Tribes of Time, page 9
“Where would you like me to park Sheriff?” he asked across the passenger seat window.
“Park in the stall that’s marked Coroner, he won’t be needing it today.”
The stall was three away from Vernon’s. Haines parked the vehicle and walked towards the front door of the Sheriff’s office, where Vernon was holding the door open for him. Once inside, Vernon used his electronic key card to gain access to the bowels of the station. Vernon lead them to a room marked interrogation room # 3, this aspect did not go unnoticed by Haines.
“Interrogation room, I thought this was just a formality Sheriff. Should I have counsel present?”
Haines knew very well when the Sheriff asked him to the station it was to be interrogated, but he wanted to see how cunning Vernon was going to be, and if his demeanor would change once he got into his domain. Vernon calmly turned and smiled at Haines and stated.
“You’re in my house now, I dictate what happens here.” Vernon swiped the key card and heard the click of the locking mechanism releasing the lock. He turned to Haines and stated
“Once you get situated we can get started.”
“I’m situated Sheriff”
Haines knew he wasn’t going to divulge anything to incriminate himself nor Cyrus. Vernon called for one of the Detectives to come to interrogation room #3 and bring with him a recorder. The Detective arrived within a few minutes. He was a Tall slender man fitting the description of a city born Detective. He didn’t possess a southern drawl and was dressed in Brooks Brothers. Haines knew this fellow was going to be more sophisticated than the Sheriff, and he needed to tend his words. Before the Detective sat down, he extended his hand.
“Hi, I’m Detective Hans Widmann; I’ll be conducting this interview.”
Haines thought he had the features and name of a true Aryan.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Haines Johnson.”
“Before we get started I’m going to have to make some relevance statements.” The detective advised Haines.
The Detective then started the recorder and stated his name, rank, the time and date; and that he’s conducting an interview with Haines Johnson in relation to the murders of Delbert Cutts, Cecil Miller, Frank and Jesse Billingsly, Paul Bailey and Kenton Moore.
“Mr. Johnson, where were you on September 15th of 2005?”
“I was driving along Route 75 heading to a conference when I had mechanical problems and got stranded.”
Haines knew these questions were leading and attempting to place him at or near the scene of the crime.
“Can you tell me exactly where your vehicle broke down?” Haines didn’t hesitate to answer this question.
“I’ve never been through this area before, so I couldn’t tell you a specific landmark if that’s what you’re asking.”
Vernon had sat quietly until now letting the Detective run the interview.
“You know what the fuck he’s asking you, now answer the damn question.” Vernon blurted.
Haines looked at Vernon and was just about to unleash a tongue lashing, when he realized he was there voluntarily.
“You may as well turn off your recorder Detective, this interview is over.” Haines then looked directly into Vernon’s eyes.
“Sheriff, your hospitality has not gone unnoticed. I want to leave as soon as I retrieve Cyrus from your custody.”
“Cyrus isn’t going anywhere, we haven’t interviewed him yet. And who said you’re free to leave?”
“Do you have anything to charge me with, or hold me against my will Sheriff? I don’t think you do.”
Vernon looked at the Detective for assurances that he does, but only received an indication that they didn’t have enough to hold him. Vernon took off his Stetson and placed it on the table. He took a deep breath and tried to assuage Haines into continuing the interview. He knew the clock was not on his side and that he had only a few hours of in custody detention time before he had to either charge or release.
“Mr. Johnson, I may have been a little short with you initially; but I’m investigating the murder of my Brother-In-Law and friends. I hope you can understand my frayed nerves and lack of tact?”
“I can empathize with you Sheriff, but I will not participate nor be a party to my own lynching; so to speak.” Haines replied.
“Now there you go again with those inferences of a lynching, I assure you my department has a clean record.” Haines knew of one way to draw Vernon out.
“How many employees are in your department Sheriff?”
“What does that have to do with anything?” Vernon snapped back.
“I’m just asking, why are you so defensive Sheriff?”
“I have 132 sworn personnel and 45 non-sworn personnel if you must know.”
“Out of the 177 people working for your department, how many are African-American?”
Vernon slammed his right hand down on the table with such force that the recorder bounced about an inch off the table. He the stood up and motioned like he was going to accost Haines; who only leaned back in his chair and smiled. Detective Widmann jumped up and intervened before Vernon could get to Haines.
“Listen hear you black ass motherfucker, no one tells me who I have to hire. To answer your question, there ain’t one goddamn nigger that works in my department.” Vernon was still being held back and was pointing over the shoulder of Detective Widmann at Haines.
“And you wonder why I’m apprehensive about being lynched in your station or jurisdiction. You can’t tell me in a town this size not one African-American isn’t qualified or applied for a position.”
Vernon snatched his arm away from Widmann, grabbed his hat and walked out of the interrogation room to collect himself. Still fuming, he decided to call the Prosecutor’s Office to see how much leverage he had in holding onto Haines and Cyrus. He went to his office and called Terrance McClendon. He tapped on the edge of his desk with a pencil until the receiver on the other end picked up.
“Prosecuting Attorney’s office, how may I help you?”
“Terrance, its Vernon.”
“You have a mess on your hands Vern; I’m getting calls from the State Capitol.” Terrance responded
“You don’t know the half of it, that’s why I’m calling you.”
“How can I help you, I only get involved when the evidence is presented to me.” Vernon then posed his dilemma.
“I have no physical evidence or witnesses to the murders, but I know Cyrus and this city nigra had something to do with it. What are my options?”
“You really have limited options Vern, you either get a confession within 48 hours, or you have to release them.” Vernon pretty much knew that already, but he was looking for a loop hole.
“I’ll let the city nigra go, but I’ll keep Cyrus for the full 48 hours; I believe he’s the weak link in this case.”
“Whatever you do Vernon, do not use any physical means to obtain a statement; it’ll be tossed out during discovery.” Vernon said thank you and returned to the interrogation room holding Haines. He gathered himself at the door prior to opening it.
“Mr. Haines you’re free to go, but don’t go too far because I may have further questions for you.”
“Believe me Sheriff I won’t be going anywhere. May I see Cyrus now?”
“No you may not; we haven’t had a chance to speak with him yet, and don’t want you contaminating his statement.”
“I don’t need to have a conversation with him; I just need to make sure he’s been treated well. If I’m mistaken, he he has one call, correct”
Haines knew he was pushing it, but he needed to assure Cyrus that help was on the way.
“Yes he does, but how do you know he doesn’t want to use that call to speak with his wife?”
“You were there Sheriff, she entrusted his welfare in my hands; I would surmise that even means using his one call to communicate with the outside.” Vernon couldn’t deny hearing Ella making that request of Haines. Vernon whispered something in Detective Widmann’s ear; and he left the room. Vernon and Haines continued to make small talk while Widmann was out of the room. Haines was cognizant not to make any statements or remarks remotely inferring to the murders. About ten minutes passed when the interrogation room door opened. Widmann walked in first with Cyrus following in tow, handcuffed and shackled. Cyrus entered the room not expecting to see Haines, when he saw a friendly face his hopes lifted.
“Haney, sho’ nuff good to see you!” he said walking towards Haines.
“You too Cyrus.” Haines asked Vernon to give him and Cyrus a private moment.
“Hell no, I only have to afford him a call, I’m being nice letting you see him in person.” Haines really didn’t care if Vernon heard what he had to say to Cyrus.
“Cyrus I don’t want you to worry, I’ve secured the best Attorneys possible. I was instructed to inform you not to make any statement whatsoever until they meet with you.”
Vernon’s ears perked up when he heard the word attorney.
CHAPTER 12
TINCTURE
“Y
ou’re telling me that you secured an attorney in this county, impossible!”
Vernon was definitely perplexed with this revelation. Everyone in the county was either related to or knew the victims personally; and definitely would not have signed on to defend those responsible for their murders.
“Yes we have, and from this point forward Cyrus is not to be asked any questions without his attorney present; is that clear Sheriff?”
“We won’t question him, but we will be holding him for the full 48-hours detention”
Haines informed Cyrus as soon as legal counsel arrived he would be back. Haines then turned to the Sheriff and asked if there would be any charges levied against him or Cyrus. Vernon told him that it was too early in his investigation to make that prediction. Haines said goodbye to Cyrus and walked out the front door and to Cyrus’ truck. He was apprehensive about exiting through the double glass doors; he didn’t know what Vernon had planned for his departure. He was sure that he would be waylaid on the drive back to the Davies homestead. Once he left the city limits, he killed the headlights and pulled off the road for about twenty minutes to see if he was being followed. While sitting in the dark among the trees; he saw a small caravan driving at a fast pace, as if they were trying to catch up to someone. After observing this, he decided to spend at least three hours at his present location. After about two hours, the vehicles began trickling back towards town. Haines made sure to count each vehicle to make sure that all seven of the vehicles returned. He sat quietly in the dark listening to the sounds of the night, and thought he could get used to hearing the familiar sounds of his youth. Haines turned the ignition and slowly pulled the truck onto the highway, but left the lights extinguished for about a mile or so. Ella was tucked away in the sitting room with the lights out with one of Cyrus’ old hunting guns from the cellar safe. She knew the night carried with it unspeakable evil, especially when a white person was killed by a black man. She heard the familiar rattle of Cyrus’ truck chugging down the lane. She got up from her seat and peered out the window. Once she was assured that it was Haines driving the truck, she placed the rifle in a corner and walked out onto the front porch. Haines pulled the truck alongside the residence and exited from the passenger side. He then crouched down to keep a low profile until he reached the front steps. He told Ella to step back inside the house, but to leave the door open when she went inside.
“What you talking ‘bout, ain’t nobody out c’here but us.” Ella said as she was backing back into the house.
“I thought I caught the smell of a cigarette while driving down the lane, and you don’t smoke.”
Ella gasped and grabbed the lapels if her housecoat.
“I’m going to make two movements to get up the stairs and into the house.”
Haines was sure that a sniper or one of Vernon’s men was outside surveilling the house; since he didn’t know which, he was cautious. Haines made two bounding leaps and was inside the house.
“Miss Ella you alright?” Haines inquired with sincerity.
“I’ve been worried sick since y’all left this afternoon.”
“Don’t worry; I’ve taken care of legal representation and they should be here tomorrow.”
“Thank you Law’d” she said with an exultation of air. Haines was more concerned with the possibility of someone being outside scoping them. He asked Ella if she’d seen or heard anything out of the ordinary since he’s been gone.
“I thought I saw a car stop out at the end of the lane about an hour or so ago, but they moved on down the road.”
Haines thought for a moment and realize it was during the time he saw the caravan patrolling the highway.
“That’s the around the same time a caravan left town, and I believe they were looking for me.”
He instructed Ella to go upstairs for the remainder of the evening and to stay away from the windows; as a precaution. Haines then went to the room he had slept in the previous night and retrieved his luggage. He removed his black jogging suit and changed out clothes. Haines then slipped out of a basement window and worked his way through the brush to the area where he smelled the cigarette smoke. As he got closer to the area, he caught the odor again. Now he knew it wasn’t an olfactory hallucination. Haines crawled on his stomach, inching closer to where he believed the man was positioned. It was a full moon night and visibility was more than adequate to see silhouettes. The man was sitting on his haunches pointing a parabolic microphone towards the Davies house. Each time he took a drag from his cigarette, the cherry glow grew brighter. Haines crawled within five feet of the man and just observed to see if he was looking to do harm or just gather intelligence for Vernon. The man sat in the same position for approximately 20 more minutes before he decided to reposition himself. The man picked up a back pack and note pad, then moved to the east side of the residence; the side in which Haines’ room was located. Haines did not see any weapons, but he suspected the man had a side arm holstered. Convinced the man was not there to do harm, Haines carefully made his way back to the house and snuck back through the basement window. He then went upstairs to appease Ella’s nerves.
“Everything is fine Miss Ella; the man in the bushes is a Deputy doing surveillance to make sure we don’t leave.”
“You had me scared, don’t do that again.”
Ella was still visibly shaken. Haines hadn’t really alleviated her fears; she was just as perturbed knowing someone was outside her home watching them.
“Let’s try and get some sleep, tomorrow’s going to be a long day for you. We have to meet with the lawyers and free Cyrus.” Back in the District, Roderick was calling a conference with his most senior associates to decide who would sit second and third chair with him. Roderick was an astounding legal defense lawyer, but he knew there were gaps in his game when it came to Civil Rights or State laws outside of the Maryland, Virginia area. Roderick’s specialty was defending the prima donna Politicians with deep war chest funds and pharmaceutical corporations that preyed on unsuspecting victims seeking miracle cures and prolonged erections. Roderick had narrowed his selection down to Haakon Nilsson a Swede who attended the University of Southern California Law School, graduating first in his class and James Michaelson; who was a product of the Historically Black College system in attending Grambling State University and then on to Howard University Law School. Michaelson was prolific in the Civil Rights laws and practices. Both choices were formidable attorneys in their own right. Roderick had left nothing to chance and he never likes be out gunned in the courtroom. He knew every strength and weakness of his associates, and when combined there would be no weak link; he couldn’t afford any with his friend’s life in the balance. Roderick sat at the head of the conference table as the other two men filed into the room.
“Gentlemen, nice of you to come on such short notice” Roderick extended his hand to each man and gestured for them to have a seat.
“I have a proposition for each of you, if you’re willing to hear me out.”
Both men looked at each other puzzled. Michaelson asked Roderick what was up, because he felt like he was being fattened up for slaughter.
“Oh Man Rod, this has an ominous feeling about it” Roderick just chuckled a bit and began to inform the men what he was asking them to sign up for.
“Here’s the deal. You both know my college brother Haines Johnson Right? Well, he’s gotten himself caught up in some trouble down in Tennessee and needs representation.”
Nilsson then spoke up before Roderick could finish his spiel.
“Don’t they have lawyers down in Tennessee?”
“I was getting to that Haakon, please bear with me.” Roderick stated with his hand in a stop gesture towards Nilsson.
“As I was saying, Haines has gotten himself into some deep shit down in festusville. He’s one of two suspects in the murder of six Klansmen. I don’t have all of the particulars, but in my estimation from what I’ve been told, he acted in self defense.” Roderick waited a minute for what he just debriefed to settle in before he continued.
“If you decide to assist with this case, win or lose; I will make you junior partners in the firm. Understand me; this case is going to garner lots of national attention, are you ready for it? I will be taking the corporate jet from Dulles at 7:00 am tomorrow; if you’re there I’ll know you’ve accepted my offer. If not, no hard feeling I understand it’s a tough position to make a rash decision on.” Michaelson stood first and said there was nothing he needed to think about and to sign him on board.
“I’ll do it Roderick, even if the offer of junior partner wasn’t on the table. I know exactly how Haines must be feeling about now; I grew up in Dixie and know how that system works down there.”
Roderick leaned over and gave him a hearty handshake and cusp on the shoulder. Both men looked at Nilsson to see if he had made up his mind yet.
“Like I said Haakon, think about it overnight and let me know your decision in the morning.”
