Mountain Justice

by Phillip W Price

  “Wow,” I said. “I guess politics in a small town can have a bigger reach than I realized.”

  She nodded. “Lots of things go on behind closed doors in this little town. And the Judge is frequently behind those doors.”

  “He sounds like somebody I need to meet.”

  “He’s in and out of the courthouse most every day. He does hold court in the other counties, on occasion.”

  “I’ll watch for him.” I said. Then I changed the subject. “It looks like the two people who are on staff at the Water Authority are named Hodge and Freely. Is the Hodge kin to the Sheriff?”

  “First cousin. Worked there since the Authority was formed. This Freely man is someone they hired from outside as some kind of consultant. I’ve never met him, but I hear he comes and goes as he pleases and is paid a handsome salary.”

  “Hmm.” I closed my pad and put my pen away. “Well, thanks for your help. I need all of it I can get.” I smiled my winningest smile.

  She still seemed angry about the paperwork being out of date and hardly looked up as I excused myself.

  When I went back out into the courthouse lobby, I saw the Sheriff talking to a well-dressed gentleman who was about seventy years old. He was in a suit and tie and had the look of money about him. I wasn’t sure if I should dodge them or not. But before I could decide what to do, the decision was out of my hands.

  The older man motioned me over. “The Sheriff says you’re the GBI Agent looking into some alleged discrepancies in the county treasury.”

  I ambled over. “Yes, sir. Would you be Judge Pelfrey?”

  “No doubt about it, this man is a trained investigator.” His accent was a little bit backwoods, but it almost seemed like an act. He was a small man, and his hands looked delicate. But his personality filled the room. He knew he was in charge and, I felt certain, viewed himself as a benevolent dictator. He was no Boss Hogg, but he seemed to rule the roost.

  I extended my hand, and his handshake was firm. “A pleasure to meet you, Your Honor.”

  “How is your investigation shaping up, if you don’t mind me asking?”

  It was highly unusual for a sitting Judge to ask about an active case within their jurisdiction. I couldn’t not answer the question, but I didn’t have to give up anything just yet.

  “Sir, I am just gathering information. I am assuming our headquarters will assign some financial wizard to go over the documents I’ve been able to collect.”

  “Well, the wheels of justice turn slowly. We all understand that, but our esteemed District Attorney sometimes sees ghosts where nothing exists. I hope he doesn’t lead a young lawman like yourself down a primrose path. Visions of promotions and your name in the paper. I’m sure a world of advancement awaits an Agent who uncovers some big corruption conspiracy in a small town such as this. Would you agree, Sheriff Hodge?”

  “That’s the God’s truth, Judge. That DA makes everything harder than it has to be. And callin’ in this outside GBI man is just a slap in the face to the honest lawmen of this county. I figure we’re all just servants to the public. And the public here doesn’t want a bunch of tax money wasted on some kind of witch hunt investigation that don’t do any good for the community.”

  I nodded and let them keep talking. Hodge was on a roll. “That man just don’t understand how things get done in a county like this. He’s always looking to embarrass them that have worked hard for this county.”

  I turned to address the Judge. “Judge, I got sent here fresh out of another assignment, and I’m not eligible for a promotion anytime soon. And for the record, I don’t have any family who might read my name in the Gilmer County paper. I just got sent to do a job.”

  The Judge grunted. He wasn’t accustomed to people responding so directly. “Well, that’s admirable. I look forward to seeing your work product. I have worked inside the legal system my entire adult life and have always respected the members of the GBI. I feel certain this whole matter is nothing, but I just hope it doesn’t damage the reputation of my home county. The fine people here are honorable, God-fearing folks.”

  We stood there awkwardly for a full minute. The Judge gave the Sheriff a look, which the Sheriff seemed to recognize as being dismissed. The Sheriff stared at me for a moment, with a frown on his face, and then ambled off.

  “Was there something else, Judge?” I asked.

  The Judge started walking across the lobby and motioned me to follow. “Come join me in my office,” he said.

  I shrugged and followed. His office was not much larger than a closet, located on the main floor, adjacent to the courtroom. It had probably served as a Judge’s office for a century. He motioned me to a seat.

  Looking the office over, it didn’t seem grand or impressive and was certainly not what I expected. I couldn’t help but wonder at the history of this little room. “I bet if these walls could talk, there would be some stories.”

  The Judge wedged himself into a worn office chair. Neither leather nor expensive looking. “I have no doubt that a law officer such as yourself would be appalled by some of the deals made in this very room.” He watched me look around the room.

  The walls were decorated with pictures of his wife and daughter and his diplomas and certifications. It wasn’t opulent, but it seemed to suit him. In this tight space, he seemed even more powerful.

  He smiled. “Just wanted to give you some friendly advice. As a longtime member of the legal community here, I understand that accusations can be thrown out by people who have an axe to grind. I hope the GBI isn’t being led around by the nose by some low-class individuals who want to see me and my family embarrassed.”

  I tried to look confused. “Judge, your name wasn’t mentioned in my initial briefing, and the DA sure didn’t bring your name up. I’m not sure where the idea is coming from that I’m looking at you,” I paused, “or your family.”

  “Well, I know there has been gossip for the last couple of years about my daughter. I have it on good authority that some of her disreputable clients have tried to serve her up to the GBI or maybe the DEA. She has made some missteps in her personal life, I know. Marriages that failed, and a few minor accidents I had to help her resolve.”

  I felt drawn to the pictures of his family. There were faded pictures of his daughter when she was young, and his wife had long blond hair. Then, pictures of his daughter graduating from college, probably her bachelor’s degree. Then portraits that looked recent, his wife and daughter in separate frames.

  “Judge, as far as I know right now, this is about questions about county contracts that might not be on the up and up. I wasn’t sent up here to do anything else.” I maintained eye contact and waited for the Judge.

  “That’s good to know. I think the rumor mill may be working overtime. But a man in my position has to be cautious about his public image.” He inclined his head toward the family pictures. “I’ve spent the better part of my life trying to keep my image clean.”

  “Sure, I understand.” I started to get up, and then I stopped. “While we are talking, I was wondering if you knew if an old informant of mine was sent off to prison. I lost track of him, but in a community this size, I figured you might know him or his family.”

  I watched the Judge’s eyes narrow. “Can’t imagine who you mean, but we have lots of people come through the system here. Methamphetamine is a scourge in our community.”

  I acted like I was trying to remember. I hesitated, then said, “Maybe Justin Harris?”

  He looked like I had slapped him. But he kept his cool. “I do know some Harrises in the west side of the county. May have represented some of that family at one time. No Justin, though.”

  I nodded to him and said, “Well, Judge, if you will excuse me, I need to get up to the DA’s Office.”

  He held me with a look. “You could be a valued member of our community. A smart fellow like you could find this to be a good place to live. With friends not only in this courthouse but also under the gold dome in
Atlanta.”

  “What would that look like for me? Would I have to look the other way when certain people are breaking the law?”

  It was his turn to shrug. “A sitting Judge would never ask an Officer of the law to do such a thing. And I want you to understand I am not suggesting that in any way.” I assumed he thought I was recording him.

  The clock behind his head clicked loudly while I weighed my response. He had steepled his hands and rested his brow on them. He seemed to be staring at something on his desk.

  “Judge, I took an oath, same as you. I’m not some kind of zealot, but I do believe in the oath I took.”

  “Well, son, you get on about your business. I’m sure you have important things to tell the DA,” Judge Pelfrey said.

  “Pleasure to meet you, Judge.” I stood at the edge of the desk for a moment.

  He smiled. “The pleasure is all yours.” Then he laughed at his own joke.

  I could feel the Judge staring at my back as I made my way out the office door. I turned and jogged up the stairs to the District Attorney’s Office.

  Rose was at her desk, and greeted me with a smile. “You have a message. You need to call your SAC as soon as possible.”

  My stomach started to churn.

  “Thanks. Is there an office I can use?”

  “Mr. Mason is in court in Blue Ridge. Just use his desk.” Rose was wearing a brightly colored dress that clung to her ample curves like the highest quality silk. As I walked past her toward Mason’s office, I could smell her perfume. The aroma was subtle, but distinctive. I was surprised I noticed, since I was preoccupied with what the impending call would be like.

  I pushed the door to Mason’s office closed and sat down at his desk to dial the phone. The call went to an eight-hundred number, answered by the GBI Radio Room. I asked to be transferred to the Region Eight Office and told them who I was. On the second ring, Will Carver picked up the phone.

  “Well, you’ve managed to really piss off the Sheriff in just a couple of days. I seem to remember using the term ‘low-key,’” he said into the phone.

  “Yes, sir. I didn’t necessarily mean for things to go this way, but I have been pretty active.”

  “What the hell made you think it was okay to run from a Deputy Sheriff?”

  “Well, sir, I was trying to be covert. You know, keep them from knowing what I was driving.”

  “That may be the stupidest answer an Agent has ever given me,” he said. At least his voice was steady. He wasn’t shouting—yet.

  “I was just trying to keep some advantage, sir. I figured them not knowing what I was driving was a plus. I’ve been parking about a quarter mile from the courthouse and checking for tails when I come and go. You know about them running the tags at the motel in Blue Ridge?”

  “I am aware of that. Have you seen any other indications that they are tracking you, or trying to interfere with your investigation?”

  “Well, sir, from a strictly technical standpoint—” Carver cut me off.

  “You are up there for a reason. That reason is to get to the bottom of the corruption in that county. I’m not looking for you to take arrest warrants right now, and I don’t expect a case we can take to court in a few days. I want to know what you think. We are here to support you.”

  “Right,” I said.

  “Listen,” Carver came back. “Our job is to put you on a case and then support you. That’s all any supervisor should do. Now, get past worries about getting in trouble with me. Yes, I think running from the Deputy was a foolish move, but you got away with it. For now. But what can you tell me that moves this investigation forward?

  I relaxed a little. “Well, sir, the audits I have examined don’t have any particular red flags in them. I have compared the number of employees on the books with the number of people who seem to be showing up at the offices. So far, nothing seems to be out of whack. I haven’t been able to do much work on the Water and Sewage Authority, but the other departments seem to all check out.”

  “No phantom employees?”

  “Well, the nepotism makes it difficult to be sure without interviewing every employee. But at first blush, the payroll seems pretty legit.”

  “So, you think the DA is barking up the wrong tree?”

  “No, sir. I think there is something up. But I’m leaning toward the contracts the county has for road repair and water services. Lots of money is going out the door to these contractors. That would be an easy way to syphon off money.”

  “Who is behind it all?” Carver asked.

  “Right now, to paraphrase Inspector Clouseau, ‘I suspect everyone, and I suspect no one.’”

  “You’re seriously quoting a character from the Pink Panther movies?”

  “Sorry, s—” But, he cut me off again.

  “Look, that’s fine. But don’t put any of that bullshit in your emails or your official reports. Understand?”

  “I do,” I almost stood at attention. I was certainly sitting up in my seat.

  “I want an email at the end of each day. Just do it when you get in for the evening. No time deadline. I want a run down on what has happened in the last twenty-four hours and what you think it all means. Keep to facts only, and keep the conjecture down to plausible theories. We may have to give copies of these emails up at a later date. So, keep that in mind.”

  “Will do, sir.”

  “Now, you watch your back. Get to the bottom of this, but understand these people will do anything to get you tainted. So keep your head on a swivel.”

  “Understood, sir. I usually call it quits around nine every evening. If that is okay with you, expect my emails about then.”

  “Send them to me. And try to stay out of jail while you’re there. I don’t want to have to involve the Attorney General in this. I would never hear the end of it if I had to get an Agent out of jail for running from the law. Understood?”

  I nodded. Then, remembering he couldn’t hear that, I said, “I understand. Thanks, Will.”

  “Call if you need anything up there. Except bail money. Call Willie Nelson if you need that.” I assumed that was his idea of a joke. He hung up the phone.

  I sat with the phone in my hand for almost a full minute. The signal that the phone was off the hook on a dead line came on, and I finally hung it up.

  I wanted to meet with Willie and hear his version of how the Gilmer County Deputies responded to his story. The Sheriff hadn’t seemed convinced the car they chased was a Tahoe. But then again, the Deputy hadn’t been seriously hurt. I had heard him talking on the radio after the crash, and no one had called for an ambulance to come to the scene. Technically, we were at a draw for who was the biggest liar.

  When I left Mason’s office, Rose was standing in the hall waiting on me. “Are you in big trouble?” she asked.

  I smiled. “Not yet. But the day isn’t over.”

  “Well, when your day is over, where do you want to take me for dinner? My mother is keeping the kids, and I need to get out. And I’ll just bet there are some things you would like to ask me about.”

  “Rose, you’re still married, aren’t you? At least in the eyes of the law. I don’t want to be the one who gets drug into court for your divorce trial. Hell, your soon-to-be ex may be a suspect in the case I’m investigating.”

  “My soon-to-be ex has already took up with another girl who works here in the Clerk of Court’s Office. They get seen out all the time. Nobody can say anything about me seeing other men.”

  I probably should have cut things off right there. But I didn’t. She could be a good source of information about the goings on in the county and talking in an informal setting might encourage her to be more open.

  “Can you meet me in Blue Ridge?” I asked.

  She nodded, and we set a place to meet. I made sure to allow time for my seven p.m. call to Atlanta. It wasn’t very chivalrous to have her meet me, but then I was on a pretty short leash. And I didn’t need the Gilmer County crowd knowing about us. />
  I headed down the stairs, looking for any potential tails. I trotted out the front door and down the front steps of the courthouse. I was crossing the street when I saw Rose’s soon-to-be ex sitting in an unmarked car. He was parked just off the square.

  I used the traffic flow to get out of sight, since the Deputy was on a one-way street. Once the Deputy was out of sight, I went into the front of a small antiques shop and then went out their rear door. I was then well off the square. I kept my eyes peeled for the Deputy and made it back to my car.

  While I waited for him to give up, I got on the Georgia State Patrol radio channel. “GBI eighty-nine to GSP Blue Ridge.”

  The radio operator came back right away. “Go ahead, GBI eighty-nine.”

  “Could you raise DNR seventy-seven?”

  “Stand by. Blue Ridge to DNR seventy-seven.”

  After just a minute, I heard the GSP operator respond. “Stand by DNR seventy-seven. GBI eighty-nine, what is your traffic for DNR seventy-seven?”

  I was concerned this radio traffic might be overheard, but I needed to meet with Willie. “Ask him if he can meet me at your post in about an hour.”

  She relayed my question, and in a few seconds responded that DNR seventy-seven was on the way. I checked the area around me, backed out, and started for Blue Ridge. I made a point to take smaller back streets to get out of town and kept an eye on the rearview mirror.

  I didn’t see the unmarked car again.

  CHAPTER 7

  ONE RIOT . . . IS

  STILL A RIOT, RANGER

  The drive to Blue Ridge was uneventful. I made my way to the State Patrol post. The post was a 1960s era building of brick. I tucked my car behind the post in an area that concealed it from the road. I came in through the back door, which took me into a kitchen.

  An off-duty trooper, dressed in uniform pants, socks, and an undershirt, was heating a meal in the microwave. I introduced myself, and he offered me a seat at the table and coffee. I took him up on the coffee.

  Once I had poured my coffee, I took a seat at the little table. The trooper said, “Are you the one they sent up from Atlanta to check into the dirt in Gilmer County?”