“I suppose you are sitting behind me by accident,” George replied.
“Nope, I picked this chair on purpose…you have been avoiding me. So, I decided to come real early so I could sit behind you,” she said with a smile.
“I have not been avoiding you,” George responded.
“Oh, what was that little thing you did at the candy store?” she asked.
“Alright, I have been avoiding you,” he admitted.
“Well after cleaning up after your dog, I figure you owe me,” she said looking into his eyes.
“I owe you what? Err--- that’s not my dog!” he said while his ears turned red.
“Well there is a dance tomorrow night at the Student Center on campus and I want you to come as my guest,” she said.
“You mean like a date?” George asked.
“Something like that,” she said.
“I don’t know what time we will recess tomorrow,” he replied.
“Why don’t you tell the judge you are not feeling well and ask for an early recess tomorrow?” she suggested teasingly.
“You are not studying to be a lawyer, are you?” George asked.
“No, my values are too high for that,” she said smiling.
George grinned and the captivating blue eyes fluttered at him. “It’s a date,” he said as she turned and walked away. “Wait! I haven’t gotten your name!” he called out to her. It was too late. She had disappeared into the crowd.
George had totally forgotten Bonnie and Willy sitting beside him. They sat grinning at him which made him blush. “Well, I see something good coming out of this,” Bonnie said.
C33 - Court Day 4---A Good Witness
"The defense calls Alice Parker to the stand,” George Ford said. Alice stood and walked to the front of the courtroom. Looking over at Willy and Bonnie she smiled softly. “Alice, will you tell the court how you came to know the Bakers?” George asked.
“Two years ago, my husband Billy and I were walking down an alley in Chicago when two thugs started to beat up Billy. Like an avenging angel Willy appeared and stopped them. All three of us were taken to a mission in Chicago for the down and out. He had just arrived in Chicago and needed work and a place to live. A few days later Bonnie showed up. She had been beaten up pretty badly by her boyfriend, so Billy and I took care of her. Willy started helping out with her and we all became friends. When the swelling went down in her face, she was a beauty. I could see the tenderness in Willy’s eyes and the kindness in his voice when he was around her. After a few days he left the mission, but every day he came back to see us. Then he started dressing better and bringing us small things. It wasn’t long until he moved us all into an apartment. I got a job in a grocery store. Willy got Billy a job working in a garage. When it looked like we could take care of ourselves, Willy and Bonnie moved out. Billy and I were able to hold on to the apartment. There were times when we fell behind on the rent and Willy would pay it for us without our even knowing. He was keeping tabs on us. He became our guardian angel, so to speak,” she said. “One day he and Bonnie came by in a hurry and picked up some bags he had stored with us. ‘You will hear from me,’ he said. ‘Things will be different for you if you will hold on and wait for my instructions.’
“Did the instructions ever come?” George asked.
“Yes, one day we got a phone call. It was Willy and he told us to look in the closet in his room. We would find a key to a lockbox at the bus station,” Alice stated.
“How long had it been since he had been in that room?” asked George.
“It was a year since he had stayed with us,” Alice replied.
“So, the key may have been there a year? He had planned something for over a year would you say?” he asked.
“I guess so,” Alice responded.
“What were your instructions?” George asked.
“There was money and tickets in the lockbox. We were to come to Texas. He had bought a service station and we would take over and run the station. Willy wanted Billy to have his dream of working on cars. When we got to Texas there was an old man running the station. Willy had bought the station and the house behind it for us with one stipulation for the old man,” she said.
“What stipulation was that?” questioned George.
“He couldn’t leave until he had trained Billy and me to run the station,” she replied.
George turned and walked back in front of the Bakers and asked, “Alice, do you think that Mr. Baker is the cold-blooded killer he is being made out to be?”
Looking at Bonnie and Willy she said, “If it were not for Willy, we would still be on the streets of Chicago. Every night we would be seeking a new place to hide from the evil that stalked the streets. I remember the cold hungry nights when I thought we would not wake up. Now I go to bed in a comfortable home that is mine and tears come to my eyes to think someone could care for us as he has. I do not believe he could kill anyone, and Bonnie is most fortunate to have his love.”
George continued his questioning, “Do you know why he went to Chicago?”
Looking down at her hands she spoke quietly.
“Alice, you will have to speak up so the jury can hear you,” George said.
“I think he was looking for someone,” Alice said louder.
“You think he was looking for someone?” George reiterated.
“Willy wanted to know who the leaders of the Irish and Italian families in Chicago were,” Alice replied.
“In particular who was he looking for?” George asked.
“Walter McDonald and Gino LaSalle,” she said.
George turned to the jury and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen…I have asked questions that may have put my client in a bad light. In the letter I have read to you and in talking with Mr. Baker and his wife, I have been instructed to try and find out the truth to all this. Isn’t that a refreshing idea? I do not believe he was involved in any murders. There is no evidence indicating that. Whatever verdicts are rendered in this trial, Bonnie and her baby will have to live with it. It may very well be that down this very street Willy will spend time or even worse. So only the truth can set Bonnie and her child free to live among the community without constant rumors.” In the back of his head George knew that if he revealed anything Willy may have been involved in before the prosecutor did, it may look more favorable for his client. Turning back, he said, “Alice do you know anything about Mr. Baker’s business dealings?”
“No,” she responded.
“Your witness, Mr. Prosecutor,” the judge stated as George sat down.
“Your Honor, it appears we all strive for the same thing. That is, to know what happened and Mr. Baker’s involvement in these matters. I find his amnesia extremely convenient, but I have no questions at this time and request to be able to recall if necessary,” the prosecutor responded.
“The state calls Ronald Joseph Watson to the stand,” George Ford stated.
Beaver Watson stepped up and raised his right hand. He had been confined at the rooming house and was anxious to be home with his wife.
“Mr. Watson, please explain for the court your relationship with Willy Baker,” the prosecutor said.
“Five years ago, Baker and I was brought to Huntsville Prison. We were shackled together, and both had a king size chip on our shoulders. I had been involved in moving stolen goods from the Texas coast to Chicago and got caught with a load. I received a five-year sentence, because I would not roll over on who I was driving for,” Beaver responded.
“Were there any other convictions against you?” George asked.
“I had to be subdued by the arresting officer and I was carrying a gun,” he replied.
“What was the name of the man you were working for?” George asked.
“His name was Walter McDonald. He is a member of the Chicago mob,” Beaver stated.
“So, Mr. Baker got the names from you?” George inquired.
“Yes. I’m not sure, but looking back on the time we spent
in prison and the research he did in the papers, I believe he was looking for answers to some wrong done to him,” Beaver replied.
George continued, “Mr. Watson, take us back to the years you spent with Mr. Baker in prison and explain what you mean?”
“I tried to talk to him a few times, but he was like a caged animal, pacing in his cell and sitting on his bunk rocking back and forth. One day he asked for all the newspapers that he could get from the library. Willy had the guards bringing him newspapers from home,” Watson stated.
“Willy started tying events together and the more he put together the more he settled down. Soon he became more thoughtful, so to speak. Finally, one day he came to me holding the paper that detailed my arrest and conviction. He knew more about me than I knew myself. The questions he asked me led me to believe that he had found what he was looking for. He did not confide in me much but asked a lot of questions. I told him about moving stolen goods from the Texas coast and the contacts I had cultivated down there,” Beaver said.
George held up the newspaper detailing the arrest of Gino LaSalle and he showed it to the jury.
Ford concluded his questioning with Beaver by saying,“Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. Baker was instrumental in the arrest of all these criminals in Chicago. Not only was a gangster by the name of Gino LaSalle arrested but half the crooked politicians in Chicago along with him. The information that led the FBI to the stolen trucks and the arrests came from Mr. Baker. The trucks came from Mr. Walter McDonald who Mr. Baker worked for. I submit he may have been working for a mobster, but he was only setting these crooks up for the fall they both took. The unfortunate events here in Huntsville were the results of evil being exposed. No one should be held accountable for another’s evil actions.”
C34 - Court Day 5---Family Business
The courthouse lawn was crowded the morning a shiny black Cadillac made its way around the square. Roger Spillman and Emil Hosea sat in the front seat. Leaning forward Jesse Rash again explained his mission and said, “Roger, pull in over there for a minute.”
Roger Spillman maneuvered the car next to the curb and cut the engine. Jesse spoke to Emil, “Now, Emil, don’t be nervous. I want you to walk all the way around the courthouse and go to that ranger standing by the door. Hand him this letter and simply tell him you were instructed to give the letter to him. It is addressed to Captain Eastman of the Texas Rangers. He will want to know who gave the letter to you, but you must act dumb. Just say a short fat man standing outside the diner paid you five dollars to deliver the letter and then he turned and walked into the crowd. You would not be able to identify the man if they asked you. Roger will drive the car down to that side street over there and wait for you. If you are followed, just keep walking around town. Amy and I will be in the courthouse and Roger will connect with you.”
A few minutes later a tall ranger handed Captain Eastman the letter and explained a young Mexican had been paid to deliver the letter to him. Eastman quickly read the letter and motioned to Lightfoot who stood against the wall and said, “Chief, I was just handed this. Go check it out immediately! Call me at the hotel tonight when you have something to tell me.”
“Captain, this is a Houston address. It will take me most of the day to get there,” Chief Lightfoot pointed out.
“I know, but make it as fast as you can. I had to talk to Ranger Wright’s wife a few days ago. I want to know how Baker is implicated in all of this. If he is guilty of causing this mess, I want to tell her I had him put away,” Captain Eastman stated.
“Captain, you can learn a lot about people by watching how they react in situations like this. I’m not so sure Baker is lying about his amnesia. I doubt very seriously he is capable of committing a cold-blooded murder. I will call you later and keep you posted,” the chief replied.
Leaving the courthouse Lightfoot headed for Houston. It was a hot day and the drive gave him time to think. It was late when he found the address he was looking for. Surrounded by rundown trailers in a slum area, he searched each trailer in the park for the right address. Removing his white ranger Stetson hat he wiped his brow and frowned. The address on the small dilapidated trailer was Mira Simpson. It was not yet dark for which he was glad. He hated to talk to scared people through a door. Knocking on the door he called for Mrs. Simpson.
“What do you want with me?” she asked through the door.
“Mrs. Simpson, I am a Texas Ranger and need to talk to you,” Chief Lightfoot replied.
Slowly the door opened to show a gaunt old lady glaring out at him who said, “Mr., I see your badge! So, I ask you again, what you want with me?”
“Ma’am, do you have a relative by the name of Willy Baker?” he asked.
“Willy is my sister’s boy. Is he back in trouble again?” she asked.
“I guess you could say he’s in a lot of trouble. I’m hoping you can shed some light on the situation. Have you read the Houston papers in the last few months?” Chief Lightfoot asked.
“I don’t see so well anymore and can’t afford the paper,” Mrs. Simpson stated.
“You visited him in prison a couple of years back. Do you remember that?” the chief asked.
“I remember that as clear as if it was yesterday. Sometimes I still think about Willy,” she said.
“Would you like to take a trip to Huntsville, all expenses paid, and escorted by a real genuine Comanche Texas Ranger as your personal driver? We will eat at the best restaurant between here and Huntsville. I will have you a room reserved when we get there, plus I will have a nice female ranger take you shopping for a new wardrobe. All compliments of the Texas Rangers,” Chief Lightfoot offered.
Mira Simpson had been looking through a small gap in the door, now she opened it completely. “You stay out here, and I’ll get a bag packed,” she quickly replied.
In Huntsville, the day in court had been mundane to say the least. The judge had been alerted to the new witness and had held things to a minimum. George asked, “Your Honor, may I approach the bench?” Looking over his glasses Judge Stewart motioned for him to come forward. Stepping up to the bench George leaned over and whispered, “Your Honor, could we recess early today? I’m not feeling well.”
“Well, I don’t see anything that would not wait until tomorrow,” the judge said his face showing a hint of curiosity.
“George, I have been noticing you watching the clock since noon,” the judge stated.
“Your Honor, I have this splitting headache and need to lie down for a while,” George said.
“I suppose we can call it a day. My daughter will be mighty disappointed if you’re not well enough to escort her to the dance tonight.” George stood with his mouth open...her last name was Stewart. A small smile broke the corner of the judge’s mouth in spite of his attempt to hold a serious look.
C35 - Court Day 6---Family Ties
Amy Rash sat near the back of the courtroom and eyed the old lady sitting on the front row. George stated confidently, “The defense calls Mira Simpson to the witness stand.” The stunned prosecutor looked at his assistant. They both turned to see this new witness they had no idea existed. George Ford was happy; this was the first surprise witness he had put on the witness stand. On the front row sitting by Lightfoot an old lady with a walking cane stood and with the chief’s help made her way forward. In the witness box, Mira turned to be sworn in. Her wrinkled face held a kind expression and a set of dark brown eyes scanned the crowd finally coming to rest on Willy and Bonnie.
“Mrs. Simpson, do you recognize the defendant?” George Ford asked.
“Yes, I do,” she said.
“Will you tell the court your relationship to the defendant?” George asked.
“He is my late sister’s son and he is my last living relative,” Mrs. Simpson replied.
“Have you been here in Huntsville before?” George asked.
“Years ago, I came to Huntsville to see Willy. I have forgotten many things in my old age, but that visit will be with me u
ntil I die,” she responded.
“Can you tell us how you came to be here this morning?” George said.
“You need to talk louder, Young Man! I don’t hear so well anymore,” Mira said.
Raising his voice, George asked, “Can you tell us how you came to be here?”
“You don’t have to yell! I ain’t deaf,” she said. The courtroom broke out in laughter.
“Just take your time and tell us all you know about Willy Baker,” George stated.
Mira Simpson moved around in the hard witness chair trying to find a comfortable position. Pointing her finger at Lightfoot she said, “Yesterday, that Ranger Lightfoot came to see me. He explained what was going on here. He was sent to see if I could shed some light on this situation. Mr. Ford, after talking to you last night I realized I could. Ranger Lightfoot offered me a much-needed change of scenery, so I was glad to come. I don’t see so well anymore so I don’t read the papers.”
“Mrs. Simpson, please tell this court the story you told me last night. Take your time and we will be patient and listen.” Frustrated from trying to communicate with her, George was glad to sit down and let her talk freely.
A glass of water was set by the chair for Mira and she started, “A few years ago I got a letter from Willy. He explained he was in prison here in Huntsville and asked if I could come see him. In the letter he told me that his mother, my only sister and last family member, besides him, had died.”
Taking a sip of water, she continued, “I hadn’t communicated with her in years. I was curious about him being in prison, so I bought a bus ticket for Huntsville. From the letters my sister had written I suspected he would end up in prison. He had been in prison about a year when I came and what I found was not at all what I expected. I don’t know what prompted him to write me. We really didn’t know each other, but for whatever reason he wanted to talk to someone. I suppose he picked me because even though we were kin we were total strangers. I had never seen him before. I had only seen him in pictures my sister sent me. When they brought him in behind the glass, I recognized him immediately. He sure was the spitting image of his daddy.” Mira took a sip of water and wiped her mouth and stated, “He didn’t have much love for his mother. They never got along and even in prison he showed no remorse. He told me that he and his brother John were the only two people at the funeral, except for a preacher and undertaker.”
Doing Time In Texas, Book 3 Page 17