18 From the detective's point of view: "George Dudley, phone interview with author, February 9, 2009. From the detective's point of view: "George Dudley, phone interview with author, February 9, 2009.

19 "Tribute to Sellerstown": The article written by Ramona Nichols appeared inthe News Reporter on December 16, 1974. Used with permission. "Tribute to Sellerstown": The article written by Ramona Nichols appeared inthe News Reporter on December 16, 1974. Used with permission.

20 "We used to look for the siege": Wray Thompson, "More Hara.s.sment at Sellerstown Parsonage," The News Reporter, December 16, 1974. "We used to look for the siege": Wray Thompson, "More Hara.s.sment at Sellerstown Parsonage," The News Reporter, December 16, 1974.

21 Aunt Pat's older daughter, Terri, had a ringside seat: Terri c.o.x, interviewed in person by author on October 20, 2007, in Sellerstown. Aunt Pat's older daughter, Terri, had a ringside seat: Terri c.o.x, interviewed in person by author on October 20, 2007, in Sellerstown.

22 As we'd soon discover, on Sat.u.r.day, June 28, 1975: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February9, 1981. As we'd soon discover, on Sat.u.r.day, June 28, 1975: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February9, 1981.

23 The strategy of this, the third bombing: Wray Thompson, "Explosion Damages Church Home Again," The News Reporter, July 3, 1975. The strategy of this, the third bombing: Wray Thompson, "Explosion Damages Church Home Again," The News Reporter, July 3, 1975.

24 "Don't go out there": Carolyn Sellers, interview with author, October 20, 2007. "Don't go out there": Carolyn Sellers, interview with author, October 20, 2007.

25 Eleanor asked, "Where's Danny?": Pat Sellers recounted details of this exchange in an interview with the author, October 19, 2007, in Sellerstown. Eleanor asked, "Where's Danny?": Pat Sellers recounted details of this exchange in an interview with the author, October 19, 2007, in Sellerstown.

26 "I'm no quitter": Wray Thompson, "Explosion Damages Church Home Again," The News Reporter, July 3, 1975. "I'm no quitter": Wray Thompson, "Explosion Damages Church Home Again," The News Reporter, July 3, 1975.

27 "So many of G.o.d's soldiers": Ray Wyche, "Tenacious Pastor Bucks Violence," The Carolina Scene, July 24, 1975. "So many of G.o.d's soldiers": Ray Wyche, "Tenacious Pastor Bucks Violence," The Carolina Scene, July 24, 1975.

28 Daddy was toying with the unthinkable: Robert Nichols's journal testimony. Daddy was toying with the unthinkable: Robert Nichols's journal testimony.

29 "They felt like they could get to my husband": Doug c.u.mming, "Attacks on Minister, Church Probed," The News and Observer, July 11, 1975. "They felt like they could get to my husband": Doug c.u.mming, "Attacks on Minister, Church Probed," The News and Observer, July 11, 1975.

30 Everyone in the community knew: Ibid., David Eskridge, "Preacher Knows Bombers," Wilmington Morning Star, September 24, 1975. Everyone in the community knew: Ibid., David Eskridge, "Preacher Knows Bombers," Wilmington Morning Star, September 24, 1975.

31 With the exception of his sea green eyes: Clara Cartrette, e-mail message to author, March 2, 2009. With the exception of his sea green eyes: Clara Cartrette, e-mail message to author, March 2, 2009.

32 Sharing an office with George Dudley: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February 9, 1981. Cartrette reported that an ATF agent testified that when interviewed by ATF agent Charles Mercer on November 10, 1976, Charles Wayne Tedder said he "understood Agent Mercer was offering a $10,000 reward for information that Watts was bombing the parsonage." Sharing an office with George Dudley: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February 9, 1981. Cartrette reported that an ATF agent testified that when interviewed by ATF agent Charles Mercer on November 10, 1976, Charles Wayne Tedder said he "understood Agent Mercer was offering a $10,000 reward for information that Watts was bombing the parsonage."

33 "We battle fear from time to time": Ray Wyche, "Tenacious Pastor Bucks Violence," The Carolina Scene, July 24, 1975. "We battle fear from time to time": Ray Wyche, "Tenacious Pastor Bucks Violence," The Carolina Scene, July 24, 1975.

34 He had done so much to chase my family away: Clara Cartrette, "Tabor CityMan Says Watts Would Remove Nichols," The News Reporter, February 5, 1981. He had done so much to chase my family away: Clara Cartrette, "Tabor CityMan Says Watts Would Remove Nichols," The News Reporter, February 5, 1981.

35 "We were clicking on the same clock": James Tyree, interview with author inperson on October 20, 2007. "We were clicking on the same clock": James Tyree, interview with author inperson on October 20, 2007.

36 "Brother James, G.o.d can do the same thing for you": Ibid. "Brother James, G.o.d can do the same thing for you": Ibid.

37 "You can see how closely they are watching us": David Eskridge, "Preacher Knows Bombers," Wilmington Morning Star, September 24, 1975. "You can see how closely they are watching us": David Eskridge, "Preacher Knows Bombers," Wilmington Morning Star, September 24, 1975.

38 "The search warrant is merely a tool": Wray Thompson, "Feds Search Premises in Sellerstown Probe," The News Reporter, October 2, 1975. "The search warrant is merely a tool": Wray Thompson, "Feds Search Premises in Sellerstown Probe," The News Reporter, October 2, 1975.

39 For instance, because the drama in Sellerstown: Ibid. For instance, because the drama in Sellerstown: Ibid.

40 "On October 16, 1975, the governor publicly offered": "State Offers $2,500 Reward," News Reporter, October 16, 1975. "On October 16, 1975, the governor publicly offered": "State Offers $2,500 Reward," News Reporter, October 16, 1975.

41 The details of this fifth attack appear in a newspaper article contained in a sc.r.a.pbook owned by the Nichols family. It is t.i.tled "5th Explosion" and dated November 10, 1975; however, the name of the reporter and newspaper are missing. This incident is also mentioned in Cartrette, "Many Charges against Three County Residents," The News Reporter, January 29, 1981. The details of this fifth attack appear in a newspaper article contained in a sc.r.a.pbook owned by the Nichols family. It is t.i.tled "5th Explosion" and dated November 10, 1975; however, the name of the reporter and newspaper are missing. This incident is also mentioned in Cartrette, "Many Charges against Three County Residents," The News Reporter, January 29, 1981.

42 A federal grand jury was a.s.sembled: Wray Thompson, "US Subpoenas Eight for Bombing Inquiry," The News Reporter, n.d. A federal grand jury was a.s.sembled: Wray Thompson, "US Subpoenas Eight for Bombing Inquiry," The News Reporter, n.d.

43 "I've never been a violent person": Dot Nichols, interview with author on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee. "I've never been a violent person": Dot Nichols, interview with author on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee.

44 "It will take at least three weeks to come around": "Rev. Nichols a Patient in University Center," November 25, 1975. (Note: Author's newspaper clipping does not indicate the reporter's or newspaper's name.) "It will take at least three weeks to come around": "Rev. Nichols a Patient in University Center," November 25, 1975. (Note: Author's newspaper clipping does not indicate the reporter's or newspaper's name.) 45 The generous church family voted to purchase Daddy a new 1976 Buick: Robert Nichols's journal has a handwritten note: "Church helped buy car, 1976 Buick, made Mr. Watts mad." The generous church family voted to purchase Daddy a new 1976 Buick: Robert Nichols's journal has a handwritten note: "Church helped buy car, 1976 Buick, made Mr. Watts mad."

46 "You're a thorn in a friend of mine's side": Clara Cartrette, "Williams Says Watts Would Frame Tedder," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981. "You're a thorn in a friend of mine's side": Clara Cartrette, "Williams Says Watts Would Frame Tedder," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981.

47 "I've just got to get out": Ibid. "I've just got to get out": Ibid.

48 "You're a good ole boy": Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Asked Him to Kill Nichols," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981. "You're a good ole boy": Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Asked Him to Kill Nichols," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981.

49 "One more valley, one more hill": "One More Valley," words and music by Dottie Rambo and Jimmie Davis, copyright 1966. "One more valley, one more hill": "One More Valley," words and music by Dottie Rambo and Jimmie Davis, copyright 1966.

50 That evening, Mr. Watts returned to his old tricks: Clara Cartrette, "Many Charges Against Three County Residents," The News Reporter, January29, 1981. That evening, Mr. Watts returned to his old tricks: Clara Cartrette, "Many Charges Against Three County Residents," The News Reporter, January29, 1981.

51 "If you make it look like an accident": Clara Cartrette, "Williams Says Watts Would Frame Tedder," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981. "If you make it look like an accident": Clara Cartrette, "Williams Says Watts Would Frame Tedder," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981.

52 "We're all sort of shaken": "Blast Rocks Parsonage in Columbus," Morning Star, October 14, 1976. "We're all sort of shaken": "Blast Rocks Parsonage in Columbus," Morning Star, October 14, 1976.

53 "I walked outside to see": Clara Cartrette, "Blast Rocks Church, Suspect Questioned," The News Reporter, 1976. (Note: Author's newspaper clipping does not provide the specific date for this article.) "I walked outside to see": Clara Cartrette, "Blast Rocks Church, Suspect Questioned," The News Reporter, 1976. (Note: Author's newspaper clipping does not provide the specific date for this article.) 54 "This thing's got to come to a close": Ibid. "This thing's got to come to a close": Ibid.

55 What Mr. Watts failed to report: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Asked Him to Kill Nichols," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981. What Mr. Watts failed to report: Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Asked Him to Kill Nichols," The News Reporter, February 19, 1981.

56 The visitor came: The story of the Ku Klux Klan member's visit was told to the author by Dot Nichols in an interview with the author on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee. She learned of it from a conversation with Robert Nichols. The visitor came: The story of the Ku Klux Klan member's visit was told to the author by Dot Nichols in an interview with the author on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee. She learned of it from a conversation with Robert Nichols.

57 Wanted these officers to know he was "well off": Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February9, 1981. Wanted these officers to know he was "well off": Clara Cartrette, "Witness Says Watts Near Sellerstown Bomb Scene," The News Reporter, February9, 1981.

58 "Please get out of there": As told to the author by Dot Nichols in an interview on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennesee. She first heard about the exchange through a conversation with Grandma Welch. "Please get out of there": As told to the author by Dot Nichols in an interview on November 24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennesee. She first heard about the exchange through a conversation with Grandma Welch.

59 She was well aware of his criminal record: Star Regional Staff, "Columbus Minister Injured, Wife Slain," Wilmington Morning Star, March 24, 1978. She was well aware of his criminal record: Star Regional Staff, "Columbus Minister Injured, Wife Slain," Wilmington Morning Star, March 24, 1978.

60 "You know, Ramona, I'm not sure how safe": As told to the author by Pat Sellers in person at her house in Sellerstown, North Carolina, on October19, 2007. "You know, Ramona, I'm not sure how safe": As told to the author by Pat Sellers in person at her house in Sellerstown, North Carolina, on October19, 2007.

61 "How are you doing, Harris?": The following conversation and movements are from a transcript of the trial State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams, as well as Rebecca's memories of the event. "How are you doing, Harris?": The following conversation and movements are from a transcript of the trial State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams, as well as Rebecca's memories of the event.

62 At 6:09 p.m., as I would later learn: Clara Cartrette, "Bizarre Shooting Described," Clara Cartrette, The News Reporter, August 14, 1978. At 6:09 p.m., as I would later learn: Clara Cartrette, "Bizarre Shooting Described," Clara Cartrette, The News Reporter, August 14, 1978.

63 "How badly are you hurt?": The following conversations and movements are from a transcript of the trial State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams. "How badly are you hurt?": The following conversations and movements are from a transcript of the trial State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams.

64 The phone rang: Dot Nichols told the story of James Tyree's call to Robert's parents' home during an interview with the author November24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee. The phone rang: Dot Nichols told the story of James Tyree's call to Robert's parents' home during an interview with the author November24, 2008, in Franklin, Tennessee.

65 "We're putting you . . . and her . . . in G.o.d's hands": Ibid. "We're putting you . . . and her . . . in G.o.d's hands": Ibid.

66 "Hands were raised in glory": Clara Cartrette, "'We're Here in Victory' Call of Memorial Service," The News Reporter, March 27, 1978. "Hands were raised in glory": Clara Cartrette, "'We're Here in Victory' Call of Memorial Service," The News Reporter, March 27, 1978.

67 "It would appear that we're here in defeat": Ibid. "It would appear that we're here in defeat": Ibid.

68 "Ramona was a servant of the church": Ibid. "Ramona was a servant of the church": Ibid.

69 "Now, Rebecca, you see that thing": Excerpts taken from the court transcript of the State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams. Dialogue has been edited slightly for readability. "Now, Rebecca, you see that thing": Excerpts taken from the court transcript of the State of North Carolina vs. Harris Kelton Williams. Dialogue has been edited slightly for readability.

70 "I would like to see justice": Clara Cartrette, "Nichols Did Not Seek Vengeance," The News Reporter, August 14, 1978. "I would like to see justice": Clara Cartrette, "Nichols Did Not Seek Vengeance," The News Reporter, August 14, 1978.

71 "It's so hard to look at him": Ibid. "It's so hard to look at him": Ibid.

72 a.s.sistant District Attorney Mike Easley was the first: Details from the closing arguments reported by Clara Cartrette, "Williams Is Given Life Imprisonment," The News Reporter, August 14, 1978. a.s.sistant District Attorney Mike Easley was the first: Details from the closing arguments reported by Clara Cartrette, "Williams Is Given Life Imprisonment," The News Reporter, August 14, 1978.

73 According to the newspaper account: Clara Cartrette, "Jury Selection Begins in Sellerstown Bombing Case," The News Reporter, January 26, 1981. According to the newspaper account: Clara Cartrette, "Jury Selection Begins in Sellerstown Bombing Case," The News Reporter, January 26, 1981.

74 This move prevented the prosecutor: Clara Cartrette, "Watts Pictured As 'Rich, Powerful Man' Who Plotted," The News Reporter, n.d. This move prevented the prosecutor: Clara Cartrette, "Watts Pictured As 'Rich, Powerful Man' Who Plotted," The News Reporter, n.d.

75 "I have to take tranquilizers": Bill Gaither, "3 Columbus Residents Indicted in Bombings," Fayetteville Times, n.d. "I have to take tranquilizers": Bill Gaither, "3 Columbus Residents Indicted in Bombings," Fayetteville Times, n.d.

76 "If you're not very careful": Clara Cartrette, "Spivey Says Attorneys Hara.s.sed, Scared Him," The News Reporter, n.d. "If you're not very careful": Clara Cartrette, "Spivey Says Attorneys Hara.s.sed, Scared Him," The News Reporter, n.d.

77 "A rich and powerful man in Columbus County": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Pictured As 'Rich, Powerful Man' Who Plotted." "A rich and powerful man in Columbus County": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Pictured As 'Rich, Powerful Man' Who Plotted."

78 One of the most damaging . . . was a government witness who claimed: Debbie Norton, "Watts Pleads Guilty in Bombing," Wilmington Morning Star, February 20, 1981. One of the most damaging . . . was a government witness who claimed: Debbie Norton, "Watts Pleads Guilty in Bombing," Wilmington Morning Star, February 20, 1981.

79 "The picture painted of him": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms; Fined $25,000," The News Reporter, February 23, 1981. "The picture painted of him": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms; Fined $25,000," The News Reporter, February 23, 1981.

80 the judge, who had represented him in years past: Debbie Norton, "Watts's Guilty Plea Climaxed Surprising Case," The Wilmington Star, February20, 1981. the judge, who had represented him in years past: Debbie Norton, "Watts's Guilty Plea Climaxed Surprising Case," The Wilmington Star, February20, 1981.

81 "When the Reverend Robert F. Nichols came to Sellerstown": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms." "When the Reverend Robert F. Nichols came to Sellerstown": Clara Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms."

82 After commending Agent Charles Mercer for a "thorough and relentless investigation": Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms," describes the judge's actions and comments during sentencing. After commending Agent Charles Mercer for a "thorough and relentless investigation": Cartrette, "Watts Given Four 5-Year Terms," describes the judge's actions and comments during sentencing.

83 "When you forgive a person who wronged you": Lewis Smedes, "Five Things Everyone Should Know about Forgiving," first air day, October 5, 1997, http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/smedes_4101.htm (accessed August 28, 2009). "When you forgive a person who wronged you": Lewis Smedes, "Five Things Everyone Should Know about Forgiving," first air day, October 5, 1997, http://www.csec.org/csec/sermon/smedes_4101.htm (accessed August 28, 2009).

84 "The Lord is good": Hannah Whitall Smith, G.o.d of All Comfort, chapter 7. "The Lord is good": Hannah Whitall Smith, G.o.d of All Comfort, chapter 7.