And he was about to lose
“A year ago, few people were thinking about Donte Drumm. There was no execution looming. There was a chance he would find relief in a federal court. Maybe a reversal, a new trial. I don’t know, Robbie. Maybe I should’ve been more involved, but this is not my case. I was busy with my own matters.”
“I understand, Judge.”
They shook hands and offered their farewells. Robbie took the back stairs so he wouldn’t bump into some lawyer or clerk who wanted to chat. As he hurried along the empty corridor, he tried to think of another elected official in Slone or in Chester County who had voiced support for Donte Drumm. One came to mind, the only black city councilman in Slone.
For nine years, he had fought a long and lonely battle. And he was about to lose. A phone call from the cousin of a big donor would never be enough to stop an execution in Texas. The machinery was well-oiled and efficient. It was in motion, and there was no way to stop it.
On the front lawn of the courthouse, city workers were assembling a makeshift podium. A few policemen loitered about, chatting nervously as they watched the first church bus unload. A dozen or so black folks got off and made their way across the lawn and past the war memorials. They found their spot, unfolded chairs, and began to wait. The rally, or protest, or whatever it was to be called, was scheduled for noon.
Robbie had been asked to speak, but declined. He couldn’t think of anything to say that would not be inflammatory, and he did not want to be accused of inciting the crowd. There would be enough troublemakers.
According to Carlos, who was charged with monitoring the Web site, the comments, and the blogs, the traffic was increasing dramatically. Protests were being planned for Thursday in Austin, Huntsville, and Slone and on the campuses of at least two of the black universities in Texas.
Give ’em hell, Robbie thought as he drove away.
Chapter 13
Keith arrived early at the hospital and made his rounds. St. Mark’s Lutheran currently had half a dozen members in various stages of treatment or recuperation. He said hello to all six, shared a quick word of comfort, held their hands in prayer, then was off to get Mr. Boyette for what promised to be an eventful day.
Processing your request, Please wait....
