Chapter 253

As I started back into the kitchen, the Sherriff and a couple of his deputies stepped up onto the porch.

"I think I have heard enough; I need to take over and read him his rights."

"Bring me the camera please," I said into the mike.

As the sheriff and his two deputies looked at the video I said, "Based on the timestamp on the video there is a chance she may still be alive. You read him his rights and lawyer him up, there is no chance and we may not even find her body. By the legs and backs there were two other men there. Fifteen minutes is all I need. We will know where she is and who they are. I promise you he will still be alive - maybe not healthy, but alive - then you can read him."

One of the deputies headed for the door heaving, on the verge of up-chucking, "Jimmy, get back in here and bring your pad," the sheriff said as he put the camera in an evidence bag.

The sheriff scribbled on the pad, "Witness this Jimmy, you too Sam." Then he handed the deputies his badge and gun and then a twenty, "Take that to the Mayor. Go by the south road and stop at Doc's, tell the clerk you're picking up the Mayor's prescription."

"Doc's is a liquor store," Jimmy replied.

"The mayor needs a fifth of Jack every other day. Today he is going to need extra," the sheriff replied.

After they turned to leave, the sheriff pulled his backup piece out of his boot and shoved it in his holster. "I want to see a fifteen minute confession."

I sent everyone out but Justin, Ronnie and the sheriff. As Courtney walked by me, I told her "Bring me all the ammonium caplets out of the first aid kits, don't be long finding them."

I pulled Justin and Ronnie aside and instructed Justin to hold one of Murphy's arms and Ronnie the other, then explained what I was going to do. I lit the torch and told the sheriff to hold it for me.

"Murphy, this is the last time. Where is Caroline?" I asked.

"I not telling you anything," he yelled rather loudly.

I took the tree pruners in one hand and started to reach for Murphy's little finger, when I saw Courtney standing in the door with the caplets and an indescribable expression on her face. Then it hit me about the conversation with Eric about Black Water and their downfall with the split second decisions they made on that street in Iraq. I changed my mind about cutting his fingers off and was going to break them one at a time. I took his little finger and bent it back until it gave way. Everyone in the room heard it snap as it broke. Murphy's screaming was ear shattering as he passed out. I had the little propane torch burning in case the fracture broke through to cauterize the wound if necessary.

It took two caplets from Courtney, to bring him around.

"Where is Caroline?"

"You can't do this to me. I am not saying anything,"