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It was several weeks before Jesse and Katy heard from Sheriff Haywood again. It was near the end of July when he phoned the Hailey house to give them good news.
“The District Attorney is ready to proceed with the trial in September,” he stated. “Brice’s father sent him to live with an aunt in Brooksville. Guess he’s hoping to keep him out of trouble until the trial. Two more girls have come forward with statements that he beat them and either tried or did molest them."
"That's wonderful news," Jim said, smiling at Katy and Malinda, who were eagerly standing nearby.
“Katie’s friend, Janice came into the station with her mother a couple of days ago and added her statement. That one is of great importance. She's willing to swear in court that he beat and raped her. That will certainly help our case. All the girls who came forward have agreed to testify.”
“Do you know where the trial will be held?” Jim asked.
“Mr. Bachlund hired an attorney from Jacksonville. He requested a change of venue to Tampa. He feels getting a fair and impartial jury may not be possible here. The Judge is Walter H. Dexter. He's good and has handled a lot of criminal cases. Matthew Coffee is the Assistant District Attorney assigned to prosecute.”
“Is the trial still set for September?” Jim asked.
“Yes, but the defense attorney is dragging his feet. He knows he’s going to find it hard to get around all the evidence.”
“Thanks for letting us know,” Jim said, and hung up the phone.
"Let's go talk to the Sullivans," Jim said. "They'll want to know what's been said."
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Doris was watching Jesse as she puttered around the kitchen.
"You're awfully quiet. What's on your mind?" She asked him as she wiped the counter top with the wet towel she'd been drying dishes with.
“Mom, am I doing the right thing, going off to college? It’s a lot of money, even with my scholarships. You and dad didn’t go to college, and you've done alright.”
“Times are different now. We’re just farmers, but you could make this place grow. Who knows, maybe you’ll decide you don’t want to be a farmer or raise cattle like your dad.”
“But I do want to be a farmer.”
“Then go to college and learn to be the best farmer you can be. Learn all the new things your dad and I don’t know. You're going to be fine.”
She came around the table and gave her son a big hug. “Just promise you'll never get too smart or too big that your mom can’t hug you once in a while.”
This made him smile.
She turned away so Jesse wouldn’t see the tears building in her eyes. She pushed them away and called over her shoulder, “You had better get going before your dad comes looking for you.”
Ted stood in the doorway with his arms crossed over his chest. He watched Jesse get up and push the chair back under the table. His smile read as a man who was very proud of the boy who stood almost his own height. “Ready, Jesse?" he asked. "We have cattle and chickens to feed. I need to check the hives for mites, as well as the honey production. There are still a lot of blooming plants for the bees to feed on."
Jesse joined him and headed for the door.
"I’m pleased Jim was able to leave us a couple of hives. Maybe we can get a split or two in time.” Ted grabbed his baseball cap off the peg by the door and walked down the porch steps. The dogs happily followed behind.
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Jesse enjoyed working with his father on the farm. He and Katy would make good farmers, just like his mom and dad. They discussed it often during their nightly phone calls.
“Jesse, I’m afraid Brice will get off somehow and come after us again,”
“I don’t think there’s a chance in hell that’ll happen. Think of all the evidence there is against him. The pictures of what he did to you and all the statements from the other girls proving what he is really like. He’ll get jail time alright.”
"I hope you're right." They said goodnight.
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The next morning Jesse heard the phone ring.
"I'll get it. It might be Katy," he called out. “Hello?”
"Jesse, is your mom or dad around?”
"Dad, it's for you," he shouted. As Tom reached for the phone Jesse whispered, "It sounds important.
"Yes?"
"Mr. Sullivan, this is Matthew Coffee with the DA’s office calling from Tampa. I wanted to let you know that there's been another incident. Another girl has brought charges against Bachlund. The boy went back home yesterday to meet with his attorney. Last night he beat up a girl named Cassie Moore. I believe they had been dating. She is so bad her doctor transported her to Manatee Memorial in Bradenton. She has a broken nose, a concussion and several broken ribs. Witnesses told the police he kicked her repeatedly. They pulled him off and called the police. He’s under arrest and will be held without bail this time. This can only strengthen our case. I just wanted you to know.”
“I can’t believe Brice is so stupid!” Tom said when he hung up.
Doris and Jesse were eagerly awaiting details.
“Brice is back in jail. He attacked another girl last night.”
After the call the house became unnaturally quiet. Ted went into the bedroom where Doris was dusting the furniture. He walked up behind and wrapped his arms around her.
“Everything is going to work out. Our kids are safe as long as Brice is in jail. He will be convicted and spend much of his life in prison, then we can all get on with our lives.”
