The distant shot-gun blast caused both Zachary’s and his mother to jump in surprised.
“Oh dear,” Mary Catherine said, rushing over and sliding the bolt across the back door. “Zachary, run quick and lock the front door. Who knows what kind of hooligans are going to be out and about because of this disaster!”
Zachary ran through the house to the front foyer and was just reaching for the lock when he peered out the beveled glass door and saw Mrs. Charles, their neighbor across the street, standing in her front yard. She waved at him to come over. Zachary glanced back through the house, but didn’t see his mother so he hurried outside.
“Dear God in heaven, boy,” Mrs. Charles said as he crossed the yard, “have you heard the news?”
“Which news?”
“That it’s not even Sherman folks who are down at the square, Zach. It’s country people from out south of town who are neighbors of the woman who was supposedly raped. They’re the ones causing all the ruckus.”
Zachary stared down at Mrs. Charles, a diminutive woman with thick round glasses and intelligent eyes. She was a well-respected teacher at the high school and was, in fact, his current English teacher. “You used the word, ‘supposedly,’ ma’am. You must not think that Jacob is guilty, either.”
“Of course, I don’t. He’s Johanna’s son, isn’t he? He may be a little odd, but who isn’t? Only a crazy man would rape a white woman in this county, what with the number of racist cretins running hither and yon. And I would stand up in court and testify on 20 Bibles that Jacob is not crazy.”
Zachary wasn’t quite sure what Mrs. Charles has said since he has no idea what the word “cretin” meant, but he could tell by her tone that she was on Jacob’s side. “I best be getting home, ma’am. Tension is running high over at our house.”
“Yes, of course,” the small woman muttered then hurried up to a wicker table on her porch where she picked up a casserole dish. Handing it to Zach she said, “I made this macaroni and cheese this morning since I know Johanna is in no state of mind to be cooking right now. This is a terrible time, but you all still have to eat. You tell Johanna that I have her in my prayers.”
Zachary decided not to mention that Johanna and Sadie were no longer at his house. He felt his heart wrench at the thought, but ignored the pang and instead smiled at Mrs. Charles. “Thank you, ma’am. I know Jo-Jo will appreciate your kindness. Sadie will, too.”
Mrs. Charles eyes brightened. “Aw, Sadie. Such a smart and beautiful girl. You tell her to stay strong!”
“I will, ” Zach said and headed back across the street.
His mother was standing with her hands on her hips at the front door. “Did I not tell you…?”
The telephone interrupted her lecture. She rushed over to pick it up. “Hello?” she said, then smiled. “Oh, James! Where are you calling from?”
Zach leaned in, hoping to hear what his father was saying, but could only make out a few muffled words. “Unwilling…refused…determined.”
Mary Catherine’s took in a short breath after her husband finished talking and then said, “Well, of course, I understand. I would feel the same way. Tell her I can’t blame her at all.” She nodded at something her husband said, then ended the conversation with, “Absolutely!” Then hung up the phone.
Feeling confused, Zach gave his mother a questioning look. “What just happened?”
“Johanna has decided that she needs to see Jacob as soon as possible. She’s afraid to wait too long.”
“But what about that crowd?” Zachary said. “She won’t be safe!”
“That shotgun blast was the sheriff dispersing the crowd. They are already thinning out. He’ll take Johanna in to see Jacob once everybody is gone. Your father said that Johanna refused to get out of the car at Uncle Willie’s and said, ‘I will not hide myself when my boy is suffering. Take me back or else I’ll walk.’”
“What about Sadie?” Zachary asked, afraid to hope.
“She and Johanna are coming back home, then they’ll both go together to see Jacob. You and your father may have to defend them after all.”
Zachary’s heart pounded with happiness. “I’ll be happy to do whatever it takes,” he said. “I just hope I get to see Jacob, too.”
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