The Crossing by Gerald W. Darnell

get back to telling their lies,” he laughed.
    We both walked out the front door and sat down on a short bench that ran along the front of the building.
    “Damn Carson,” Yarnell said with a big smile. “It has been a long time since I’ve seen you.   And now when I finally do, it’s under bad circumstances.   Have you been to see Henry?”
    “Yep, a couple of times.   When’s the last time you went to see him?”   I could tell Yarnell didn’t like the question.
    “Just after he was arrested, Carson.   I’ve been busy, with work, you know,” he lied.
    “I stopped by Humboldt Canning before coming here.   Your boss said you haven’t been there since Tuesday and haven’t called either.   He also told me that when I saw you to tell you to stop by payroll and pick up your final check.”
    “Oh,” Yarnell said looking at the ground.
    “Yarnell, what’s going on with all these Memphis people in town?   And why would you have Henry sign a paper authorizing a NAACP lawyer from Nashville to represent him?” I asked with a frown.
    Yarnell continued to stare at the ground, and thought for a minute before answering. “You know about that, huh?”
    “I sure do, and I don’t think that’s what Henry wants.   It’s his decision to make; he’s the one in jail and accused of murdering that white girl.   What’s this all about?” I asked again.
    “When we couldn’t find you, I called this Reverend Jeremiah Higgs in Memphis.   A fellow at work told me about him and the ‘Nazarene Baptist Church’ and how they might be able to help.   I told him the situation, and the next thing I know he shows up here with that paper I had Henry sign.   Then after that, the whole town started filling up with his congregation and members from the church.   They came in cars, church buses and even a few of them rode the Greyhound up here.   Colleen has got a house full and so do I; every motel in town is full.”   He was still looking at the ground while he spoke.
    “Alright Yarnell, that damage is done and we’ll deal with it.   But, there is something else I’ve got to know and I promise you’re not going to like the question!”
    Yarnell briefly looked at me, and then resumed staring at the ground. “What is the question?” he finally said.
    “Have you taken any money from these people?   Specifically, have you taken any money from the Reverend Jeremiah Higgs?” I asked.
    Yarnell fiddled with his shoelaces and tried hard to avoid eye contact; he knew I was looking straight at him.   He finally decided to answer. “Look Carson, these people promised to help Henry and promised to do it for free.   They also promised to help with other expenses and see that things got taken care of, you know?   I mean, Henry ain’t working but bills still got to be paid, you know?   The man gave me some money to help with the rent and said the congregation would be raising additional money to pay other expenses.   He said this lawyer, Mr. Abernathy, was a real good lawyer, and he wouldn’t be charging for his work.   Carson, I’m just trying to do what’s best for Henry, that’s all.”
    “Really,” I said disgustedly.   “That’s why you quit your job?   That’s why you would sit here and drink beer instead of going to work?   Is that why you haven’t been to see your brother but once since he’s been in jail?   If you’re trying to do what’s best, I wonder who that best is for – Yarnell or Henry!”
    Yarnell didn’t look at me and he didn’t speak.   He just stood up, and walked back into the little grocery.   I got in the Ford and headed toward Chiefs.
    ~
    I didn’t see Joe’s car, so I assumed he hadn’t returned from Jackson. The Thursday crowd had already started to gather, and I certainly hoped the atmosphere would be lighter than it had been last night.   I parked in front of my Cottage and used the rear door to enter Chiefs.   Nickie met me almost immediately.
    “Come with