Bluebird, Bluebird

Geneva finally opens up to Darren and tells of the day Michael Wright came into the café with the guitar. She says he reminded her of her son immediately. Michael came in around five o’clock carrying the guitar. Geneva asked if he played before taking his order for a catfish plate and a beer. He said no, and Geneva noticed his wedding ring and his Illinois license plate. Michael does not fit in in the small town. Geneva asked him why he was carrying a guitar if he did not play it, and Michael revealed that it belonged to Joe. Geneva opens the case to touch the instrument. Michael related the story of Booker Wright and his uncle to a stunned Geneva. Michael apologized that it took him so long to return it. Though their parting of ways drove a wedge through their friendship, Booker still loved and cared for Joe. Michael ate his dinner while Geneva mounted the guitar on the wall. The two chatted about Michael’s personal life, parts of which resonated with Geneva’s own story. Michael left the café to grab a drink at the icehouse despite Geneva’s warnings. As he left, he asked Geneva if she and Joe had children. Geneva told him about their only son Lil’ Joe. She also told him of Joe’s death. Isaac suddenly spoke up to tell of what he saw that night. Michael asked Isaac how he knew the killers were white.

Darren listens to Geneva tell the story and notices inconsistencies in the story of Joe’s death. Randie is preparing to leave. Wally is at the counter and is drunk claiming he will have Geneva’s door fixed soon. Geneva says the café is closed, and the mood between her and Wally tense. Wally reveals he told Van Horn about Missy being with Geneva on the night of her death. Wally states, “I’ve been living across the highway from this place for near fifty years, that I can see every goddamn thing going on in here right from my window” (269). Wally leaves and Darren wants more information from Huxley and the other regulars about Joe Sweet’s death. The suspects were never caught, and the Sheriff closed the investigation. Darren proposes the idea Isaac is lying. The regulars reveal that Michael, after hearing about Joe’s murder, left Geneva with a business card for a law firm called Lennon & Pelkin, which investigates cold cases like Joe’s. Geneva shows Darren the card but does not want to talk about the issue anymore. Darren researches the firm and discovers they investigate cases involving racial injustice. Darren wonders if Wally knew about Michael’s attempt to help Geneva solve the case. Darren wants to question Wally about his whereabouts on the night of Michael’s death. Randie is leaving and thanks Darren for all his help. He pleads with her to stay until he finishes his investigation. Darren tells her of the possible connection to Joe Sweet’s death. Darren goes to Wally’s house to question him but hears movement in the woods. He finds a garage. The BMW is not in it, but Isaac is, and he has a gun. Isaac shoots at him before taking off on foot. Lisa calls the police after the gunshots. Darren hears a car peeling out of the driveway as the police arrive. Wally tells Darren he did not kill Michael. He wants to arrest Wally, but the deputy intervenes. They all convene at the café parking lot where the stolen car is parked. Randie is very emotional at the sight of it. Isaac is in the back of the squad car under arrest.