A Time to Say Goodbye

C. Everard Palmer

The title, A Time To Say Goodbye, says it all. This is the last book in the trilogy of the Johnson saga. The story is told by Mrs. Donna Rae Johnson, Rami’s wife, and a teacher. The story weaves in and out of school. In Mrs. Johnson’s class is Mendez, a precocious student who helps to propel the story along. Jake has long left Kendal, but he returns—in a way. He unleashes his brother on an unsuspecting Kendal. Jake had kept his brother’s existence a secret, and for good reason. Cory Hibbertson was carrying a lot of baggage. In an effort to maintain his presence in Kendal, Jake stocks a grocery store and installs his brother in it. When Cory’s son, Eldorado, a student in Mrs. Johnson s class is suspected of writing unflattering things about her, Mendez goes into action and catches him in the act. Cory Hibbertson assaults Mendez, is charged with the crime, and is imprisoned for three months. Once again, Jake’s plans are in ruins. He has failed to make a come-back in Kendal.