Clint Crawford

Wayward Way of Man Clint Crawford

The men were tired of seeing men like Titus walk away without consequence. Crooked judges and other officials had ruined what was once a peaceful place to the point that people both white and black lived in fear of crossing the paths of such men. After the trial was over Tucker James and Jacob Burton turned in their badges to Sheriff Brighton and left Raimer stating that until the people running things wanted the situation to get better, it would not. Titus Lindley left town also. It was rumored that Leroy Brighton had threatened to kill him if he didn't. Leroy stayed on as Sheriff for another thirty-four years before retiring. In that time, he saw things slowly get better as the Klan was eventually taken down after the Federal Government finally lent its resources and men. The Dixie Mafia factor, Leroy found, eventually did itself in as the different members slowly killed each other off or left for fear of being killed in a double cross. However, that hot night in Raimer and the sight of those boys lying dead still haunted his memory. He was sure it haunted the memories of his two deputies at that time as well. They had stayed in touch but when they did talk they never mentioned that night. It was something none of them wanted to mention. It was something that was unfinished.