Excerpt
Prelude



It was the third time for me. The second time in two months. You'd think I was a hardened criminal, a fugitive from the law or something. As I drove toward Sherman past McKinney I daydreamed of just driving right on through, into Oklahoma, through Missouri all the way to Canada. I chuckled. Wouldn't that give the press something to write about?

Then I took a deep breath trying to muster a little courage. I could get through this. A little jail time is no big deal. No, big deal except everybody would be watching as I was taken into custody. My wife, the children, my parents and all my friends. All of the people I love and care about would be watching my humiliation before the entire nation.

As we approached the Sheriff's office I could see the big crowd of reporters gathered to watch my surrender. Slowing down to a crawl to avoid accidentally killing one of them, I eased into a parking space that had been reserved for me. The Sheriff and two deputies were there to accept my surrender. One of the deputies opened the door. As I got out the cameras started flashing and the questions poured out.

"How do you feel this morning, Mr. Turner?" a reporter asked.

"As well as to be expected," I replied.

"Do you think the judge was too harsh with you?" a second reporter inquired.

I shrugged. The Sheriff took my arm and pulled me toward the door. He said, "Alright, clear a path. No more questions. He and his deputies pushed the reporters aside as we made our way inside. As we made our way down a long corridor the Sheriff said,"Well, Stan before we book you and take you to your cell, there is someone here to see you."

"Really," I said quite surprised I would already have a visitor.

They escorted me into a small interrogation room where a woman was seated. When she turned and smiled at me I immediately recognized her. She got up and came over to me. We embraced.

"Mrs. Stone," I said laughing. "What in the world are you doing here?"

She smiled. "I've been hearing a lot about you Stan. My God, can't you stay out of trouble? My editor wanted to get your story. He figured it was only appropriate that I come."

I shook my head. "Well, I'm afraid you can't bail me out of this one, Mrs. Stone. I went and pissed off the judge and there is no bail."

She nodded. "Well, I wish I could do something, I really do. But anyway, I talked the Sheriff into this interview. I hope you don't mind."

"No, I'm not anxious to go to my cell."

"Has anyone got your story yet?"

"No, I've been a little too busy to talk to reporters, but now I've got lots of time."

"Good, then I'd really like to get the inside scoop on all the bizarre things that have been going on with you lately. Can I have the story?"

"You don't even have to ask. You know you're the first person I'd give it to."

"Well then, lets get some coffee and you can start by enlightening me as to why the Sheriff has furnished your cell with a refrigerator full of beer, a TV and a Lazyboy recliner!"

A sudden rush of relief came over me. Tears welled up in my eyes. "My God, did he really go and do all that?"