Jimmy Read Online Free Page B

between reality and fantasy.”
    â€œThat, too, I will allow on cross, but I don’t want to keep the jury waiting any longer. I think Jimmy sufficiently understands the requirement that he tell the truth as best he can.” The judge turned toward the bailiff. “Bring the jury back into the courtroom.”
    Jimmy stood.
    â€œPlease, stay where you are, son,” the judge said. “We’re not finished yet.”
    â€œBut I’d like to sit with my mama.”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œI’d like to call Dr. Paris to provide background information for the jury,” Daddy added.
    â€œThat’s not necessary,” the judge answered. “Proceed with the boy’s testimony.”
    Jimmy looked at Mama. She motioned for him to sit, then put her hands together. That meant she was praying for him.
    The people on the jury returned to the courtroom. Mrs. Murdock gave him another big smile. It made him wish again that he could be in her classroom in high school. He guessed she’d be the kind of teacher who found out what students liked to do and made it part of the lessons. The best teachers knew how to do that.

— Three —
    J immy, put your left hand on the Bible and raise your right hand,” Daddy said.
    Jimmy put one hand on the Holy Bible and raised the other one. He heard a chuckle from the direction of the special seats.
    â€œThe other hand,” Daddy said.
    Figuring out right and left was hard, especially when looking at something. Jimmy switched hands, putting his left hand on the Holy Bible and raising his right hand high in the air like a student who knew the answer to a question in school. Another round of twitters came from the people in the special chairs.
    â€œWhat’s funny?” he asked.
    â€œLower your right hand so that it’s even with your ear.”
    Jimmy carefully lowered his right hand and touched the top of his ear in a sideways salute. Daddy spoke.
    â€œJimmy, do you promise God and everyone in the courtroom that you will tell the truth?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œIs that sufficient language for the oath?” Daddy asked the judge.
    â€œYes, proceed.”
    â€œJimmy, what is your name?”
    It was Jimmy’s turn to laugh out loud. His voice echoed in the large courtroom. At times Daddy could be impatient with him, but his silly question helped Jimmy get over being embarrassed.
    Daddy smiled. “Please, tell the members of the jury your full name.”
    Jimmy sat up straight and looked at Mrs. Murdock. “James Lee Mitchell III.”
    â€œBut everyone calls you Jimmy, right?”
    â€œYes, sir. It’s a lot shorter and easier to spell.”
    â€œJimmy, do you know Jake Garner, the man sitting at that table?”
    Jimmy looked at Jake. From the witness chair, he couldn’t see the colors of the snake on his arm as clearly. Jake looked at Jimmy but didn’t smile.
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œHave you ever talked to him?”
    â€œNo, sir.”
    â€œDo you know why he’s here in the courtroom?”
    â€œSomeone invited him to come.”
    There was more laughter.
    Mr. Robinson spoke. “We’ve had enough levity. We’re here on serious business.”
    Jimmy could tell that Mr. Robinson, like Daddy, was used to getting his way.
    â€œJimmy, do you know Sheriff Brinson?” Daddy asked.
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œIs he in the courtroom today?”
    â€œYes, sir.”
    â€œWhere is he sitting?”
    Jimmy pointed to the bench behind Mr. Laney and waved at Sheriff Brinson. The sheriff gave a slight smile but didn’t wave back.
    â€œWhere do you usually see Sheriff Brinson?”
    â€œWhere they keep the police cars. Sometimes on Saturdays I help clean the cars, and after I finish, I’ll sit in a car and turn on the blue lights and listen to the policemen talk on the radio.”
    â€œDo you turn on the siren?”
    â€œNo, sir.”