Clear Truth

Clear Truth Russell Carter There are crossroads in everyone's life where a decision is made--affecting everything that follows. In Clear Truth, I'll be sharing my life journey through these crossroads with you. This isn't exactly the easiest thing to do because it reveals many personal details, never before discussed: gambling, deceit, betrayal, and crime. I believe this writing is essential for the healing of others, as well as myself; therefore, it's a decision for which I will never regret. This book is dedicated with love and my deepest apology to Amber. You provided me with wonderful memories and, with them, allowed me to express my love like never before. Falling in love with you was an honor and a blessing. You will forever be a fabulous person--my richest treasure, even if it's only in memory. Page intentionally left blank> CONTENTS Acknowledgments An Opening Word Introduction PART I CLUELESS 1. WEEKENDS 2. ENLISTMENT 3. HOTEL 4. BOOT CAMP 5. BARRACKS PART II NEVER SAY NEVER 6. RADIOMAN SCHOOL 7. NORFOLK NAVAL STATION 8. DEPARTMENTS 9. VETERAN PART III SLIPPING 10. PARLAY CARDS 11. STRAIGHT WAGERS 12. NEIGHBOR PART IV HUNGRY FOR MORE 13. CRACKER BARREL 14. ROVER'S SPORTS BAR 15. NBA 16. NEW YEAR'S EVE 17. BB&T BANK 18. OFF-SHORE GAMBLING PART V AFTERMATH 19. BLACKJACK MACHINES 20. LAS VEGAS 21. AMBER 22. SECOND CHANCE PART VI INCHING FORWARD WHERE THERE IS LIGHT 23. SENTENCING 24. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13 Letters Glossary Index ACKNOWLEDGMENT Almost always, this is the spot where an author thanks all those who helped him write his book. This book, however, was written alone. And you never realize how difficult it is until you do it. Furthermore, this book is only possible as a direct result of the hurt and pain I've caused others. They are the reason this book exists. And for this reason an apology must suffice instead. The entire process is painful--prodding my memories, comprehending my feelings, relaying emotions on paper, and recounting three decades of my life's journey. The good. The bad. The ugly. The staff at Page Publishing who patiently worked with me for almost two years. And Dr. Arthur Lumpkin, who also taught me English in the twelfth grade. I couldn't have written this book without the education of him and countless other teachers and professors who take pride in their professional role as educators. I want to express my gratitude to those who came to Amber's side after February 8, 2012. Though not named specifically, you know who you are. In one way or another, you were a great help to me by being there for her. Much thanks to my friends who corresponded with me while incarcerated. Special thanks to my parents who not only wrote letters, accepted phone calls, and visited me, but helped provide any forgotten facts that were needed for the writing of this manuscript. A higher thanks to my mother who kept...