The focus of the investigation had now turned to Braxton Conner. He became the prime suspect.
Old statements indicated that he had been drinking heavily that day, looking for Pastor Andrew, threatening to kill him, his jealous rage finally getting the best of him.
Ultimately, Sheila’s husband and tormentor was picked up and brought in for questioning.
That afternoon, Braxton tried to answer their questions, to explain what he could remember.
He felt his old personality returning, as his stress mounted. His answers becoming defensive as old resentments resumed.
Closing his eyes, he resisted, not wanting to go back to the way he had been. He prayed for strength.
Visions of being handcuffed, taken to jail, placed in a small cell as the sound of the iron door loudly clanking shut behind him, locking him up for many years to come, tormented him.
He told them honestly, “I can remember being angry, threatening everyone, and determined to hurt them as they hurt me. I know I went door to door demanding the whereabouts of Pastor Andrew, or Sheila. But I can’t remember finding either of them. I really can’t! I was so wasted.”
He cringed at the memories that he could find, of vowing to kill them both… and meaning it then.
But did I do it? I can’t remember. All that drinking, those days, weeks, even months are all a blur.
In the end, without physical evidence, the police released him, warning him not to leave town.
As he walked out of the station, he knew he needed advice and counsel. He’d talk to his father’s lawyer soon, but right now, he wanted to talk to Tom, the man he felt who understood him and was becoming his friend.
At the pastor’s home they talked for long hours, praying and seeking God. Pastor Tom placed his hand on the man’s shoulder, as Braxton unburdened himself of his past, weeping in regret for what he’d done, and wanting to make things right.
Please Lord, not now. Not when my life has changed for the better and I’ve found you, he thought. But, it’s too late, isn’t it? Oh, why can’t I remember! I need to know what I did!
He knew justice was coming, but did he have the strength to face it?
In the end, he could do nothing but trust in God. So, Braxton let go of trying to remember and resigned himself to his fate.
* * * *