Stolen Moment Part One

By Dear Derrick

How do you pick up the pieces of your life when you've been humiliated and abused? When you were too ashamed to tell anyone - because being silent 

gave you a false sense of security and that meant you could pretend it didn't happen. But it did! What would you do if all the evidence pointed to you for a crime you did not commit?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dear Derrick
• Release date: Feb 17, 2023
• ISBN: 9798889558507

Book preview

Stolen Moment

Part one

written by Dear Derrick

Author Q&A

What inspired you to write this book?

I wanted to bring awareness to sexual abuse and PTSD (Post traumatic stress disorder). Just because people look normal doesn’t mean they don’t have internal underlying trauma.

What is your goal for this book?

I want to be a member of Oprah's book club.

Why not New York Times Bestseller?

Oprah's book club IS the bestseller list. It's not about the money. It's about getting this book into the hands of those who have been affected by the topics discussed in this book. I would also like for Stolen Moment to become a series; I think a series is the only thing that will illustrate the different facets of both sexual assault and PTSD.

What movie director would you like to work with on this project?

Hands down, Tyler Perry I can’t think of a man in the entire world whom I have more respect for than Tyler Perry. What he is doing and what he has done is absolutely incredible. I don’t think most people truly understand the depth of his accomplishments. We all have a story. What really matters is what you do with the past pain of your life. I think he’s walked through the trenches with grace and honor. He has stood in his truth and has not wavered for anything or anyone and in the process. He created his own, that is what being a leader is to me.

Who are your most inspirational actors?

Denzel Washington, Will Smith, Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and Viola Davis. These people have played some incredible roles, but not only did they play the roles. they became the people in the roles they were playing. God gave us all talents. These people recognized their talents, perfected them, and are now sharing it with all of us at the highest level. It is amazing!

Why is this book so special to you?

The topics in this book have affected my life in so many areas. I’ve never been sexually assaulted, but I have been involved with people that have. I have witnessed firsthand the trauma and damage that sexual abuse has caused in their lives. I suffer from PTSD because of a painful past. It is a daily struggle that I am learning to overcome. I’m the first to admit I haven’t always made the best decisions. In fact, I have made more bad decisions than good. I am working hard to change that. This book is a part of my journey and a part of how I’ve grown to become the man I am today. God has given me so much Grace and I’m so grateful. We live in a country where people are quick to judge and slow to forgive. Life tends to knock us down, but you have to love yourself enough to get back up in spite of the challenges, in spite of the obstacles, you must get up!!

What are your long-and short-erm goals?

Long term goal of this is to supply every village in Africa with a water well and a school so they don’t have to walk 2 or 3 miles a day to get a drink. These two things are something most of us take for granted. My short-term goal or shall I say my right now goal is to help people become better people. I want to teach and encourage people to treat others the way they want to be treated.

Contents

1. Just because you’re kind does not mean the world will be

2. The power of freedom

3. Never lose hope

4. Deception is real

5. Fight for your future

6. Miscarriage of justice

7. Conquering your fear

8. Never lose hope

9. Prison politics

10. Forced labor

11. Honoring the moment

12. Humility

13. Time is money, patience is power

14. Grace

15. Evil thoughts

16. Discipline

17. Living among cowards

18. Practice is progress

19. Eliminating bullies

20. Untimely death

21. Using what you have

22. It’s not what’s on you, it’s what’s in you

23. Bad things happen to good people

24. Planning for pleasure

25. Being receptive to change

26. Brutal entertainment

27. Shot caller

28. Fear an ant like you fear an elephant

29. Enough is enough

30. Courage of a lion

31. A grand idea

32. Don’t judge a book by its cover

33. Favor

34. A second chance at life

35. Encouraging words

36. Lockdown

37. Bonding

38. Mama knows best

39. Proper Planning prevents poor performance

40. Finding the positive in a negative environment

41. Freedom

42. Against the odds

43. Execution

44. Finding a loophole

45. Memory Lane

46. I’ll be your huckleberry

47. Rude reality

48. You can never escape your past

49. A fresh start

50. Chapter 50

Chapter one

Just because you’re kind does not mean the world will be

Tyler, Texas October 1971

In the rearview mirror John could see the dust from the county road billowing up behind his GTO like the mist from a Genie's lamp. The western sky behind him was rapidly growing dark and John was in a hurry, hoping, like the Genie's promise, that his wish would come true tonight. You showin' off? Martha asked him, popping the gum in her mouth. Just 'cuz you got a fancy car don’t mean you gotta drive like a crazy man.

A 1968 GTO was a rare possession for a young Black man in rural Texas, especially when he was just a Senior in High School; but John had one. John was unique. He wasn't like other young men, before he even entered kindergarten John had learned to read, his thirst for knowledge was never quenched. By age 12 he had determined he wanted to be a teacher - or a doctor - a profession where he could help others as much as possible. He understood that college was the key that would unlock the doors he wanted to go through. He studied hard to earn the grades necessary for admission and he worked hard to save money for a college education.

The GTO wasn't in his plans, but with a schedule loaded down with two jobs and finishing high school, he needed transportation. So, when his employer offered him the car, and allowed him to work off the cost, John jumped on the deal. Now he could clearly see his backbreaking days of long, hard labor were paying off. His college funds were untouched the car was beautiful ... and Martha was right, too. It was fast and fancy. John' smiled and pushed the accelerator a little harder, the 4-barrel carburetor. kicking in with a road

Not showin' off, baby, John answered with a sly grin, knowing Martha was loving the ride. With the windows down, the cool evening breeze was rushing past them causing Martha to lean a little closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. Just anxious to get there, John said, still smiling Get where? Martha scrunched up her cute little nose. For John it was a turn on to watch her do that. To be honest, everything about Martha turned him on. She was thin, but with an athletic body, complimented by a full figure, beautiful chocolate skin and the most gorgeous brown eyes he had ever seen. And that nose! The way she would wrinkle it when she was thinking or scrunch it up when she was talking. For all her physical beauty, though, what most attracted John was her mind. She was smart, very interesting, and fun to talk to.

Despite growing up in a very dysfunctional home, Martha took school seriously. It was not uncommon to see her studying in the library long after a days’ worth of classes. She was going to make something of herself, and John knew. He could feel it every time he spoke to her. To John kissing her was extremely nice, and he enjoyed every moment that he spent with Martha, every conversation - every opinion - every plan for the future. Beauty, brains, goals ... and a great kisser. Martha was the complete package.

It's a surprise, John nearly giggled. He'd been planning this night for more than a week. It was the first night he didn't have to work since he 'd purchased the GTO. By the way, he changed the subject, Where did you tell your parents you were going? Martha twisted her lips. Out, she said, as if that was all that needed to be said. Same thing I always tell them. Don’t much matter anyway. I'm 16 now, and I can do what I want. I'm countin' on that.

John glanced at her out of the corner of his eye as he slowed the GTO, then turned onto a narrow, tree-lined dirt trail. Autumn had stripped most of the foliage from the bushes along the ditch, leaving a tangled web of vines exposed John drove a couple hundred yards down the rutted road, then stopped the car and turned off the ignition. Surprise! John said, his eyebrows arched upward, his grin was ear to ear. The woods? Martha's face soured as she looked around at the thick trees and underbrush. This is your surprise? Do you even know where we are ... or whose land this is?

Racial tensions had been strained in the Tyler area for a long time, escalating when congress had lowered the voting age to 18 earlier in the year. Shortly afterwards, two young Black men were found murdered, with crude cardboard signs hung around their necks. The childlike writing contained an explosive message: THIS BLACK SAMBO WON’T BE VOTING. When a report surfaced showing young Black men were being sent to Viet Nam in disproportionate numbers, the county was on edge, ripe for violence.

I don't know whose land it is, John shrugged, telling her he didn't care. Nobody’s, or nobody who cares. It’s just an old road but, he turned to her and smiled. It's kinda, you know, romantic, ain't it? Romantic? Martha' s head popped up several inches and her body stiffened. Sure, John whispered. He unhooked his seat belt, then leaned across the seat and unfastened Martha 's belt. What are you doing, John?" Martha asked with one eyebrow raised above her large brown eyes.

John had been seeing Martha for more than two weeks, and a few kisses at the door was the most affection she had given him. He Was sure an evening alone - a quiet, remote evening away from the distractions of the city - would be rewarded with a lot more than a few passionate kisses. He'd noticed this abandoned road, overgrown with weeds and pitted with ruts when he was delivering a load of supplies to a farmer several miles away. Just helpin' you relax, baby, John said softly.

With his left hand he smoothly snapped on the radio. An 8-track tape of soft R&B music filled the car. He leaned into Martha and her anxious lips met his. How could he not want more after kissing the softest lips that God had ever created. He moaned deep in his throat as he felt her tongue respond to his. John let his hand slowly slide off Martha's shoulder and began caressing her breasts. Ugh! Stop! Martha jerked back slapping John 's hand. Just stop it! Stop! John tried to compose himself - to calm his raging hormones. What? he panted, clearly frustrated. What's wrong? What's the matter, baby? Martha yanked the tape from the deck and tossed it on the floor. Is this why you brought me way out here? What were you thinking?

Ah, baby . . . John started to say. Don't call me baby! Martha growled, interrupting him. I have a name. It's Martha! Her anger matched his frustration. Jeez, don't be such a ...John didn't finish the sentence A what!? Martha half shouted. What were you going to say? What were you going to call me?

Her soft, sexy, brown eyes were now inflamed and defiant, her glare piercing him, controlling the situation - making him nervous. I uh. John stammered; his exciting plans completely disrupted. How could he have misread her so badly? She had been all over him, especially since he got the GTO, and surely those tender kisses were meant to tell him that there was more, much more that she was willing to give him. Wow, Martha shook her head. I should have known. I thought you were different. I should have known.

Martha gave him a shove, then yanked open the car door and got out, slamming the door hard behind her and kicking at the dusty road as she stomped away. Dry leaves crackled under her feet with every intentional step. John slammed his hands hard on the steering wheel. Damn! he muttered, then swung open his door and jumped out, quickly dashing after Martha. Wait! Come back, baby! John called out. Martha did a sharp pivot and glared at him. I told you, don't call me baby, she snarled through clenched teeth. OK, OK, John held up his hands in submission. I'm sorry, OK? Now, will you please come back and get in the car? Just leave me alone! Martha yelled as she began walking away again towards the road at the end of the lane.

John caught up to her and spun her around. Hey. he pleaded, I said I was sorry. Come on. I'll make it up to you. I'll take you somewhere nice. Where? Martha’s jaw was flexing rapidly. You planning to take me to a motel. Is that what you're thinking now? NO ... no, John was begging. Come on, I'll take you anywhere you wanna go. Just take me home! Martha crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes just slits now staring hard at John. Home? John repeated her request. Come on bab... er, Martha. Just let me take...

A loud rustling in the thickets lining the trail stopped him. They both turned to look, expecting an animal to come charging through the thick growth, a javelina, or a small deer. When they saw three white men in their mid-30's, come stumbling out of the brush into the twilight, Martha gasped. One of the men was carrying a rifle slung over his shoulder; the other two held long sticks – possibly branches from one of the trees. Their toothless smiles looked menacing and taunting. John felt a shiver of panic run up his spine and Martha took a step closer to him, her shoulder brushing up against his chest.

The bib overalls and scraggly beards on the men told John all he needed to know. It was the 'uniform' for the backwoods rednecks who infested the rolling hills around Tyler. Well, well, whatta we got here? the redneck with the rifle cackled when he saw them. A second redneck began prancing around his head and arms bobbing and swinging as he assessed the two frightened young people, like a cattle buyer assesses a herd. Guess our huntin' paid off after all. the man with the rifle said. Looks like we caught us some live coons, boys.

We were just leaving, John said, wrapping his arm around a trembling Martha, attempting to lead her back to the GTO Leavin'? the biggest redneck, the one holding the gun, squawked. You ain't leavin', Hell, this party's just gettin' started, right boys? He shifted the rifle, leaning it on his shoulder while the other men whooped and hollered around like savages at a war dance. He stuck out a fat, pink tongue from his mouth, licked his lips, then spat out a thick, dark stream of tobacco juice. What didn't stay on his whiskers shot directly onto John’s shoes. John jumped backwards, staggering. Martha shuddered and gasped audibly. We don't want any trouble, sir, John almost squeaked, his quivering voice matching his quaking body. We'll just… Did I tell you to speak? The tobacco spitter shouted, jabbing John in the stomach with the end of the rifle. John groaned and doubled over at the waist, clutching his stomach, gasping for air.

You could tell that the man with the rifle was the leader of the group. With a deep southern drawl said, Y'all trespassin’. As he was looking at the other men he continued, Bobby Ray, Cletus, y'all give these niggers here permission to come on our property? The other two giggled like girls and hopped around like their pant legs were on fire. No, sir, Otis. Sure didn’t. I think they's just trespassin', pure and plain as day. Uh huh. Otis scratched his head with the rifle barrel. Trespassers got to pay a fee, reckon I'm right boys? Yeah! the men with the sticks agreed, still cackling like hens in heat. Got to pay a fee for trespassin' Otis nodded. Reckon it's up to us to collect it, too. Martha shot a horrified glance at John who was still trying to catch his breath.

Please. She begged. Please let us go. We'll give you whatever you want. Otis smiled wide and wiped leaking tobacco juice from his mouth. Y'all hear that boys? This here little dark meat says she’ll give us whatever we want. He handed the rifle to Cletus and stepped closer to Martha. I think I know just the thing that’ll make up for this unauthorized trespassin."

Otis grabbed Marth's shoulder with his left hand and shoved his right hand up under her skirt. In a flash, Martha recoiled and scratched his face with both hands, blood began oozing in streaks into his filthy beard. With his backhand, Otis slapped Martha, knocking her to the dirt. My, my ... you a feisty little nigger, ain't ya? Martha curled into a ball, weeping, covering her body with her arms and hands. Don 't touch me, she whimpered, trying to sink into the dirt. Now I ain't the trespasser, Otis snarled, still rubbing his now scarred face. And I ain't the one who tol’ me I could have whatever I wanted. He grabbed Martha by the hair and jerked her to her feet. And I'm gonna take whatever I want.

Get your hands off her, John had regained his strength and came rushing towards the bigger man. Cletus jumped out of the way and swung the