On Little Terry Road – Tom Franklin
From the very beginning of the story, it is established that Dibbs’ knows he has (or soon will have) something to hide. The secrecy in which every action is carried out leaves a bad taste in one’s mouth, even before he leaves a man to die from a shotgun wound. It makes one wonder how many times he has done something like this for Ferriday. While it is extremely plausible (completely undeniable) that Ferriday was assaulted by the men, the circumstances around it leave every character at fault for something, be it drug use, murder, assault, or the concealment of a crime. It is also, despite her actions leading up to it, very difficult to hold Ferriday at fault for the murders.
It is, in contrast, very easy to be uncomfortable with Dibbs’ actions, especially his motivation for them. He seems to look at himself as some sort of white knight, or savior for Ferriday. It is hard to define his reasoning for it. Does he see himself as a father figure, or some sort of protector? Is he attracted to her and hoping for some sort of gratification as a reaction to what he has done for her? His perspective is confusing, and almost viscerally uncomfortable. He describes his actions at the crime scene very detachedly, noting blood, death, and even Terry’s pleas unflinchingly. Is this because he truly doesn’t care, or is he simply doing his best to distance himself from a truly horrific situation- one that is near impossible to find a solution for.
The story ends strangely, as Dibbs has said what he believes will happen tomorrow, but we do not know what will actually occur. Where did Ferriday go? Where is the gun? Will either be found, and if so, what will happen then? Did Dibbs miss something? Will he be arrested if he did? It also leaves one wondering- is there someone who could be seen as truly, fully at fault here, or is this just the culmination of many, many terrible decisions from all sides?