Clear Truth

Clear TruthRussell CarterThere 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>CONTENTSAcknowledgments An Opening Word IntroductionPART I CLUELESS1. WEEKENDS2. ENLISTMENT3. HOTEL4. BOOT CAMP5. BARRACKSPART II NEVER SAY NEVER6. RADIOMAN SCHOOL7. NORFOLK NAVAL STATION8. DEPARTMENTS9. VETERANPART III SLIPPING10. PARLAY CARDS11. STRAIGHT WAGERS12. NEIGHBORPART IV HUNGRY FOR MORE13. CRACKER BARREL14. ROVER'S SPORTS BAR15. NBA16. NEW YEAR'S EVE17. BB&T BANK18. OFF-SHORE GAMBLINGPART V AFTERMATH19. BLACKJACK MACHINES20. LAS VEGAS21. AMBER22. SECOND CHANCEPART VI INCHING FORWARD WHERE THERE IS LIGHT23. SENTENCING24. 1 CORINTHIANS 10:13Letters Glossary IndexACKNOWLEDGMENTAlmost 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...