Prologue and Chapters 1-10

Amos Applebaum, also known as “Preacher”, sat heavily on the well-worn wooden chair. His once intense fight and flight instincts had dissipated some time ago. He was utterly resigned to his unfortunate fate and had even made peace with it. 

His nickname had been bestowed upon him by fellow inmates after Amos began using his one hour of allotted yard time to share his new-found faith. Amos had been “born again” and spent isolated long hours in his cell making personalized proselytizing tracks to pass out to his peers, at first on his napkins and later on the sheets of paper the prison provided him. Admittedly, everyone originally saw his finding-religion as a Hail Mary attempt to get out of his death sentence, but either Amos was taking his charade to the grave or he really was converted.  

“Amos, the public wants to know what is in your bag of belongings confiscated by the guards when you entered this prison twelve years ago and what you plan to do with each item or whom are you bequeathing them to?”  the popular TV, internet, radio host and moderator of Amos’s last interview on earth, inquired of the man in orange before him.

Amos looked at the meager, mostly worthless pile of all he had in the world, splayed out on the table between them. He really did not have much of value, but even the great prophets were called to preach without purse or script. He picked up and gently held one at a time in his hand as he unveiled their futures. 

“Well, the cigs aren’t much good anymore and I’m no longer smokin’, don’t want to go into the next life with that addiction. Guess one of the guards can have ‘em or prob’bly just toss in the trash,” answered Amos as he set the dried out, crunched pack of Camels off to the side. 

“Even the oddest items fetch a price for Death Row memorabilia Amos, you might leave them to someone you care about for some quick cash at least, just a thought.” interjected the handsome, young, but seasoned, male host. 

“I guess so, but don’t want anyone I care about to start puffing on them.”  A sad melancholy permeated his practical words. Like the tobacco had been Amos’s worst vice. He next picked up a slightly-misshapen, plain gold band and palmed it tenderly. 

“My weddin’ ring doesn’t stand for nothin’ anymore, but I want my son Bucky to have it. He can wear it to remember his pop always loved him and still will whe’ever I end up. Or he can pawn it in a pinch I s’pose.” 

A single tear trickled down the grizzled check and Seth motioned for the camera to pull in for a closer shot. The tear was pure gold for his ratings. This episode would be in the top ten network shows this week for sure. Their viewing audience lapped up this kind of raw emotion portrayed on screen. 

The remainder of his long sequestered treasures consisted of pocket change, amounting to a few bucks, and the clothes he was wearing during in-take processing. Amos wanted them distributed to the street people in his old neighborhood. Although a murderer, he had a soft heart it appeared. How much of this display was for the camera and how much he had really changed, Seth was not sure, but Amos did seem sincere and what did he have to gain at this point with an altruistic act. 

They went through a few more of the usual questions, interspersed with specific ones directed at Amos from Seth’s Monday radio listening crowd. Then ended the interview with the same question he did on each episode of “Seth Row”. 

“Amos, would you now please take a few moments to share any regrets you may have and end with your last words to the world?”

Amos knew this was coming, Seth had prepped him for weeks, but it did not look like he had prepared anything to say. He did not pull out a crib sheet with written words or composed thoughts on it,  he just spoke from his apparently humbled heart. This could go either way…badly if the inmate froze up with nothing to say, or add the element of a mesmerizing last minute surprise due to unplanned words rolling off a condemned man’s tongue. Seth leaned in a little closer to his guest. There was no barrier between them and he really was interested in what a nearly dead man had to share. 

“First, I want to say I’m so so sorry to her family for what I done. I would never have done it, if I hadn’t been higher than a kite on meth and would take it all back if I could. But I can’t, so it’s prob’bly best that I’m kilt too. Maybe I cun tell Mary I’m sorry to her pretty face, if I get to see her on the other side. May God forgive me for my sins…(brief pause for composure)…  like he did that sinner on the cross beside him on Calvary. They wouldn’t let me be crucified, but hopefully dyin’, like that girl did, will help get me to heav’n. I’m a changed man going to meet my Maker…” Amos completely choked up and could not continue. 

The director motioned for the cameras to slowly put back and fade to black.

“And it’s wrap”, Seth indicated with his hand as the words simultaneously came out of his mouth. This episode would air late Friday night, to ensure a primarily adult audience, on NBC at 10:00 PM…the night before Preacher’s 10:00 AM date with death.  

CHAPTER 1 

 Capital Punishment is a legal penalty in the United States and is currently used by 31 states and the federal government. Its existence can be traced to the beginning of the American colonies. The United States is the only  Western oountry currently applying the death penalty and one of 5 countries worldwide retaining it. Other industrialized and developed nations that apply the death penalty are Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. South Korea has a law for the death penalty, but has declared a moratorium on executions. U.S. was the first to develop lethal injection as a method of execution, which has since been adopted by five other countries.

Seth Hoeffer was a household word or at least name. His face or voice was broadcast on multi-media outlets all around the country several times a week . 

Mondays from noon to 3:00 Eastern time his syndicated radio talk show “Seth Row Radio” aired all across the United States. His listening audience could call in to chat about and share their feelings on crime in U.S., prisons, punishments, including the death penalty, and even suggest possible questions for his inmate interviews scheduled later in the week. 

On Thursdays from noon to 2:00 Eastern and rebroadcast again from10:00 P.M. to midnight that same day was his Internet talk show “Seth Row…from Death Row” where he had a steady stream of correctional facility “guests” that he interviewed to deduce their thoughts and perspectives on today’s prison life. Where he pulled back a curtain to unlock an alternate world to those who watched. His interviewees included wardens, guards, short-timers and life-sentenced inmates, along with those living out their last days on death row.

He also produced Special Editions or “Seth Row Specials”. These shows were broadcast over network TV on Friday nights, on weeks there was an execution scheduled in the good ‘ole state of Texas. Seth had moved his blooming broadcasting empire to Dallas to “capitalize”, pun intended he always added, on the Lone Star state’s penal policies, especially its death penalty laws. 

Seth graduated with Journalism and Communications degrees in college, also earning minors in both criminology and social work. He was not sure what kind of career he would eventually do with this unique skill set, but he found the subjects interesting, appealing and he loved learning, so kept attending the university until he found his niche. Turns out his background made him uniquely taylor-made for his current profession. 

Several years ago he read an article about the controversial execution of a man with an IQ hovering around 70, who had committed crimes of larceny, arson and eventually aggravated murder, all while just trying to get a midnight snack from a convenience store that was inconveniently closing at the time. So many thoughts came to Seth’s fertile mind. 

How could this happen? Was he an evil man or was it an unfortunate turn of events that escalated? What about his family? Was he on his own or did this affect his wife, a child, his long-suffering mother? 

If Seth had so many questions, he reasoned many other people did as well. Modern news outlets liked to focus on the macabre and shocking parts of the story, but few gave a glimpse of who the criminals really were…what caused them to get to the point of carnage.

Seth decided he had something fresh to flesh out and add to an old topic. He would not focus on the heinous acts that placed these corrupted humans on death row, but their backstories. The man behind the crime…their life, loves, interests, regrets, beliefs about life after death. He would humanize the villains. Not in an attempt to exonerate their awful acts or give them fame, but to pull back the outer layer and see what made them tick. His favorite stories had always been those where each character was multifaceted . The heroes were not always all good and the antagonists not all bad. Mankind he felt was constantly battling the natural-man inside themselves and Seth believed there is good and bad in every person. It just depended on the wolf they decided to feed. 

When he finally shared his new-found career path with the person in his life that he was closest too, his mother Marion, she was less-than thrilled. It had been just the two of them while he was growing up. His father, or sperm donor as he preferred to call him, was a shadowy figure that had not really been a part of Seth’s life since he was two. He knew his parents had been married, or assumed so since his mother was a religious woman practicing the laws of Judeo-Christian religion, but there had never been any custody battles, child support or summer visits with dear old dad. He had received birthday cards until he was ten, with a dollar inside for each year he had lived at the current celebratory point. But either ten was his dad’s financial and love limit, or he had lost interest, because from that point on, Sam seemed to have dropped off the face of he earth. Not that Seth had aggressively looked for him either. Maybe it was mutual avoidance. He did often wonder if his father ever tuned in to see any of his programs. Perhaps he did not even know his son had become a success. 

Seth was no longer using the surname “Brogan” that he was given by this Irish father at birth. His dad had been so proud that their family name traced back to Saint Brogan, who was supposedly Saint Patrick’s nephew and scribe. In reality, a leprechaun family-line seemed more to fit his father than a saint’s. Seth had legally taken on his mother’s maiden name of “Hoeffer” in college. He had not changed his face, nor made any attempts to hide his location or identity.  The fact was, if his father had any interest in connecting he could. Marion had been both mother and father to him, so she deserved to have him carry her moniker.

He also inherited from his mother Marion his unique moral code, which was definitely unusual for his chosen profession. Seth believed in the Ten Commandments including the sixth…Thou shalt not kill.   But he also felt if a person had taken another’s life, perhaps their only redemption might come through forfeiting up their own. He did not believe death was the end, but a gateway to a better place and it was best to arrive there with a clean ticket of entrance. Not only a tooth for a tooth, but a life for a life when it was justified. The Death Penalty may actually be giving those who had offended God a chance. He was not there to rescue them from their fate, but perhaps help the transition have some meaning.

Working with those preparing to pass on to the other side as they traveled down the road called Death Row was a fascinating trek and he enjoyed giving others a glimpse into the journey. 

The worst part of the job was the effect it had on his relationships with the opposite sex, all of them except his mother that is. Seth had major difficulty keeping female companionship for any extended period of time due to darkness of his career. Seth liked women and considered himself a catch in many areas, not in an arrogant way. He was roguishly good- looking if he did say so himself. Not exactly tall, dark and handsome, but taller, darkish and TV-screen worthy.  Seth stood six-foot even, with wavy, medium-brown hair and piercing, pale green eyes. He could grow a goatee, but preferred to wear his facial hair with a few-day’s growth or stubble. He was physically fit and more than financially stable. 

However the women he met, those that attracted him anyway, all eventually articulated with various verbiage, that his hanging out near the abyss of death rubbed off on him. Seth was often the last person to really speak with the death row inmates before they exited this world and the women in his life felt that the ghosts of his interviews often followed him home and swirled around his life. Could be possible he supposed. But he had yet to meet anyone worth giving up the show he had worked so hard to create for and he was only thirty-two years old. He still had some time… he was not the one living out numbered days on Death Row.

CHAPTER 2

Over the forty year period from 1976 to January 1, 2017 in the United States, 1,442 executions were carried out. 1,267 were by lethal injection, 158 by electrocution, 11 by gas inhalation, 3 by hanging, and 3 by firing squad. The number of executions rose at a near-continuous pace until 1999, when they peaked at 98. After that year, the number of executions lowered nearly every year, and the 20 executions in 2016 were the fewest since 1991.

Seth was almost always the first person to arrive at their offices, which were not just offices, but included a sound booth for the radio show and set where they shot some of the non-prison footage for the internet and TV shows. He loved the early morning quiet time to clear his head and think before the noisy, testosterone-fueled, herd joined him. He had been lucky to fine an old vacant studio for extremely cheap rent per square foot. Commercial Real Estate was fairly inexpensive in Waxahachie, Texas, just south of Dallas, and their frequent destination, the Huntsville Prison, was only two hours more to the southeast. 

He first considered locating Seth Row Enterprises in Houston which was only an hour to the south of Huntsville Prison, but the building and business costs were enough higher in Houston to make the extra hour drive from the Dallas area worth it. And he definitely did not want to live nearer the prison. Seth felt the crass saying about “not eating where you defecate” was appropriate in this case or basically the same principle. He did not want to eat, nor sleep, next to the place he interviewed inmates. He would end up sleeping with one eye open, if he slept at all in their vicinity.

Dallas was only 30 minutes north of Waxahachie when he needed city life. He found Dallas was not only a cheaper city in which to live, but had better public transportation than Houston as well. When they first begun this creative business venture, he and his buddy, Bear, had moved to an apartment in downtown Dallas amidst the “happening” night-life of the southern city. Bear still dwelt there, but now with someone softer, more attractive and without whiskers, Ellie. While Seth found an apartment nearer their work quarters in Waxahachie. His apartment building was on the National Registry of Historic Places in the historic downtown next to The Rogers Hotel. 

In years past Waxahachie was a popular place to film for the movie industry. Over thirty movies used it as a backdrop, including Tender Mercies, for which Robert Duvall won an Academy Award for Best Actor in the film,  Places in the Heart starring Sally Field who won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her part, and The Trip to Bountiful starring Geraldine Page who also won the Best Actress Academy Award for her role, all in the mid 80’s. Seth hoped it may be a lucky-charm location for the success of his shows too and so far he had been right in the assumption.  

Also filmed in Waxahachie were scenes from both the television series Walker, Texas Ranger starring Chuck Norris and Prison Break. He wouldn’t mind the association with Chuck Norris and the Texas Rangers, but was certainly hoping Prison Break  was no omen for the future in the work he did. 

Seth was at home in the more rural and slower paced world of Waxahachie. His mother even recently relocated to this suburban Texas town to be nearer her only child and her “future grandchildren”, that he was regularly reminded, he was to produce for her.  Marion retired from her 35 years as a home-economics teacher with a small pension for income. She found due to their lack of teachers, substituting jobs were plentiful here in Texas, so she was able to pick up plenty of extra spending money. She never asked Seth for his help, although he would have been happy to give it. It was, for the most part, comforting for Seth to have his biggest cheerleader close. Waxahachie had become home.

The front door opened to emit a ray of bright sunshine followed in by big, burly, Bear Buckley, Seth’s partner and best friend for as long as he could remember. Bear filled out his name well at six foot four inches tall and carrying 240 solid pounds without any flab. His golden locks gleamed angelically with the light shining through them and his blue eyes were full of anticipation. 

“What’s on the docket for today boss?” Bear boomed before the door even had time to close behind him. 

“Pull up a chair big guy and let’s talk about it. I was thinking about maybe making a run to Huntsville and shooting some clips of the bad boys there if you have enough time today.” Seth’s voice sounded as Bears eyes adjusted to the lesser light. 

Bear was Seth’s go-to-guy for pretty much everything. Born Bartholomew Buckley, Bear got his nickname playing football in high school when he would wrap the other team’s offensive in a bearhug before bringing them down in a fierce tackle. After high school he and Seth continued on to college together. Bear played linebacker for the Husky’s during his first four years and then stayed to finish his degree while Seth kept acquiring more majors. 

The boys, who had grown to men together, also started this business together for the most part. It was Seth’s idea, but Bear, as always, went along for the ride and pedaled just as hard to make it go. Seth produced and starred in the shows, but Bear directed the episodes, ran the cameras and supervised the editing afterward . They had a blast living together during their college days and then in downtown Dallas when they began this inmate-based-enterprise, but now were grown up enough to have separate apartments and more separate lives. They still worked together well and had each other’s back when needed. Bear was much better at lasting relationships and had been with Ainsley long enough that they were talking marriage. He was Ainsley’s “Teddy Bear”….which was a tad nauseating to Seth. Seth thought Ainsley was great, but missed his more Grizzly-Bear friend at times.

“Who’s next on the Row’s dance with death…let’s see…looks like Roy “the Man-Boy” Manchester. Can we get in to see him and shoot a few takes today? I don’t have anything planned later. Ainsley is out of town on a girl’s get-away for a friend who’s getting married. You know, bridesmaid’s thing.” Bear shared, like Seth was familiar with bridesmaid’s duties. 

“Well Brother Bear, sounds like the pressure to ‘put a ring on it’ is going up a notch my friend. So sorry. Maybe a trip inside the walls will take your mind off your other duties. The Warden said we were welcome any afternoon this week to stop by for a shoot. He is even willing to give us a few words of his own if we can fit them in somewhere.” Seth was already gathering paperwork they could discuss on the drive down. 

He and Bear usually drove together and could handle much of their business on the way, while the camera and sound team took the van with all the equipment they needed. Each of their employees had been severely vetted to pass the stringent clearance needed, enabling them to gain entrance into a maximum security federal prison. There were no ex-cons on their lily-white crew, not in reference to skin color, but in the clean reputation they required. There could not even be an unpaid parking ticket in their backgrounds if they wanted to work inside the fence. It was interesting enough work so that Seth and Bear had been able to snag a few who were quite talented in the business, reliable enough to count on and even enjoyed their salty company to boot. Jake, Joey and Gun ran the main camera, back-up camera and sound in that order. Gun had to have extra vetting due to his unfortunate nickname, which had nothing to do with rifles, pistols, shotguns or semi-automatics. All three men were ultimate professionals and got the job done. 

The crew were all gathered by 10:00 and began the two vehicle caravan trek down Interstate 45 south to Huntsville. I-45 was a well worn highway for the team, cut through plain vistas of tiny Texas towns and flat bare land. The booming metropolis of Buffalo marked the half way point of the journey should anyone need to stop for a soda or to relieve themselves. Most of the time they could make the uneventful journey without pulling over.  

Over ninety percent of the drive was spent discussing their plan of action for the day once they arrived at the Penitentiary, but that still left a small percentage of the time for a quick life catch-up and friend check-in. 

“Tell me about your latest damsel in distress these days Seth. What is new in your world of weird women?” Bear teased. They both were well aware of Seth’s lack of finesse with females.  

“Come on Beary-boy, you know they are not all that bad. I have had a few good runs that almost worked. All women cannot be Ainsley’s.” 

“Okay my friend, I will be more specific. How is prissy Miss Tillie these days and is Junie Blue still blue over you or back in the picture?  Are you seeing any longterm potential with either?”

“Women are harder to work with than inmates. I cannot seem to find the right fit. Junie and I are in the friend-zone now, not the kind with benefits. Just pals. She does still appear to care about me because she keeps sending these psych-people to help rid me of the“ghosts” that she swears dwell with me.”

“Does feel a little crowded in your ancient apartment at times my friend. Your pad gives even a big guy like me the creeps. Good for Junie-bee. What about the other?”

“Yah, I suppose Tillie and I are still giving it a go.” Seth answered in monotone.

“You sound so excited. I am sure your enthusiasm makes her swoon.” 

 “Bear, she just hates my job and keeps leaving postings for other jobs at my place. It is exhausting. I probably need to get my key back.”

“Now that move certainly says I want you in my life! If you need any help from the Love Doctor, just let me know.” Bear laughed. “I can have them eating out of the palm of your hand.” 

“That is not a pretty visual. Maybe if they were behind bars I could relate better.”

The two rode side by side in silence for the last few miles. Just after noon the convoy pulled up in front of the old red brick building nicknamed “Walls Unit” because of the red brick walls which also surrounded it. The Texas State Penitentiary was situated on a sprawling 54 acres of dirt, cement and grass. Its cell doors had first opened, then shut, to welcome their illustrious clientele clear back in 1849, making this facility the oldest Texas State Prison. It was also the one that housed the state’s execution chamber. The Walls Unit had earned the honor of being the most active execution chamber in the United States. Quite the ominous fact to be proud of. 

After passing through several layers of security, Seth and team were led into a holding room to set up for the few interviews they would be allowed. On a good day they might speak with six or seven prison personal, from guards to inmates, on a non-productive day maybe two. Today they were here to focus on Roy Manchester,  often called “Man-Boy” Manchester in the press and prison yard. His belittling nickname flowed naturally from his smooth, boyish face that appeared unable to grow facial hair. On the outside, Roy had been heavily into body building and still exhibited some signs of his former glory day’s steroid-induced size and muscly physic. He used his yard time to pump iron and maintain his mass. Man-Boy strutted around his hulk-like body with an angry, but baby’s-butt smooth, little-boy looking mug on his shoulders. The time back in his cell was spent writing massive amounts of letters to his female fans enlisting them to carry on the causes that ultimately put him behind bars.  

Bear and the boys had the lighting and cameras in place, about ready to go, when Warden Walker ambled in. “Hey ya’ll want any words from the man in charge here before we bring in the prisoner?”

Bear turned to Seth as he spoke,“Sure Warden, that would be great. The cameras are running, just share anything you think might be of interest to those outside these walls.”

Walker puffed out his chest as he opened his mustached mouth, “Mr. Manchester has been served well by the state of Texas behind these walls. All will soon see he has been well fed and is physically fit. His mind has also been tended to as he has continued correspond daily with the outside world. The good people of Texas should sleep safer at night knowing he is here. If we thought he had any chance for rehabilitation we would not be recommending his execution, but Roy Manchester is not a changed man. He will leave this world as violent as the day he arrived at our door. Praise the justice system…that’s all…cut….stop the cameras…. How did I sound?”

“You gave us just what we need Warden. Thank you. Let’s get a few words from the main guard assigned to his area next if we could.” Bear directed as Seth organized his thoughts for Roy’s clips. 

Mel Miller stepped forward, his gray uniform bulging buttons over a stab-resistant vest. 

“Mr. Miller could you share a few thoughts about your time working with Roy Manchester?”

“Man-Boy, I mean Roy, is a tough guy, but always makes me think. He is really smart and knows a lot about a lot of things. He is a big guy, huge really, but he’s never tried to push me around. He yells a lot and always wants everyone to know more about the stuff he cares about. There is a lot of stuff he cares a lot about. I started reading up on some of ‘em. Like if chemicals are put in our water by the government and if all that fracking for oil is going to cause earthquakes and explosions and stuff. Makes a man think. Roy even knows about politics. He is smart.” 

“Would you say you like the man?” Seth questioned, refraining from adding the “boy” to his name.

“Not sure about liking him, not like I’d not want to get a beer with him or anything, but I sort of respect him.” Mel mumbled. 

“Thank you Mr. Miller, you can tell them to bring in Roy Manchester now.” Bear suggested.

Roy “Man-Boy” Manchester was a self-professed cop killer, condemned to death after a jury of his peers found him guilty with no remorse for his crime. He would do it again if given the chance. Roy, probably amplified from the ‘roid rage, had been and still seemed to be, a very irate and continually irritated man, who protested pretty much everything when he lived on the outside.  Like a mercenary was a soldier for hire,  Roy Manchester was a protestor for hire who brought the angst in full force on every job. A guard escorted the convict into the space that suddenly seemed to shrink smaller. 

“Hey Roy, this is not our final shoot, but we wanted to get some preliminary background info before your big day if that is okay? Just kind of a relaxed warm up.” Seth casually opened. 

Jake had the main camera focused on this caricature of a man, while Joey was taking in everything else in the room for cut-away edits. Gun had a mic handing from the ceiling to catch all the sound and adjusted the lights for best effect. They were hoping for an Emmy nomination this year for their work, so paid every attention to detail. 

“Whatever.” Roy droned. 

“We spoke with Trudy earlier in the week…”

“Why would you talk to that bimbo,” Roy interrupted, “She never stayed with me a minute after I was arrested. I know she is hot and probably looks rockin' on camera, but Brenda is my wife now and that is who you should be talking to. Brenda has a brain. She knows me and what is important to me and plans to carry on my work.”

“And what work would that be Roy? 

“My causes…there are too many to name, but our world is being destroyed on many levels and no one seems to care!” Manchester was starting to get riled. 

“Let’s talk a little more about Brenda.” Seth steered back to a safer topic. “Tell us a little about your love story?”

“Well, when Trudy, that tramp, dumped me, I started answering letters from many women all around the world. I am famous you know and women like a man who takes care of himself and cares about the big issues in the world. Out of all those that wrote me, Brenda got me the most, our letters were  passion on the page. She wants to carry on my work and my name when I go to the grave and would carry my baby, if they would give me chance to make one in here. They did allow us a sterile ceremony, but no honeymoon…haha.” Man-Boy shared sarcastically.

“Sounds like quite a woman Roy. We will definitely put some footage of her in the final show. I would also suggest you compose some final thoughts that you would like to leave with the world as well. You will have the chance for a few minutes on the grandstand when you say goodbye.”

“ I don’t have anything else I want to say right now. Take me back. I’m done here. I have more important things to do.”

“Sure you do.” Muttered Joey as Mel Miller led Roy, the Man-Boy from the room. 

They had been in the muggy room for over two hours and none of them minded the abrupt wrap up. 

“Let’s get some shots of the workout area and see if we can catch any inmates that want to share their thoughts on Man-Boy Manchester before we go.” Bear told the team before finishing up their prison day and hitting the open road for home. 

CHAPTER  3

There were no executions in the United States between 1967 and 1977. In 1972 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down capital punishment statutes as a result of Furman v. Georgia.  All death sentences pending at the time were reduced to life imprisonment. Subsequently, a majority of states passed new death penalty laws, and the Supreme Court eventually reaffirmed the legality of capital punishment again in the 1976 case Gregg v. Georgia. Since then, more than 7,800 defendants have been sentenced to death, over 1,400 of them have been executed and more than 2,900 were still on death row in 2016. Additionally, 158 death-row inmates have been exonerated (acquitted, charges dismissed, or pardoned based on evidence of innocence) since 1973. 

It was nearly dark by the time Seth stood in front of his apartment door fumbling with his keys. The day was long, but good. The best part was usually when he arrived home after a day well spent to unwind, but tonight home may not be the refuge he sought. On the door was a business card, “Exorcists et. all…Paranormal Be-gone Specialist” followed by a name and number. Junie B. strikes again.

Junie Blue was the best, but she was more worried about him than she need be. After just one measly object moving across the table with no one pushing it, and oh,  he guessed there was that presence she felt standing over the bed when she had taken a nap at his apartment one day. Junie was just a little skittish. Those weren’t the only reasons they had broken up, the relationship had other issues. But some sort of chemistry lingered when the main event was over because Junie was still in his life.

Before even opening the door he gave her a quick call, but got her voice mail. “Junie B., it’s me Seth, thanks for thinking of me girl. Looks like you have been busy finding exterminators for the formerly-human for me. Not sure I really need them, but will keep the card just in case. We will have to chat. See ya soon.”

Hanging up, he opened the door on his sequestered world from days gone by. The apartment was archaic, but had a somewhat classic Victorian feel. Seth rented the place partially furnished, but his few eclectic items added to the bachelor charm. A comfy leather armchair in front of the television was his favorite spot to sit and watch, use his laptop, rest or read. Out his window was the uniquely designed Ellis County Courthouse. If any haunting was going on in this neighborhood, it was most likely coming from across the street. That building looked like a perfect place to host a ghost party.

Or the Rogers Hotel next door was famous for memorable guests in its over century old existence. Frank Sinatra and several Chicago White Sox baseball players once walked its halls. Back in the early days, the White Sox did a lot of their spring training there. So they had a swimming pool specifically built in the basement and during that time historical records say a little girl drowned in it. Her death may have led to the hotel’s most famous encounter. 

The story goes that the owner of the hotel showed up one morning to find the maintenance man locked in his room trembling and scared. The custodian said that there was a man who came up to him dressed in period clothing from the twenties. This man in retro clothing supposedly asked the maintenance worker to follow him and led him down to the basement. Once there, the stranger pointed to where the pool used to be and said, “Very bad things have happened here.” At that moment he immediately disappeared into thin air….according to the tale anyway. 

Some patrons over the years also reported door handles jiggling with no one on the other side, and an elevator that sometimes takes guests to the basement, no matter which floor they choose.  Once while at the Rogers Hotel, a paranormal photographer even snapped a few shots of what seem to be mysterious, ghostly orbs and then all of a sudden the battery for his GoPro, a surveillance camera, died along with its backup battery. Some paranormal experts Seth had met theorize that ghosts or spirits can drain the energy from batteries in order to manifest.  Who knows?

Seth’s apartment building did not have such an infamous history, but some of his associates felt it was just a matter of time, before the spirits he worked with followed him home and made themselves comfortable there as well.  Especially Junie, she was the most wigged out and was pretty sure they already had arrived, but other female friends had also mentioned a few things. Even Bear said Seth’s place gave him the hebegebes. For some reason the metaphysical manifestations did not bother Seth. Maybe if he felt a dark presence that would be different, but so far it was like having a dog or pet around. A little someone to keep him company, if they were even really there, and he did not have to feed them or let them out to do their business. 

A sheet of paper on the table caught his eye. Not that he kept the place spotless, but he knew he had cleaned it off this morning. Walking over, he saw it was yet another job posting, this one for a weather man at a small station in Dallas. Looked like Tillie had paid a visit to the homestead today too. 

Matilda Morgan, or Tillie, was a true Southern belle who found his career less than gentile for her upper-crust family. Daddy Morgan was a well-to-do banker and had connections to get Seth into about whatever job Tillie chose for him. Momma Morgan was the consummate Southern socialite. Like the TV show Housewives of Beverly Hills, perhaps Seth could create a spinoff show the Socialites of the Deep South with Lula May and her friends.  Seth’s dabbling in the muddy puddle of the penal system did not set well with the Morgan’s country club crowd. Tillie, Tillie, Tillie. Seth liked her a lot, there was definitely chemistry between them. Maybe not sparks ignited, but some elements from the periodic table mixing for sure and Tillie really wanted a commitment. Seth was aware however, they really had nothing of depth in common. A pretty face ages and bodies eventually sag and what would be have left…her mother? Not an arousing thought. The writing was on the wall with this relationship and the story was a repeated sequel.

Seth grabbed a Coke from the fridge, kicked off his shoes and collapsed into the soft leather recliner. He liked to check his messages before settling in for the night in case he had missed anything. Just three messages, it was going to be a nice relaxing night hopefully. The first message was from Gun with an idea he wanted to run by Seth on how to get better sound for the radio show next week. The tech team had discussed the idea on the drive home and he wanted Seth to remind him about it next time they were together. His team really was top notch. Call number two was also business related, but from a company that thought they had common interests and may consider merging parts of both their businesses together. Not likely, but Seth would talk to Bear and decide together. Since their success many had wanted to jump on the gravy train. Lastly was a message from Marion. She just missed him and was checking in on her favorite son. It helped that he was her only son and had no competition for the spot. The women in his life certainly were attentive, but they could be exhausting. He would call his mom back tomorrow earlier in the day and try to catch her if she was not subbing. Tonight he just wanted to veg. 

He turned on the TV and caught a few scores from some of his favorite sports teams before watching the end of a murder mystery. This genre had become so predictable and tame after dealing with the real thing on a daily basis. And the news, he tried to avoid when possible, not needing downers at the end of the day…maybe he should start a good news network. There was really nothing he was dying to watch on television and he was too tired to binge watch something on Netflix. He shut off all electronics and grabbed a book from the bookcase to take to bed. Seth still liked the feel of paper between his fingers and supposedly screen lights from devices can cause insomnia. There was nothing like Grisham to help his mind coast off.

He flipped on the reading light next to his bed and laying there on the bed stand was another paper out of place. This paper was actually a napkin. Seth, not one to eat in bed, wondered if Tillie had added a nap with snack to her job opening delivery errand. He scooped up the paper product to toss in the trash when he recognized words on it.  Looking closer, it appeared to be a religious message. He read: Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.”

Whoa, so weird. Tillie wasn’t the religious type and perfumed stationary was more her paper of choice. Not likely she left this napkin behind. His mother was a church-goer and scripture-reader, but she had left him a phone message today not mentioning she had dropped by and a napkin at bedside with scripture was not her style either.  Did his abode double as a homeless shelter in the afternoons for the locals? The origin of the paper produce was baffling.

A shutter went through Seth as he remembered where he had seen those kind of napkin-messages before. Not that long ago he had interviewed a man who made it a hobby of printing out personalized tracts, even on napkins when paper was not available. Perhaps Amos Applebaum had paid Seth a visit or maybe he had moved in? His home really was becoming a revolving door of weirdness from both sides of the life-death curtain. 

CHAPTER 4

Death row inmates with an execution warrant may choose to be executed in the following states by various methods at their own request:

    • Electrocution in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

• Gas inhalation in Arizona and California.

• Firing squad in Utah.

• Hanging in Washington.

“And you’re on the air…”

“Welcome on another marvelous Monday to the Seth Row Radio Show!  Lines are open to call in as always. Today’s top topics are…let us know any questions you may have for Roy ‘Man-Boy’ Manchester during his special episode on Friday night and we will also be having a death row debate, so share your thoughts on your position… pro or con.”

Bear suggested it might be too bold a stroke to ask what America they thought about the death penalty, he was not sure what that might tap into, but that was the adventure. Seth shared a mini-monologue to get the listening gang going and opened up the phones. 

“First caller, please tell us your name, where you are from and what you want to share today.”

“Hello Seth, so excited to finally get to talk to you! My name is Lindsey and I am from Lubbock, Texas.”

“Welcome Lindsey. What’s on your mind today?”

“I want to thank you Seth for the work you do in helping the world understand the importance of the death penalty,  it is not barbaric, but just.  I think it gives closure to victim’s families who  have already suffered so much. Not only is it a deterrent to crime, but justice is better served. Our justice system shows more sympathy to criminals than it does victims these days. My only complaint is  that sometimes you make the death-rowers look too nice.”

“Just doing my job as an investigative reporter Lindsey.  So you are totally pro death penalty?”

“I would say so. The new DNA testing and other methods of modern crime scene science can pretty much eliminate almost all uncertainty as to a person's guilt or innocence. If the convicted is guilty of crimes worthy of death, let’s do it.”

“Okay one for pro. Any nay sayers? Charlie, you are on the air.”

“Hey, Charlie from Portland, Oregon here, totally disagree. I think the  death penalty is barbaric and violates the ‘cruel and unusual’ clause in the Bill of Rights.  It sends the wrong message: why kill people who kill people to show killing is wrong. Life in prison is a worse punishment and a more effective deterrent and other European countries would have a more favorable image of America if we stopped.”

“Charlie, why do you care what Europeans think about us? If someone killed your family member would you feel differently? 

“I know you would be out of a job if the death penalty ended, so of course you don’t take me seriously. I would hope I would be able to forgive, if a family member were killed. I think the United States has an obligation to set an example for the world.” 

“Appreciate the comments from both Lindsey and Charlie. The debate is on.” 

The first hour of the show went back and forth with rapid-fire comments alternating between those who were pro and those con. The most unique input was from a guy who felt putting criminals to death allowed them to return to the world in another form depending on what their crime had been. Like in reincarnation, they got to try again, but were marked by their past life. If they had brutally maimed someone they might have the same injury manifested in their new form. Seth was not sure if this caller was pro or con, but crazy comments did keep things interesting. The second hour he asked again if anyone had questions for Man-Boy. 

“ Yes Seth, Cassie from Schenectady here, I want to know the meaning of the many tattoos that cover his muscles. I know they must be fairly recent because they were not there in his body building days.”

“Noted. Thanks Cassie, that is a great question. I am sure his body art will help tell his story in living color with illustrations. Next caller?” 

“Marion from Waxahachie here. I was wondering Seth, could you ask Mr. Manchester if he ever answered his mother’s phone calls or called her back, before he was sent to prison? 

Ouch, his staff sure needed to screen the calls better. Or perhaps this was their attempt at humorous?  He would definitely get Bear back for this one. “Hello Marion. That could be an interesting insight, to find out how connected was he to his parents and family? Might be a good angle, I will see how the interview plays out. Message received, will call you soon funny lady. Thanks for your call. Next?”

“I would prefer not to give my name and my question is not about Roy Manchester, but another prisoner who recently arrived on death row.” a man’s voice sounding over 50, came across the air waves into Seth’s sound booth.

“Well, this is open mic Monday, so you are welcome to ask about things other than I suggest.”

“Thank you. I was hoping to find out about the new minor addressed as merely “Joshua” in the news. What is his story and why was he sent to Huntsville instead of another prison? I don’t think he is from around there.”

“Don’t have a fact sheet in front of me about this Joshua yet, but will check him out for the next broadcast,” Seth mouthed and motioned for his staff to get on it even as he spoke the words of postponement. “Thanks for keeping us on our toes anonymous caller.” 

Seth fielded a few more phone calls with questions for Man-Boy and comments pro and con about the death penalty before he closed with…  “As always America, it has has been a pleasure…

Seth signing off from the Row, reminding you to live well and make every day count!”

Then turning to Bear and the boys. “All right, you guys got me, but just you wait for pay back my friends. It will not be pretty I promise.” 

“Next time call, your mom back my man.” Bear teased.

“Alright, alright, got it. Moving on, what about that new prisoner. Has anyone heard a word about him? It is not like us to be caught completely off guard.”

With that swift segue the team moved seamlessly into their post-show wrap up session. 

Bear, Joey and Gun shook their heads in negative responses, but Jake said he had heard of a 17 year old young man who was coming their way after a controversial case in Idaho. The boy had been convicted of a brutal crime against a child and the system did not want to house him anywhere near the location. Huntsville won the lottery to keep this notorious teen until death did they part. Seth did not like the hush-hush surrounding this new phenom nor the sound of the situation.  The prisoner would likely show up on their doorstep soon, if he had not already arrived in their backyard. 

“Okay let the research begin. Who wants point on this one? I need to bow out a little early boys.  Have a dinner in the city with my woman and want to beat rush hour traffic if possible.”

“I will follow up on the leads I already have bossman.” offered Jake. 

“Thanks Jake-man. Let’s all keep our ears to the ground on this one. Anything else? Oh, and Gun, I appreciated  your sound suggestions, what did everyone think of the changes? 

A ripple of… “great, liked ‘em, excellent, improvement”…reverberated off the sound walls.

“Nice work all around men, let’s put another episode  to bed and go enjoy our nights.” 

And with that Seth  was off. He was not one to let a puddle form under him. He jumped in his Honda 

CRV and headed north to Dallas via I-35 East. Growing up he had dreamed of a Beamer or Mercedes as his wheels, but even though he could now afford a nicer car, the practical part of him,  raised by a school teacher still took over. Besides he had room to put his some-day dog in the back. 

The drive was not too bad yet, but Seth would have preferred to meet at Pop’s Burger Stand in Waxahachie or maybe Braum’s if she wanted dessert, but Tillie was not a burger sort of girl. Truluck’s upscale dining with swanky atmosphere and white linens was more the Morgan way. 

He pulled up in front of the restaurant at 7:10 and tossed his keys to valet so he could sprint in. Tillie hated him to be late and he did not want to start the evening off sour.  The tall, luscious blonde was sitting up straight in her chair sipping on the vodka martini she had ordered, just a “tiny-bit dirty”. There was a touch of a pout on her lips, but he knew that since he was under 30 minutes past his designated arrival time, the pout would not last long. 

“I almost ordered for you Seth. You know I detest eating too late. It makes it hard for me to sleep and I am puffy in the morning.” 

“So sorry tall, blonde and beautiful. Perhaps we should have met in Waxahachie, I got here as fast as I could, promise. But you could have ordered for me Til, I like your surprises and you do look smashing by the way.” Seth had always been a fast-talker, but not necessarily a smooth one, especially when it came to women. His mother was not the best practice. As long as he spoke to her at all and told the truth, he was pretty much good. 

“I just want tonight to be really special. I have something important to talk about with you.” Cooed the striking co-ed bathed in romantic lighting seated across the table from him. Seth knew he was out of his league and was starting to realize he may be in deep trouble tonight.

“I am all ears now, you have my complete and undivided attention.” Seth made the grand gesture of turning off his phone while she was watching. That should score major points.

“First , I was wondering if you saw the weatherman job I left of you?” 

“I did, thank you Til, but not sure I could support you in the manner you have become accustomed to on that part-time salary.” Smooth way to dodge that bullet, Seth congratulated himself.

“I wondered that too. So I talked to Daddy and he said he thought he had a position for you at the Bank. It is a great job, with long term potential and he could teach you all he knows. He wants you to come in and talk with him about the possibility. Just imagine, you could actually escape your creepy work environment and do something more resectable. ” Tillie looked hopeful.

Please, someone, quick, find me a samurai sword, so I can throw myself on it. Seth’s thoughts swirled. He could not imagine a worse fate than to earn a living under Daddy-Warbuck’s thumb for ten hours every day. His future was looking bleak in Morgan-Land. But out of his mouth came the words…Please tell your father for me that is extremely generous of him, but I could never take him up on his offer. He would never respect a non-self-made-man for his precious daughter and I could not respect myself either…And you know I happen to enjoy the way I make my living.” Whew. Maybe he was smoother than he thought. 

The waiter showed up to rescue Seth and they placed their orders. Tillie requested a seafood salad with no cheese, preferably vegan, besides the fish, with the dressing on the side. Seth was hankering for a steak, medium rare, baked potato loaded with sour cream and the house veggies. Even their food had nothing in common he feared.  They consumed their dinners with a small amount of small talk. Tillie was not hungry for dessert. That lettuce must have been impressively dense. But she did still have an appetite for other things it seemed.

“Seth, I have been thinking, it is about time for me to spend the night. We have not had a sleep over yet and you know, we have been together for nine months. It seems like time. I packed an over night bag with lingerie I know you will love.” 

Seth about choked on his last piece of meat. He wondered if Tillie knew the Heimlich maneuver and was doubtful for some reason. He should have known this was coming again soon, but thought the Roger Morgan job offer had been all the ammo she had in her for one night. He had under-estimated the girl. Matilda sat cross from him smiling sweetly, wearing a clingy white dress that V’ed deeply between just the right places and was sure to be mid-thigh short when she stood up. She always dressed to catch the eye, but this was provocative at its best. He should have been prepared. 

“Tillie, we have discussed this. You know my set of standards do not include sleepovers. I want to respect you, like I respect my mother. Waiting for marriage makes it all the sweeter.” 

It was mantra he had been telling himself since college and sure hoped was true. Seth wanted to really get to know and love a woman without all the physical complications and baggage before he committed to a forever together. He needed to keep a clear head for the most important decision of his life without his testosterone doing the talking. If he let a woman move in before marriage and decided against it, he may never get her out.  The claim would be staked. Besides, he needed a sanctuary. 

“Fine, but you are missing out all the way around tonight Mister Hoeffer.” The pout was back and the dress was short, Seth noticed as Tillie stormed away. 

CHAPTER 5

Prosecution can seek capital punishment for aggravated murder, the definition of which varies greatly from one state to another. California for example has 22 factors which constitute aggravated murder, while New Hampshire has seven. But some aggravating circumstances are nearly universal among death penalty states, such as robbery-murder, murder involving rape of the victim, and murder of an on-duty police officer. Several states have included child murder to their list of aggravating factors, but the victim's age under which the murder is punishable by death varies between them too. An official commission in California proposed to reduce these factors to five…multiple murders, torture murder, murder of a police officer, murder committed in jail, and murder related to another felony.

It had been a rough week. Tillie was still not talking to him after her dramatic exit on Monday night. He had not returned his mother’s call yet; he was not ready to explain perhaps another road block or at least detour in the grandkids endeavor. And there was definitely something beyond normal going on in his apartment, whether he wanted to admit it to others or not. He was having trouble focusing on work and his head was not really in this current Seth Row Special. His mind wandered. Pull it together man and do a decent job to finish this show Seth… was his ongoing mental pep talk to self. 

“Roy, I have a few questions America is curious about, if you are willing?” They were already over halfway through Roy Manchester’s Seth Row Special and final send off. There was much material they still needed to cover and Roy was not making this interview easy. 

“Lay them on me and I will decide as we go if they are worth answering. I have my reputation to retain after I am gone.”

“Fair enough. We had a caller wanting to know about your body art. Do any of your tattoos have  special meaning?”

Roy looked down at his inked body with obvious pride. “They all do. When I was lifting professionally I could  not have any, we had to oil up for the competitions and tats would distract from the definition. That is the main reason I eventually ended my lifting career. Each of these beauts represent a cause I’ve worked on or I’m passionate about. See this whale over my pec,” Roy flexed the muscle as he spoke and the finned mammal appeared to be swimming. “I worked on saving the whales before I got into pollutants and chemicals, the bottles with skull and cross bones right here. The guns are for my weapons running days and the X’ed out turban for the terrorists. You get the idea.”

“You sure are the poster child for equal opportunity protesting Roy. I see your whole chest, arms and even part of your back is covered. Which is your favorite.”

“That would be the only non-protest symbol on me…see my left nipple is also the nose on a woman’s face. That Amazon-looking woman is to honor Brenda and the other good women in my life, placed right over my heart. Tough fighters, willing to get their hands dirty if needed for me. Brenda is the only person, well unofficial person, that will be at the execution, besides those (words bleep-out) reporters that have to be in there.” 

“It is almost a shame to bury all this meaningful artwork isn’t is Roy.”

“Actually, I have requested to be skinned or stuffed, so my message can be displayed  in a museum or at least given to Brenda and fans, or supporters. I want her to have something special when I am gone to remember me by. I don’t want to be put under the dirt out in the prison’s Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery and have other lame prisoners assigned to tend to my grave. Some of them would probably piss on it or desecrate it in some way. My remains are destined for greater things.”

“I sincerely hope you are allowed your unusual wish. Any other wishes or maybe a special last meal?” 

“I asked for shark meat, to symbolized going down with a fight. But, I guess this is the only prison in the country that doesn’t allow last meal requests. Some other inmate screwed that up for the rest of us. We just get what everyone else is eating that day. Hope they serve something decent. Won’t be shark though.” 

“Sorry about that. Well you can at least share your last words for the world to hear, without censorship except bad language, if you would like.”

“I don’t have much to say. Most of my words are immortalized in my ink and will also be in a book Brenda is having written about my life story. I hope everyone will buy a copy and get to know the real Roy. All proceeds will go to my foundation which will battle injustice in any form. I guess my biggest regret is not being able to make a bigger change in the world, due to that dumb cop getting in my way and making me have to kill him. I didn’t want to, but I had to get the job done and he was not going just stand by and let me blow up that chemical plant. I also wish I was incarcerated in Utah, so I could be shot by a firing squad. I hate needles.” (Seth found irony in the fact most with multiple tattoos felt that way about needles.) “Anyway, I know my many pen pals will miss me. Carry on my Man-Boy Mamas. I am sorry I will not be there to lead the charge. Here is a huge goodbye hug.” 

Roy opened up his arms wide and gathered them towards the center of his body hugging nothing but thin air. His anger evaporated in this uncharacteristically tender last act and his boyish face looked a bit cherubic. Seth almost felt like giving the guy a hug so he would not look so pathetic. This job created odd emotions, especially when witnessing these end of life events. The show would close with the huge air-hug to show the world Man-Boy had a softer side after all. The policeman’s wife would not like it, but she would get to share her side of the story in a clip that would be aired along with the rest of the package. Seth had an unpleasant taste in his mouth. This one felt icky for some reason. How would he make sense of the complexly strange Roy Manchester without showing lenience on his actions? Was everyone who committed a crime a little bit crazy? He would be glad to have this sequence complete. Perhaps Tillie was right. Maybe he should be a banker. 

The team did not seem to have any of his reservations as they wrapped up the shoot. Bizarro world played well to an audience and this show was firing on all cylinders from that view point. The camera work was incredible, they even caught a close up of the pectoral swimming whale. The guys were slapping each other on the back as they packed up their gear. The prison was an eery place to shoot, so not much extra was needed to set the mood of the piece. 

“Bear, do you feel at all bad about tonight’s show? Are we exploiting these men during their very lowest point?”

“Tonight was a weird one, even for us, but I think our intensions are good. We are giving them a chance to share their side of the story and not leave earth in a vacuum. I think they actually enjoy their few minutes of fame and it may make their deaths a little less senseless. Remember they don’t have to agree to participate if they don’t want to.”

“I suppose you are right. Things just felt different tonight. Must be me.”

“Is Seth Hoeffer becoming a softy? I would trust you to do my granddad’s last words for the world. You are an ethical man. It will edit out all okay. Just wait and see.”

For some reason Seth did not feel much better. His mind was still walking down a path of its own when he noticed he had turned the wrong way and ended up in the wrong wing. He had never ventured this far into the inner workings of the penitentiary before and turned to replace his steps when his attention was pulled towards a prisoner with a small entourage of guards just ahead. 

A tall, slender teen was being escorted down the corridor towards death row. Longer light brown hair, that would soon be buzzed off, hung in grimy clumps around the resigned face. Due to the minuscule number of prisoners in this peer group, Seth was pretty positive this was Joshua. The boy stopped and turned to look at him. Hallow pools of near-colorless gray eyes absorbed his very essence. A prickly feeling spread over Seth’s skin and he wanted to follow the inmate down the hall to his cell, but that walk was beyond his clearance level. In the stillness Seth heard solemn words coming from the prisoner’s back as he continued on…Led like a lamb to the slaughter…

CHAPTER 6

Of the 31 states with the death penalty, in 29 the sentence is decided by a jury,  and 28 of those require a unanimous sentence by the jury. However, the states differ on what happens if the penalty phase results in a hung jury.

Relief to be nearly home flooded Seth as he walked down the historic hallway, until he turned the corner to see two human figures waiting at his door. One an unfamiliar man, the other his mother. 

“Mother dear, so great to see you. Come in of course. But unless you’re on a date with this fellow, let me see what else is going on here first?” 

“This is man’s name is Raul, Seth. Junie Blue sent him to do a psychic read on your haunted apartment, son.” Marion introduced.

“My card.” Raul bowed with outstretched arm for Seth to take the small rectangle of card-stock.

“Thank you, Mr.Raul. Sorry, it is too late tonight now, but I will definitely give you a call soon to schedule a new time.” Seth said as he stuffed the business card into his pocket.

“I wouldn't count on it. You will probably have to call him back, let me give you his number.” Marion shared with a mischievous smile as she wrote Seth’s cell number down for Raul. 

“Thank you kind and lovely lady.” Raul took his mother’s hand and for a moment looked like he was going to kiss it, in a Gomez - Morticia moment from The Adam’s Family, but merely gave it a limp shake with another brief bow instead. Then turning to Seth,“Remember when you call, I prefer to work at night, the spirits are more active and easier to read.”

“Oh yes, my mother is nothing if not thoughtful. Thanks mom.” Even in his exhaustion, Seth picked up there was something going on between these two and wondered how long they had been talking before he arrived. “I will call you, Raul. Thank you for dropping by and I will thank Junie for her constant concern for me. I am actually fairly comfortable with my lightweight roommates…. Amos anyway, if Roy joins us I may feel differently.” Seth added under his breath. 

With his third shallow bow in about that many minutes, Raul made his exit down the period-theme carpeted hall.

“Come on in mom. Sorry I have not gotten back to you.”

“No Seth, not tonight, I can see you are utterly exhausted, go in and go to bed. I caught your show earlier and am just worried about you. Why don't you come to Sunday dinner. You can have a good meal and we can talk then. Bring Tillie or come alone, whichever you prefer.”

“I am beat. Thanks mom. I promise to be there for dinner Sunday. 5:00? Til is a little ticked with me right now, so we will see about that, but it will at least be me. I will let you know.”

“5:00 works. Get some sleep between now and then Seth. Looks like you could use it.” Marion hugged Seth good-bye and followed Raul’s invisible footsteps down the hall. She did worry and was as needy as any typical mother, but always had Seth’s welfare first and foremost in her neediness. Seth understood that.

He opened the door to his humble domicile and breathed a sign of relief. Home Sweet Home. He knew he should get some extra shut eye, but the packet Jake handed him as he left the prison made him far too curious. Seth rationalized he would not be able to sleep anyway, wondering what Jake had uncovered about their new mystery Row-mate. So he dropped into his battle worn recliner and slid the sheets of paper out of the eight by eleven manilla envelop planning to just skim them for a few minutes.

 Enclosed were the transcripts of the court proceedings from Twin Fall County Idaho, Joshua  vs. the prosecution, with Judge Rob Blevins presiding. No last name. That was unusual. And the stack of papers between his fingers was not as thick as one might expect for a death penalty case. Which meant it must have been argued and decided fairly quickly.  Court appointed attorneys do not always exert themselves with extra research and witnesses. Looks like the prosecution had the case served up to them on a platter. Joshua had been found holding the bloodied, victim in his arms. The evidence was about as good as a smoking gun. 

Nearly two years previously now, twelve year old Jonny Doe who had lived at the St.Edwards Catholic School in Twin Falls, Idaho was found dead across the from the school in the Twin Falls City Park. The school also included a small home, really an orphanage, for a few of the students that were looked after by the nuns. Orphanages are rare in these days of foster care, but St. Edwards had a small hold-over home for parentless children from days gone by. Jonny had been abandoned there as a baby…a John Doe…and the name stuck. The sister’s reasoned that John had been the most beloved disciple of Christ and this Jonny would also be. So Jonny Doe, the nun’s gift from God,  had grown up in their care with about a dozen other kids without homes.

Joshua had also been a boarded student at the same school, but he had run away shortly before the incident. Jonny had been one of Josh’s best friends in the school, sort of like a kid brother whom he looked after. That was the sister’s impression from their court testimonies. The prosecution turned the relationship into something much uglier. The boy had been burned, mutilated, physically abused and blood had been coming from more than one orifice when the body was recovered.  DNA showed the blood all over Joshua was Jonny’s and Jonny had some of Joshua’s DNA on him as well. 

Joshua was never put on the stand in his own defense for some reason, possibly due to fact he was under age and also a street urchin with no one to really advise or stand up for him. Maybe his lax lawyer thought he would crumble under pressure. Joshua’s statement to the police after being found sitting in tears, gently cradling the boy in his arms, had been read aloud in court…“I arrived too late to save Jonny, so I held him and talked to him softly until he died. I wanted Jonny to know I was there, that I loved him and that he would be okay where he was going. No one would hurt him anymore. I am not sure who did those horrible things to him.  (Sobs from the accused.) There is that county jail across from the other side of the park, maybe someone from there got him? I truly don’t know. I love Jonny and would never have hurt him in anyway. I wish I could have saved him or stopped whoever did it. I should never have left him.” (Too many tears to go on.)

There was also some testimony from a “Father Brogan” who was the priest over “St. Edward the Confessor” Parish in Twin Falls which was under the Boise Diocese. The name gave Seth a start. What an odd coincidence.  Joshua also had a Father Brogan in his life, but Seth’s father Brogan did not seem to be the priest-type. Father Brogan spoke up for both boys from his Parish…the condemned and deceased, but he did not have enough contact nor enough pull with either to help it seemed. The evidence was not in Joshua’s favor and another person of interest for the crime was never really looked for nor found. The court believed they had their man. The trial lasted less than a week. The jury was out less than a day. Due to the violence of the crime, Honorable Judge Blevins, was able to get a death penalty sentence, even though Joshua was just now 17. He had been only 15 when the heinous crime took place.  The rural farming community in the Magic Valley did not want a young murderer in their midst for one day longer than needed. He had been assigned to wait out the end of his short days in Huntsville. 

Seth had done more than skim the document. He had read every word. It was after 2:00 A.M. before he finished and he was wide away now. His body was still hammered, but his mind was circling and digesting what he had just read. A sound came from the kitchen. Seth thought he heard movement and drug himself out of the chair to see what was going on. Maybe he had mice, or perhaps gigantic rats had time to grow and take up residence in this 100 year old building.  He knew his brain was so sleepy he could be hallucinating or hearing things, but he could not just sit, so started inspecting. 

At first there wasn’t anything he could put his finger or eyeballs on in his tiny cooking area, but Seth felt like something was amiss. It was late and no one was watching he decided to go ahead and ask, “If anyone is here, let me know? Can I help you? If not I need to get some sleep. Thanks.”

He scanned the room looking for anything. The countertops looked similar to how he left them and no cupboard doors were ajar. The stove was turned off and the refrigerator was closed. On the door of the fridge was Seth’s collection of magnets from all the places he had traveled to. He and his mom had started it when he was younger. He did not own a steamer trunk or cool leather suitcase to put travel stickers on and he did not have a car at that point to decorate with bumper stickers. Seth was not sure he would plaster his bumpers even today, sometimes stickers looked a little trashy on a car and left a trail not only of places the person had been, but social issues a person supported. Far too much info on display.  Maybe magnets could be considered girly, but they worked as his travelogue. Seth had accumulated about 30 from vacation and work spots around the country and even a couple international locations. The Eiffel Tower and Big Ben were the furthest destinations represented. 

Seth was not OCD with them, but kept a semi-pattern across the top and down the left side of the fridge door. Looking closer, it looked like two magnets had been separated out of the line-up and moved over to the right side on their own. The highlighted ones were from two trips to opposite sides of the country, Yosemite Falls and Niagara Falls. Interesting, did someone have a flowing water fetish? The symbolistic message suddenly hit him. Someone had spelled out or indicated “two falls”, or could they possibly be  saying “Twin Falls”, with pictures in his kitchen?  

Seth knew it was late and his mind could be taking him to unlikely places. But he had to admit he was a little freaked out. He could call Tillie, but she was already miffed at him, if he interrupted her beauty sleep he may never get off her black list. Junie would probably relish a paranormal phone call in the middle of the night, but it wasn’t fair to keep her dangling on the hook at his beck and call, if there was no future for them. He wondered if it was too late to call Bear, but decided to try anyway.

A groggy “Hello?” greeted him on the other end of the line. “Seth this better be an emergency.” 

“I guess it can wait Brother Bear, I just needed to hear your voice.”

“Are, you sure man? Really, what do you need?” Then from further away from the phone. “Bear who is it? Is that Seth?” Sounded like Ainsley was there with him.

“Nah, I got this. Go back to slept with your girl. Sorry to have interrupted anything.”

Seth hung up his phone. In the light of day two magnets being moved would be odd, but not so unsettling. If he had not just read the court case from the same county, he may even be able to walk away unaffected. The line between life and death was getting blurry in his life. Another one of his interviewees would be crossing that line in a few hours and a soul who already had crossed it was communicating in his kitchen. This was going to be a long night. Maybe turning on the TV would engage his mind and take his thoughts away from the real world around him. If you could call it that.  

CHAPTER 7

The distribution of death sentences among states is loosely proportional to their populations and murder rates. California, which is the most populous state, has also the largest death row with over 700 inmates. Wyoming, which is the least populous state, has only one condemned man. But executions are more frequent, and happen more quickly after sentencing, in conservative states. Texas, which is the second most populous state of the Union, carried out over 500 executions during the post-Furman era, more than a third of the national total. California has carried out only 13 executions during the same period. Collectively, Texas, Oklahoma, and the South accounted for over 87% of U.S. executions in the same period.

Seth slept most of Saturday. Not only had he been up much of the night before, but sleep served as a defense mechanism to avoid letting his mind dwell on what was happening down in Huntsville that morning.  He called Tillie late afternoon after he had shaken off the daytime sleep. She was still chilly to him, but it was more veiled. Had Seth not known her as well as he did, she may have seemed back to normal. He decided not to invite her to dinner at his mother’s. Dealing with one woman at a time was enough. He could use some insight-time from the less needy older woman in his life. Seth knew his mother’s agenda did not usually include buttering him up or manipulating him for any reason, so he could trust her advice. 

It was a glorious spring day in east-central Texas. Warm enough to not need a jacket and the humidity had not yet kicked in with moisturizing heat that stuck to skin. Seth  decided to walk the two and a half miles to his mother’s small ranch-style home south of downtown where he lived. Marion attended her non-denominational Christian church until noon and afterward would be home working on dinner much of the afternoon. She went all-out when Seth came over. Marion did not entertain much, but enjoyed cooking for her only child. She was the epitome of a classic Jewish mother who equated food with love, but still somehow maintained her slim figure at nearly sixty. 

The traffic was light and Seth cut through side streets and along the green belt as he savored the sunny day. Walking cleared his head and gave him inspiration. Sort of like soaking in his religion for the day. He should go with his mother to her indoor congregation some Sunday soon. The effort would make her happy. Maybe on Mother’s Day, she would appreciate the gesture more than any gift he could buy her. Time verses things were more meaningful. He wrote the idea on his phone so he would remember to join her on the second Sunday in May. Way to go Seth, got your shopping done early, he congratulated himself. 

About halfway to his mother’s house Seth noticed a mangy looking dog started following him. It was one of those, if you saw it at the pound you would feel sorry for it, but never take it home. The breed was not recognizable. He or she, looked like a he, was medium-sized with a thin, scraggly, straight, once-white coat.  Mongrel variety, if he had to identify it. The beast did not seem too ferocious, so Seth let the dog join his Sabbath stroll. 

They both arrived at the designated destination on Wildflower Way shortly before 5:00 and could smell the dinner cooking from outside on the porch. The dog cocked his head hopefully at Seth.  “Sorry but this is where we part ways my good man,” Seth informed the animal as he opened the front door and walked in. 

Marion rushed forth to greet her son with a warm, welcoming embrace. He could see across the small expanse the table spread before him with beef stroganoff over thick homemade-style noodles, one of his favorites. The main dish was surrounded by garlic green beans, a green salad topped with berries and nuts, warm rolls and raspberry freezer jam. His saliva started juicing just looking at it.  Seth felt a pang of guilt thinking about the thin dog shut outside this feast. 

“Looks wonderful mom, almost too good to eat.” Seth thanked. 

“And I made the fresh peach pie you love for dessert.” 

“Pulling out all the stops today Ma. What is the occasion?”

“Just happy you are here.” Marion admitted.

Seth wasn’t sure he had looked at, or at least really seen, his mother for a long time. He still saw a tall, smiling woman with a warm, gentle face, but now noticed lines had crept in when he was unaware, creasing and crisscrossing that face. Lids drooped over her hazel eyes that had always held  love for him . Her hair, that she continued to color the same shade of brown from when she was younger, was sprouting nearly white roots and her once defined figure was growing soft. His ageless mother was getting old. Where had the years gone? He needed to try to make more time with her while he had it.  They sat down to the delicious dinner and began their meal with her routine one thousand questions for him. 

When they got to dessert Seth spoke up, “I actually have two questions for you today mom. Turn about is fair play you know, good lady” Seth, emphasizing ‘you’, then speaking in a gallant gentleman’s voice teased. “But in all seriousness, I respect that life has not always been easy for you and possibly understand why you have avoided talking about dad, or Sam, for most of my life. I’m old enough now, have been for quite a while, and am ready to know more. Could you please paint a picture to help me know him better?”

“I guess it is time and only fair. What do you want to know Seth?”

“Anything and everything. How did you guys meet, why did he leave, even things I do not know to ask. He is a part of me and perhaps has affected my relationships without me even realizing it.”

“Well, let’s see, where to begin? I met your father when I was a baby, only in high school. We were both juniors and had P.E. together. It was the first time I did not dread the class in my academic history . Sam Brogan captured my heart with his wavy blonde locks, which he passed on to you by the way only in a slightly darker version, his athletic physic and his on-the-go attitude. Your mother may have been more shallow in her younger years. Sam was quite a catch. He was fun and I felt safe with him. We dated though the rest of high school and most of college, before making things official. Perhaps before Sam was ready, but we were at that point in a relationship where you move forward or move on…you know ‘fish or cut bait.’ 

We were still young. Sam finished his communications degree, he was a great communicator, you get that from him too, but he had trouble finding a steady job that put his skills to use. You did much better with those skills you were blessed with Seth. I ended up being the main bread winner and a teacher’s salary is definitely a no-frills budget to live on. When you came along, Sam felt even more pressure to provide. His restless nature became more pronounced. He wanted you to be proud of him and would take random jobs here and there, out of town often. Sam really was a good father. He adored you. But as you know, one day when you were two, he never returned from one of those out of town jobs. 

At first I was panicked and thought something awful must have happened to him. Then you started receiving those cards each year near your birthday, until you were ten. I think that was the best he could do, to let you know he still cared and letting me know not to worry. The communications never had a return address on them and the post marks were never from the same state. I considered hiring a private investigator, but funds were low and what would that help? Sam hated to be told what to do, I could never and would never force him to return. When the cards stopped coming, I almost continued them, pretending they were from your father, but you were far too smart, an investigative reporter in the making and would have seen through my charade. In the long run, I thought it would end up cheapening those he had sent. I haven’t heard from him since, but used to occasionally find some anonymous cash in the mail, which I liked to assume came from him. I suppose he could be dead now, but for some reason I don’t think so. I feel I would know. He was a good man Seth, always remember that.  He just felt like a failure and had trouble facing the life he had, so escaped it. I have never regretted our relationship for a moment. The best part of my life came from it…you.” 

Seth felt conflicting emotions, “Do you think there is any possibility Sam might have become a priest?”

“Not likely, Sam liked sex…. stop covering your ears Seth, you said you were old enough to handle this information now… but I suppose stranger things have happened. He was a devote Irish Catholic. Not the kind that went every Sunday, but it was deep in his heart. His parents immigrated from Ireland, during the intense conflicts and clashes in the 1960s between the Catholics and Protestants, to escape the violence. Why would you ask that?”

“No reason yet, just wondering. I came across a Father Brogan in a case I was reading. And for the record, a child is never old enough to discuss what their parents do behind closed doors. I like to believe in immaculate conception under those circumstances. Let’s change the subject. I have another question. Do you believe in supernatural happenings or events, mom?”

“What do you mean exactly, Seth?”

“Do you think spirits who have died can still be around and communicate with us?”

“I do believe in life after death, that we continue on in some form, even the worst of us. Perhaps we go to a place of  peace and learning, always continue to grow in knowledge. I suppose if a person had unfinished business he might be tied to the earth and not as able to move on. Why do you ask?”

“There have just been some not-easy-to-explain experiences at my apartment. Others have noticed them too. You saw Junie is still sending services to my place to help rid me of the ‘presences’ that frightened her when we were together. I’m not sure how I feel about lots of things in my life right now. I trust you to give me a straight answer on this mom, what would you do?”

“Go with your gut. You have always had good intuition, follow it. If you feel a dark or concerning presence I would get out, even move. But if the occurrences are just unusual, go with it, perhaps someone is trying to tell you something. You are a good listener. Use your interview skills in this unique avenue to determine if your apartment is just old, thus lending itself to imaginations going wild, or if there truly is something more. You are up to the challenge, I have yet to see you run from one.”

“Thanks mom.” Marion was a grounding presence in Seth’s life. He felt better just voicing his concerns out loud to her.  “I guess I better push off if I want to walk home before it gets too dark, know I appreciate you more than you know.”

“Love you always and forever….know I am always here for you, my boy.”

With affirmations ringing in his ears, Seth headed outside. The dingy dog was still waiting and wagged his tail in anticipation when he saw Seth. Seth poked his head back through the doorway. “Mom you don’t happen to still have a bone from the meat in the trash do you?”

Marion retrieved the steak bone and handed it to her kind-hearted son, knowing he would never get rid of the pound puppy now. 

CHAPTER 8

The last public execution in the U.S. was that of Rainey Bethea in Ownesburg, Kentucky, on August 14, 1936. It was the last execution in the nation at which the general public was permitted to attend without any legally imposed restrictions. "Public execution" is a legal phrase, defined by the laws of various states, and carried out by court order. Similar to "public record" or "public meeting," it means that anyone who wants to attend the execution may do so. Around 1890, a political movement developed in the United States to mandate private executions. Several states enacted laws which required executions to be conducted within a "wall" or "enclosure" or to "exclude public view." Most states laws currently use such explicit wording to prohibit public executions, while others do so only by enumerating the only authorized witnesses.  But nearly all states allow news reporters to be execution witnesses for information of the general public. Several states also allow victims' families and relatives selected by the prisoner to watch executions. An hour or two before the execution, the condemned is offered religious services and a last meal (except in Texas). The execution of Timothy McVeigh on June 11, 2001 was witnessed by around 300 people by closed-circuit television. Most were victims' relatives of the Oklahoma City bombing.

Spending Sunday evening at his mother’s house had been rejuvenating. Then Monday’s radio show with call-in theme “Do You Believe in Life After Death?” went so well, Seth decided to continue the topic on his internet show today. He requested, and the team received, permission to do the live show on site at the prison this week, the replay later tonight would be re-broadcast from their studio back in Waxahachie. 

The Row-bots, a nickname Seth had given the team, were interviewing various inmates and guards to share their thoughts about life after death to see who to put on camera. Where the radio callers had been over fifty percent believers, those incarcerated were running less than thirty percent who had any belief in life beyond the grave.  All the interviews had to be totally voluntary per prison orders and the Warden had eventually given permission to include two from their death row population. 

Harold Testerman was next to be executed, so that one had been easy to get permission for. Seth had to work harder to convince the Warden to allow Joshua on the show. Walker had insisted that the teen’s execution was months away and there could be possible appeals. Seth had reasoned that with a court appointed attorney the likelihood of appeal was slim and that America was quite interested in their juvenile on the Row. Finally, Warden Walker had acquiesced and allowed it.

A lifer had just expressed vehement doubts on air that there was anything else after he was snuffed out, he was making the most of the time he had left behind these (bleeped) walls. Mel Miller, who seemed to love to be in front of the camera, was next in line to share his thoughts.

“Hey Seth, good to have you guys here. It’s nice to have a diversion and a chance talk about meaningful things.”

“Hello again Mr. Miller, you are becoming somewhat of a regular on our show. Has the time you have spent as a guard here influenced your feelings on life after death in anyway? 

“Well, not sure I have thought much about that before. Not much of a religious man, but I guess I’d like to believe there is something after we go. If not, what is this all for?  You know, just being here.” 

“So what do you think, choose a side my man, yah or nay, and why? 

“Yah, I guess. I don’t believe we are just nothing afterwards. It seems some inmates maybe stick around here for awhile after they are executed. I sometimes think Man-Boy is still here over by the weights somedays. I miss that one.”

“You feel there may be deceased prisoners still within these walls? No wonder there is over-crowding in America’s prisons today, especially if they don’t leave when dead.” Chuckled Seth. “Thanks Mel.” 

“Let’s take a quick break guys before taping the last two from the Row. Those guys are knocking on death’s door. This should hit close to home for them.” Seth suggested. Bear nodded in agreement. He needed a break. They all did.

The team put down their equipment to take a quick stretch as a commercial played over the air.

“What about you guy’s thoughts on the subject matter?” Seth asked as he took a swig of his water.

“After hanging out at your house, I agree with Mel Miller, there’s got to be something afterward. You have enough visitors to host an afterlife retreat in your pad. Maybe you should figure out how to charge admission.” Laughed Bear.

Jake agreed, he was a believer. Gun, was pretty sure there was nothing afterward, but maybe intelligences carried on in some form. And Joey was back and forth debating even with himself, so an undecided vote for him. 

Break time was over and Harold Testerman was led into the room. 

“I don’t want to take away from your last interview Mr. Testerman, but since you are the closest to crossing the great divide, I am curious of your thoughts on what you will find there?”

Harold was not a personality like Roy, Man-Boy, had been. It was obvious he was not at home speaking with the media or probably pretty much anyone. He slouched down on his chair and spoke in a low monotone voice. 

“As a scientist it is hard to speculate. I can only say what I know to be true. Experiments by Dr. Duncan MacDougall were done during the 20th century in Haverhill, Massachusetts. He weighed six bodies just moments before and then immediately after dead. It was determined that a body lost approximately three-fourths of an ounce, or 21 grams, at the moment of death. He performed the same test with fifteen dogs who lost no weigh upon death. From that data I would have to determine a human body has a soul or some other essence which leaves upon expiration. As to where that matter goes, I could not say. I have high doubts in the heaven/hell theory, but there are many ways matter could be re-consumed or recycled by the earth.”

“Fascinating Mr. Testerman. Are you personally afraid to die?”

“I would prefer to live and continue my work, but as that does not appear an option, I look at death as my last great experiment. I will know definitively what takes place at that moment. It is just unfortunate I will not be able to write a paper for science documenting the facts from a personal perspective. Or if I am able, will have no way to send it back. Perhaps that will be my next  endeavor, figuring out communication between dimensions. We will see.”

Harold had become profuse. Who knew a chatty man was buried under all that science. Seth wanted to save anything else Harold had to say for the Seth Row Special filming in a few weeks.

“Thank you for your sharing your knowledge and  insights Mr. Testerman, we look forward to visiting with you again soon.”

Only one inmate was left to talk to and this one made Seth uneasy for some reason. Joshua was escorted into the room wearing shackles with his head hanging down. He did not slide into the chair like the others, but preferred to stand, raising his head to look Seth in the eyes.

“Joshua, thank you for speaking with us today. Would you be willing to share with America your beliefs on life after death?”

“Do you believe life continues after death Seth?” Joshua asked in clear, quiet voice. 

“I could not do this job if I didn’t. It seems almost immoral or even amoral to dance with those at the  door of death if I did not believe it led them to a better place,” Seth answered before thinking, “hey, are you taking control of the mic here, I asked you first.”

“Let me tell you a story in answer to your question….Once there was a boy born, that those who genetically created him, did not even want. He was abandoned to be raised by others, who were for the most part good, but could not love him as a son. The people who surrounded him became quasi family and they took care of one another the best they could. Most people are basically good, but evil does exist in this world, even pure evil. Good can vanquish evil; light is more powerful than darkness. When a door is opened between two rooms one full of darkness and the other light, the light overcomes the dark, but that is not always the plan. At times darkness or evil triumphs for a short time in the vast expanse of eternity. Sometimes to escape the evil, one has to cross through a door into pure light. I believe there is a better place, full of pure love and brilliant light, where everyone is cherished as a son or daughter. I believe we do continue on and it is not a transition to be feared….this birth we call death.”

Seth was not sure how to answer, he did not want to disrupt the moment, but linger, bathed in the tranquil feeling. After probably too long of a pause, “ Are you speaking of yourself or of Jonny?”

“I am speaking of all mankind. We are in this together. To help one another on our journey back to the light.”

“Thank you for illuminating insights Joshua. Hopefully you can bring some more light to this dark place while you are here.”And since nothing could top what had just been said, Seth closed the show with his trademark,“As always America, it has has been a pleasure…Seth signing off from the Row, reminding you to live well and make every day count!”

And with that, Joshua returned to his cell and Seth sat wondering what had just transpired. This was not a normal exchange. There was something elevated about the experience that he could not explain. The interview was almost more ethereal with Joshua standing before them in the flesh, than his encounters with the transparent phantoms at his apartment.

“Jake, thanks for finding me the transcripts on that one. He intrigues me. If anyone uncovers anything else on this guy, please pass it along. Bear, we’ve got to dig deeper, I have feeling there is something everyone has missed here.”

Bear and the boys agreed they were all in, as they packed up the van for the return trip and replay later that night. No one talked much on the drive home. Each pondering and receiving their own level of understanding from the prosaic words they had heard. 

         ____________________________________________________________

When Seth pulled up to his building, the same scraggly dog from Sunday lay lounging on the stoop. Its ears perked up and he stood when he saw Seth arrive. As if he had been waiting for the master he had already claimed. 

“Well boy, we meet again. You know, I could actually use the company tonight, so come on in. I’m not sure management would be thrilled, but other overnight guests are allowed on my contract. You are probably better behaved than some and I won’t mention you have more hair than most. But don’t tell Tillie on me okay, she will be jealous for sure.” 

The dog followed Seth up the stairs like he knew the way and was going home. 

“What should I call you. Dog will not do even for a night. Let me think…how about ‘Barney’? You are scrawny and comical looking, like Barney Fife, played by actor Don Knotts in that old black and white Andy Griffith Show set in Mayberry. You can be my deputy dog, Deputy Barney Fife. How does that sound?”

The new furry Barney Fife at Seth’s heels, seemed content with whatever he was called. However, when Seth opened his door and stepped through its old frame, a ridge of hair stood up straight all along Barney’s back and he let out some warning barks, hesitating and not entering.  

“It’s okay Barn. Are you telling me we have unexpected guests again? They won’t bother you, maybe you will even grow to be friends. I guess I do need to call Raul back. Now where did I put his card?”

Deputy dog finally came across the threshold, but was still on alert. Seth shut the door and having located the business card for “Raul’s Psychic Readers” pulled out his phone and dialed the number. 

“Raul here, ready to unmask your paranormal visitors. How can I be of assistance?”

“Raul, this is Seth, Seth Hoeffer, from a week or so ago. Junie Blue sent you to my apartment?.”

“Yes, yes, how is your lovely mother?”

“Just dandy, thanks for asking… I think… I am ready to make an appointment for one of your readings now, if you are available.”

“Actually, I am booked solid for over a week out, so sorry Mr. Seth. However, I do have a daughter who works with me and is very good at what we do. I am proud to say she may even surpass her father… one day. Are you willing to work with Halle? If yes, I can schedule her for a reading on Sunday, Monday or Wednesday of next week. We like to work at night, so around 9:00?”

“Let’s say next Wednesday at 9:00. Thank you. Not sure what I really expect her to do, maybe just tell me I am not crazy.”

“No worries, Halle will know what to do, she will take care of you. I will send her there next Wednesday.”

Seth felt better taking some step forward. Like most things, you first had to admit you had a problem before you could conquer it. He was not even sure he wanted whatever it was gone, but he did want to know what he was dealing with. Hopefully this psychic reader thing was not a hoax. At least he had Deputy Fife at his feet if he needed back up tonight. 

CHAPTER 9

Psychologists and lawyers in the United States and elsewhere have argued that protracted periods in the confines of death row can make inmates suicidal, delusional and insane. Some have referred to the living conditions on death row, the bleak isolation and years of uncertainty as to time of execution, as the “death row phenomenon,” and the psychological effects that can result as “death row syndrome.” The origins of these concepts are often traced to the 1989 extradition hearings of Jens Soering, a German citizen who was charged with murders in Virginia in 1985 and who fled to the United Kingdom. 

Seth texted Junie the next morning to let her know he made an appointment with Raul, the psych guy that she sent over. He knew that would make her happy. Then added at the end of the message, “let’s get together for lunch soon J-girl”. He was not sure why he felt possessed to keep typing. He would blame it on the invisible tenants. Lunches weren’t really dates after all and Junie Blue was a decent human being. A person could always use decent human beings in their life. Hopefully, he was not harboring ulterior motives or feelings he was not consciously aware of.  He seemed to enjoy adding complications to his already tangled existence.

Over the weekend, he took Tillie on a movie date. It seemed a safe public place, and not much talk is exchanged during a show. There was still a slight chill in Til, but she had thawed out for the most part. Seth selected “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2” for their viewing pleasure. He loved the first “Guardians” and was looking forward to sharing its odd mix of comedy and action with Tillie.  Witnessing her distraction,  he had not selected one that would be her pick of pictures to see. Emma Watson’s non-animated version of“Beauty and the Beast” might have been more appropriate. Seth was hovering near the beast category and Till was a beauty… their lives portrayed on the big screen. He was still glad he had seen “Guardians 2”. 

The main character Peter Quill, also known as Star Lord, found out the identity of his formerly unknown father in this sequel. Seth really connected with that theme. However, Peter Quill’s  dad happened to a god called “Ego”. Seth had doubts his dad would turn out to be a god, living on his own planet, which he had created. It was a fun romp from reality, but Tillie did not enjoy the ride.

 He invited her to come over for dinner during the week to make up for it. What woman could resist a man who cooked? Hopefully he would be totally forgiven. But as Seth stirred the sauce for his dinner, he began to wonder of he really wanted to be back in Tillie’s good graces.  He knew relationships took work, but this one felt like he was constructing a dang sky-scraper. 

Matilda waltzed into his apartment a a blur of yellow chiffon. She always did make an entrance.

“Smells wonderful Seth. It is so sweet of you to cook for me.”  Then she spied Barney Fife. “What in the world is that matted ball of fur doing in your apartment? Did you get a dog? Don’t you think that is a decision a couple should make together.?”

“I was going to introduce you to Deputy Barney Fife. It was not a planned offense, just happened, he followed me home.” 

“You have already named him! Did you consider the pound? If you insist on keeping him, I will get you the number for Momma’s dog groomer for Pickles, her peekapoo.”

Seth could tell when he looked over at Barney, the maligned dog was not impressed with Tillie either. “I gave him a bath, but I kinda like the wild, unkept look. He looks like a real man’s man kind of dog.” Seth stood up for his newly acquired canine. He was starting to wonder if he and Tillie had anything in common.

The meal turned out not too bad. Chicken Parmesan with garlic bread and a tossed green salad, an overload of carbs for Miss Morgan he was sure, and the garlic could be a romance kibosher. Seth didn’t think he was  sabotaging things on purpose. Their conversation included the regular job-change discussion and other inane things he could care less about. Seth’s mind began to wander. Why hadn’t Tillie ever noticed anything unusual or supernatural in his apartment. Then it hit him. Even if an aberration was sitting on her lap, Tillie would never notice, unless it messed up her hair or make-up. Good looks could only take a guy so far. Before Seth knew it, out of his mouth came the words:

“You know Tillster, I have been thinking (for a nanosecond), maybe we need a break to determine if this thing between us is really going to happen. We can see, if absence makes the heart grow fonder, as the saying goes, or just more absent. If we cannot live without each other, we will know it is time to take the next step.” 

Seth didn’t enumerate what that next step would be, he really wasn’t sure, he was improvising. He assumed Tillie thought he was speaking of either moving in, or marriage, and he was getting a strong impression that he wanted neither with this woman. His plan was a stall, to figure how to get out gracefully. There was a chance he could surprise even himself and want back in, but doubtful.

Tillie, caught totally off guard, formed her mouth into an ugly “O” shape with lettuce leaves sprouting out of it. Once she had regained her composure, chewed and swallowed, unruffled Tille was back.

“I must say I am a bit surprised with this turn of events, Seth, but it may be for the best. We can both accomplish what we need to while apart, to make our lives better when we are back together.  For example, you could find the perfect job to surprise me and I could look for apartments and wedding venues. This could be fun. How long should we give it. One month should we say?” 

Now it was Seth’s turn to nearly choke on his chicken parm. Only Tillie could turn a break up attempt into a joint idea, and a good one at that. Pretty impressive recovery, Till did have a skill set. 

“Do you think one month is long enough? You gave us a lot to accomplish. Will we need two?”

“I like a challenge, let’s compromise at six weeks.” 

The happily-separated couple toasted on it and Tillie was out the door before 9:00 to begin organizing their lives together, without Seth. It wasn’t even one of their worst dates. 

The night was still young, but Seth decided to slip into his sweat pants and watch some TV with Barney. The dog deserved some reward time for the inspiration he had provided in the break up.

Just as they got comfortable, someone knocked. He knew it was too good to be true, Tillie had returned to hash it out. 

Seth yanked the door open, but a woman standing on the other side was the polar opposite of Tillie Morgan. Not tall, but not short either, medium build, with dark curls framing a cheerful face and big brown eyes looking right at him.  She was wearing slim cut jeans and a black t-shirt with black canvas converse shoes that had white rubber soles. Before he could even ask, she put out her hand and said, “Hello, I am Halle Valentine with Raul’s Psychic Readers, my dad said you were having some paranormal concerns and I am here to help. Didn’t we have an appointment at 9:00?”

She must have read the surprised look on Seth’s face. He had totally forgotten. Normal Seth would have told Halle that, and sent her away to come back another day, but new and improved bolder, take the moment by the balls, Seth, wanted this refreshing woman to come it. It seemed Deputy Fife did too. He had joined them at the door and was licking Miss Valentine’s hand. Seth assumed she was a Miss…wanted her to be one.

“Oh yes, forgive me, do come in. Would you like any leftovers before you start? I haven’t put them away yet.” Where did that come from? 

“I wondered what that tantalizing smell was and I am starving, sure, if you don’t mind. I’ll fill a plate and you can fill me in on the situation while I eat.”

And before Seth had time to think things through, Halle Valentine, a total stranger, who dealt with even stranger things, was sitting at his cafe-style table eating chicken parmesan and garlic bread. If she was that good at directing non-bodied people, she would be a wonder. 

“This sure hits the spot. Thanks. Now tell me what you are dealing with and how I can help?”

“Well, I am not really sure what I am dealing with, that is the main problem. And I am not even sure if I am comfortable with your help. Are you involved in the occult or anything of voodoo-ish nature? What is it you do really ?”

“How about I just give you a consultation tonight and explain what I do. Then you will be educated to decide if you are interested in my services, before I do anything you are not totally comfortable with.” Halle smiled,  “How does that sound? No charge, you have already fed me.” 

Halle was making this easier than Seth thought it would be. “That works for me.”

“First, know even though we like to work at night, it is not because we are doing works of darkness. It is just easier to read auras if there is no natural light around.  For generations certain members of my family have inherited a spiritual gift, some might call a sixth sense, making it easier for us to tap into things others cannot. Even though it might not look like it, there is an energy all around us, a world wide web that we just can’t see. A good psychic has the ability to take a step into a place and  pick up on those connections. They can ‘tune in’  and tap  fantastic insight into any issues or themes that seem to be playing out. Einstein talked about there being no real division between past, present and future which becomes very clear when you connect with this web.

My father and I are considered Mediums and Psychic readers., but he left “Medium” off our card because it has bad connotation to some people. We do not do seances. A Psychic tunes into the aura or energy field of the person they are reading to gather information, while a Medium in addition is able to tune into the energy field of a person no longer in the physical body. They are actually able to connect with both spirits who have crossed over and spirits still earthbound, those typically called ghosts. Let me simplify this. There is no scientific evidence of how a mother of an infant knows when her crying baby needs to be fed or to sleep or be played with, she just senses it. Similarly, if you believe in the unknown creator of universe, then you must feel his presence before believing in his creation.”

“You believe in God? This surprised Seth for some reason.

“Of course. God is the greatest source of energy and light.  His inspiration is a must for me. Not all in my field would agree. There are a lot of well-meaning people doing readings who believe they are psychic and they are not. Then there are some who are psychic, but accessed other sources that I choose to avoid.”

‘That makes me feel better for some reason. Let’s stay in the light. I work in a dark enough place.”

“If we work together Seth, I promise to avoid any dark alleys. I never feel afraid of my dealings with the spirit realm and neither should you. Communication with spirits has one purpose and one purpose only, healing…for the person in the spirit-world and also for the person still in the physical.”

“How exactly does it work? You know the communicating part.”

Psychics may be clairaudient, or have the ability to hear things, clairsentient, which means they can feel things, or clairvoyant, which simply means that they can see things that most other people can’t.  Empaths can tune into the feelings of other people in a very profound way.  I have each of these to some degree, but clairsentience is my strongest psychic sense. The contentment pouring from your dog is currently overpowering the whole room for me. He is one happy boy.” Barney’s tail began to thud on the floor in agreement. 

Every spirit communicates with me very differently. Some will choose to show me a lot of visual images and symbolism, while others prefer to speak to me with thoughts or feelings. As different as personalities are in life, they are in spirit as well. Some spirits are very good at communication through this process and some are just learning, it is as new to them as it may be to you. The most important part of any medium reading is passing on messages from the person in spirit to their family or friends who are still living.  Messages can be anything at all.”

Seth’s skepticism had a chunk wacked out of it. Halle did not seem like most of the wacko’s Junie sent. She was businesslike, knowledgeable and seemed reasonable for a psychic person. He could sense she enjoyed her work and found energy from it. Maybe he was developing some psychic reading tendencies of his own. 

“ I think I am willing to give this a try.”

“What are we trying, Seth?”

“There are unusual events that take place in my place. Things that don’t happen, happen. Not only have I seen things, some of my friends and even my dog, have informed me I am not living alone. They don’t bother me really. I’m just not sure why they are here, what do they want? Should I be concerned? Just need clarification from a clairvoyant or clairsentient I guess.”

“I can tell you without even officially beginning, you do have spirits from the other side here, Seth. Their presence is strong. There is definitely something they would like to communicate. I would be honored to come back and try to unlock their message for you, if you would like.”  

“I would like.” And I do like, he thought. He did like Halle. She was…what was what he was feeling…comfortable. Maybe not a compliment to most women, but it definitely was to Seth. A low maintenance woman sounded incredible. “Let’s get me on your schedule.”

Just what Seth needed, another person taking up residence in his already crowded head. He could not get Joshua out, now Halle would be residing there for sure, and other spirits popping in and out. It would be wonderful if this woman not only read minds, but decluttered them.

CHAPTER 10

19 states and DC have abolished the death penalty.

Alaska, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin.

Yesterday, Sunday morning, Seth surprised Marion at her Friends of Christ Church for Mother’s Day. He slid in next to her on the pew and pinned a carnation corsage on her already flowered dress. Daisies were her favorite flower, but the florist said they would not hold up well, so he settled. Joy spilled from her astonished face as she took his hand in hers. So simple to share a little piece of himself, on the day set aside to honor mothers, and that sliver of self had been the best gift he could have given. 

The sermon had been on “Mothers in the Scriptures” and “Is there was a Heavenly Mother?” It was interesting to consider that everyone on earth had a mother, even those in cells at Huntsville. He may not have always been the best son, but at least he wasn’t incarcerated. Seth was setting a pretty low bar for himself, he could do better. Just spending a few hours to worship with his matriarchal figure and share a  quick brunch, meant so much to her… Seth brought his thoughts back to the radio show where a caller had just expressed that she was dubious Testerman’s wife had absolutely no idea he was doing anything illegal. 

Harold Testerman was a brilliant research scientist, who had been fired from the chemical company where he was employed, when he ignored all safety guidelines and continued to concoct after-hour formulas he was convinced would save the world. Instead, he blew up half a block of a low end neighborhood near his home and became an official mass murderer. 

Harold may have slipped over the line of complete sanity, it was hard to tell, but was proven competent to stand trial. Seth was not so sure. In testing his theories, Harold caused the deaths of ten innocent people…a multi-generational family of seven,  a young married couple just getting started, plus an old woman and her cat. Harold felt they were collateral damage, necessary for progress in scientific study. It was unfortunate, but if he had to do it over probably would so the same thing again. Somehow the loner chemist married, but his mousey wife apparently had absolutely no clue what he was doing outside his regular employment. Or even that he was no longer employed. 

“Some husbands can have affairs that their wives know nothing about for years, why do you think hiding another sort of secret life would be any different?” Seth prodded the caller.

“It just seems that if a person were basically a mad science, brewing the end of the world in a basement lab, some of the side effects of the work would be brought home with him.” she insisted.

“Perhaps his wife did not want to know, and we are not dealing with a communicative man here, but you could be right. Thanks for the call. Who do we have next?”

“Maggie from Milwaukee here. I think Mr. Testerman should be put in an asylum for the criminally insane and allowed to continue his work, or put his genius mind to good use on other projects for the world, not snuff all that intelligence out. Control it, for the greater good.” 

“Interesting perspective Maggie. I have a caller with an opposing view on the other line.”

“Harold Testerman needs to be burned alive; death in the same manner as his victims, who died at the hands of this so called genius, including my daughter and her husband. Maggie from Milwaukee might feel differently if one of her family members were the casualty of this maniac’s experimental mind.”

Seth let the ladies duke it out for a few minutes on air, never getting too out of hand, before ending both calls with appreciation for their input. Cerebral criminal Harold Testerman was riling up the audience today. There was time for just one more caller.

“I am calling to recommend you never do a program of this sort, or any sort, about the juvenile convict they are keeping down there in Texas. There are things about him that should never be discussed casually in the light of day. His parentage is not even confirmed. Who knows if we are dealing with mere mortals? Leave this one alone!” The line went dead, leaving nothing but dial tone blaring in the national listener’s ears. 

“Never a dull moment on Seth Row my friends,” Seth stepped in quickly to fill the space, “be sure to tune in next week, but in the meantime, as always America, it has has been a pleasure…Seth signing off from the Row, reminding you to live well and make every day count!”

Then turning quickly to the team, “What in the world is going on here! Bear, can’t we screen these callers a little better. I’m getting battle scars from being blind-sided.”

“Sorry Seth, I was manning the phones today, since we aren’t on camera.” Joey confessed. “That last guy gave no indication he was pulling a mysterious redirect, promise. I would have cut him off at the knees if I’d any idea.” 

Bear interjected not to fret, crazy callers gave ratings a boost. People loved that kind of drama. Jake was off for the morning, but Gun said he almost cut the sound, but felt it was a powerful way to end the show, a true cliff hanger. Their listeners would be back for more next Monday. The guys pulled Seth back off the ledge and he calmed down. 

“I know you are not much of a drinker Hoeff,  but let’s go get some brews or at least a Coke when we finish up here. There are a few more things I need to run by you, after you defuse.” Bear requested.

“Sure man. Sorry guys. Things have just been more insane than usual lately. Let’s put another show in the can and call it a day. Thanks amigos.” 

The crew finished up and headed out. Seth jumped in his CRV and followed Bear to the first pub they passed on the drive home. They entered, far too early in the day, and grabbed a booth together.  Bear nursing a Budweiser and Seth sipping his Coke, they started their conversation with a catch up on personal lives. Bear was preparing to ‘pop the question’ to Ainsley in the next few months and asked Seth for advice on the perfect proposal. Seth was the master at production and Bear wanted it to be memorable. Seth even offered to do it on the show, but Bear wasn’t sure a show featuring criminals and death, cried out romance. 

Then Seth admitted that he and Tillie were on a break, to see if they missed being together. Well, Seth was on the break and Tillie on a planning spree. The two men were like brothers and could communicate much without even speaking,  but as afternoon turned into evening they talked. Bear wanted to know about his second momma, Miss Marion. Then as they finally finished running through all the relatives, Bear switched the topic to the recent work situation.

“I have been researching our, quickly-becoming-most-notorious-con, Joshua, as per request and have uncovered some info I think you will find extremely interesting.”

“That his parents are not mere mortals, but possible aliens, or better yet, gods who have created their own planets like Ego on Guardians?” Seth, in a much lighter mood, jested.

“Not exactly that earth, or universe shattering, but pretty big none the less. Do you know how Joshua ended up at our back door here in Huntsville?

“No, just assumed by assignment.”

“Remember reading about the Priest, Father Brogan?”

“Yah, that name is a bit deja vu-ish for me.”

“Well, according to what I can find, it was the boy’s priest, Father Brogan, who made the request to the judge after sentencing. He called in a heavenly favor to place him here.”

“Why would that be, Bear?”

“No idea yet, but it gets even weirder. I think, upon further follow-up with phone records, that Father B. from St. Edwards Parish, may also have been the anonymous caller on your show who first notified us of Joshua’s pending arrival.”

“ But why?… Why?” Seth wondered aloud. 

“That is the gold question, if you figure that one out my friend, we may have an Emmy winning interview with Joshua boy and his posse.”

“Looks like I’m a goin’on  a road trip to Idaho, Brother Bear. Like to join me?”

“I suggest taking a plane, unless you want to miss a week of work. Although Idaho is tempting, I think I will stay and keep the home fires burning. We have a hot one.”

CHAPTER 11

Bureau of Justice Statistics on Capital Punishment

Lethal Injection Consists of : Single drug of Pentobarbital

Average Time on Death Row prior to Execution: 10.87 years

Shortest Time on Death Row Prior to Execution: 252 days 

Longest time on Death Row prior to Execution: 11,575 date (31 years)

Average Age of Executed Offenders: 39

Oldest Age at time of Execution: 67