know what I know!” Judy said with a big grin.

  “Oh, my word, I guess you better stay in protective custody! Everyone stand, I want you to understand that anything said here will not leave this court. If it does, the guilty party will spend time down the street. That is not a threat, it is a promise. I’m instructing you not to talk to a reporter or anyone else. Anything you say may jeopardize the case and cause undue harm. No one will leave this courtroom until I say they can.”

  “Now, I want to know if anyone back there thinks they need to be represented by an attorney. During these proceedings I will also ask you this same question if I believe you are getting into a situation where you are incriminating yourself. Mr. Mayfield, you will need council. What you say may incriminate you. Do you want to be represented by counsel now?”

  “No, Your Honor, and I don’t want a lawyer either,” Fred said.

  Laughing the Judgejudge said, “Then I will appoint one for you when I see fit. Every lawyer in South East Texas would represent you for free for the publicity and many are standing outside. Which reminds me, George Ford, you will be a famous young lawyer after this trial……don’t mess this up,” he said looking over his glasses. “Let’s take a few minutes recess now and remember, no one is to leave this building. Be back in here in thirty minutes. Facilities are down the hall and on the bottom floor next to the stairs.”