Mr Roderick E Billette

Beginnings Mr Roderick E Billette

In the late twentieth century a powerful Florida family fights to preserve their way of life. Dakotah, a Florida citrusman, and head of the Johnson clan, has one goal-protect his property and leave a legacy of honor. When his slick son-in-law, John, threatens this plan Dakotah calls on his old friend and mentor, Julius Slimlaw, for help. Julius names his price for silence-three hundred acres of contested farm land in southwest Georgia. The tone changes. Old wrongs are dredged up. Racial tensions are exposed. The vile history of the Johnsons and Slimlaws is peeled back in ugly, stark detail including the impact of an infamous outlaw on both families. Dakotah swears to deed the coveted property over to Julius-but only after the crime has been committed. Julius agrees. Dakotah reneges on his vow. Julius attempts blackmail, but dies before he can succeed. A new generation, Dakotah's son, Lander, and Julius's grandson, Elijah, enter the fray. The story races forward to the inevitable-murder. Blood runs deep.