The Night They Hung My Brother, John Reeves [book club books .txt] 📗

bed in a jealous fit of rage." Judge Watson explained to the towns people.
The two deputies prepared the gallows for the execution to be held at midnight. The gathering spectators could hear Raymond shouting his innocents but, nobody believed he wasn't guilty of the alleged crime.

The storm that had been producing the lightning in the distance was moving closer. Raymond left inside to wonder if this would prolong the execution. With time he thought maybe the truth could be exposed. He couldn't believe he wasn't going to get the chance to tell his side of the story, he knew the situation made him look guilty. There were also simple facts that could clear his name totally.
Then a man in a solid black suit came in with the sheriff. He was then escorted over to the cell where they introduced Raymond to his lawyer. He asked if he could be left alone with his client.
"No, this man is being held for murder. It's too dangerous, but I'll step over here to my desk." The sheriff replied.
Raymond instantly began pleading his innocence to the man.
"I came back into town from working on the railroad coming over Signal Mountain, I stopped over there at Webb's on my way in. Andy came over to me to let me know that my wife hadn't been faithful. I did get mad, more mad than I think I'd ever been. Mostly because Andy too had slept with her. You know ole Andy never had more than a handful of people who even liked him. I was one of those men, but when I went over there with my gun I sure 'nuff thought about killing him.
Only when I got there Andy had already been shot. Someone else killed him whether I was gonna do it or not."
Moments later as the two men sat discussing the case the judge came in. He asked the sheriff to step outside with him.
"Judge, I don't think that boy shot Andy Wollo." Brown said.
"Well I got Sam Jones that said he did, saw him do it."
The gallows were set for the nights hanging, and there wasn't any doubt it was going to take place Judge Watson put his arm around the sheriff as he walked with him to make the speech to the townspeople.
Raymond was inside actually thinking the guy he was talking to was going to defend him. They both were escorted to the courthouse for the trial. Judge Watson had already filled the Jury box with handpicked people.
There might have been an hour discussion before Judge Watson slammed his gavel down. Then ordered the decision to be made. Then the lead juror stood saying the those unwanted words.
"Upon the evidence we find Raymond Brody guilty as charged."

"They hung your brother that same night?" Ben said.

"Yes, the hung him before I could say anything. My brother didn't kill Andy, and his wife had never left town. I was the one who killed them both that night. I had gotten rid of her body but, before I got back to remove Andy's body Raymond had stumbled up on what had taken place."

The Atlanta Constitution

Woman Confesses to 60 Year Old Murder

Imprint

Text: The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia. (C) 1991 MCA Nashville
Publication Date: 07-21-2010

All Rights Reserved

Dedication:
Bobby Russell Vicki Lawrence Reba McEntire