Margaret F. Richardson

Out of the Shadows Margaret F. Richardson

The year, 1939-James Langley was thirteen years old when his sixteen-year-old sister, Sasha, was killed in an automobile accident. He was devastated and turned bitter toward God, and swore he would never forgive Bud Evans who was driving that car. That was twenty years ago and he has not forgiven either of them. At seventeen he discovers an idiosyncrasy he has concerning women of his own race. He decides to put his past behind him and leaves his hometown, Ula, Mississippi, and goes to Memphis where he endures much adversity at the hands of both the black as well as the white people. He goes to Chicago where he attends Chicago University and receives a PhD. in Psychology and for two years he is an interim professor. He finds himself competing with two qualified candidates for a permanent position on the staff at the University. The waiting and hoping is fraying his nerves. A telephone call from the shadows of his past threaten to ruin his life and he is forced to make a trip back to his hometown. There he learns many things about himself and the people he holds responsible for forcing him to live within himself. Can he overcome his bitterness and learn to be forgiving? He learns who the father of Lee Ann's daughter is. A passion he thought had long disappeared is awakened. Is his love for Maris, his live in girlfriend, strong enough to shield him against this passion? Will Maris understand when he tells her about his past, who he is and why he lives within himself? The child is kidnapped at gunpoint by Lila, a psychotic mistress of Lee Ann's dead husband. She has been wreaking havoc on Lee Ann and her daughter for the last ten years. Lila shoots James injuring his arm and shoulder. Will James come out of his shell to help find the child? A fire sends Maris to the hospital. An unusual relationship develops between Maris and Lee Ann. James' mother, Laura, is involved in the mysteries and emotions and without her