Bluebird, Bluebird

Darren visits his mother who has called him four times over the last few days. Bell Callis lives in a mobile home in a rural part of Camilla, Texas. Bell, addicted to alcohol, is intoxicated when Darren arrives. She has no food in her home. Though Darren was raised by his two uncles, he physically resembles his mother and her side of the family, tall and slim. “In the flesh at least, Darren was all Callis” (39). Though he looks like his mother, he has not spent much time with her side of the family. Holidays are spent with his dad’s side of the family and his wife’s relations. Darren has only known his mother since he was eight and their relationship has been strained throughout the years. He never met his father Darren “Duke” Mathews as he was killed in Vietnam. Darren shares a drink with Bell, and she tells him she has spoken to Lisa about his suspension. He knows this is significant because his mother and wife do not have a relationship. Lisa also told her of their separation. Bell shows little concern for his problems and turns the conversation to money. She claims her boss Fisher at the Starfish Resort Cabins and RV Hook-Up owes her money. Bell has likely stolen from Fisher, and she is also in a relationship with him. Darren knows she is spending all her money on alcohol and cigarettes but gives her $200 for food.

After leaving his mother, Darren travels on Highway 59 towards Lark and thinks about his family. Both branches are from Texas and date back to post Civil War. His mother’s side of the family lived in poverty, but his father’s side, the Mathews, were wealthy landowners and farmers. They are a people full of pride and highly valued education. They refused to leave the town when racism threatened to make it difficult to live there. They invested in the community by building schools and making loans for Black-owned small businesses. The homestead in Camilla where he was raised is a place of fond memories for him. Darren thinks about what Greg said about the case and agrees they might be connected.

He attempted to establish a hate crimes unit when he first began as a Ranger, but his idea was dismissed. Darren receives a text from Mack inquiring about the grand jury testimony, but he does not respond and instead calls his uncle Clayton who can pass along the details. He speaks to Clayton who is in between classes at the university where he teaches law. He tells of his visit to his mother and the details of Vaughn’s questioning. Clayton reminds him that it is still not too late to return to law school in Chicago. Clayton has also spoken to Lisa and tells Darren he can even attend law school in Austin.

Clayton invites Darren to dinner with Naomi and him. Naomi is his late uncle William’s wife. She and Clayton are now together. His mom rings his phone again multiple times, but he ignores the calls. He receives an email from Greg with more details about Michael Wright and Melissa Dale. Wright is a well-educated married, 35-year-old Texas native who moved to Chicago after his parents’ death. Darren notes the similarities in their backgrounds. He studies the attached photo and the mention of Wright’s wife, Randie Winston. Missy Dale was a cosmetology student and waitress at Jeff’s Juice House and was married to Keith Dale, a timber worker and ex-convict. Greg’s notes hint that Keith might have ties to ABT, an organization that recruits members while they are incarcerated. Darren removes his Ranger badge as he enters the town to remain anonymous.