FROM PHARAOH’S HAND

Jackson, Tennessee had its share of murders every year. Drug deals gone sour, botched robberies, full blown domestic disputes, and crazed jealous lovers were nothing new. Even the gang violence which was once foreign to this rural town in the Bible belt had bullied its way in, and despite law enforcement’s best efforts, seemed to be here to stay. Still, it was big news around town when 17 year-old Elizabeth Merriweather, came up missing. No one ever wanted to get used to having their sons or daughters disappear into thin air. No one could fathom what kind of evil, sick being lurked in their neighborhoods, parks, and parking lots of their stores. And everyone prayed that she had simply run away and would come home soon. But no one knew for sure. Especially after her backpack floated ashore at the Perryville bridge.