Then the Judge continued with more. He spoke,” In view of Mr. Skinner’s repeated willful cooperation with detective McCain in supplying him with exclusive and valuable information that helped the Charlotte police catch criminals and prevent crimes, I now suspend the previous sentence. Mr. Skinner, you are now free to go. You have won your liberty. You are a free man.”
Howard was shocked. His face blushed with a flush of blood the flowed to it. Ellis McCain and Benjamin Wade came over to him. They both shook his hand and spoke congratulations.
Howie went back to the jail with the two policemen. He ate a last supper there. Then Howard received his clothes and was released.
About a month later the Seven Skulls attacked Judge Jack Hardaway at his house. Looking in three living room windows, they shot him dead. A short time later, they attempted to murder Police Chief Harry Marsh. He was shot at as he was walking on the sidewalk in front of the police station. A car passed on the street that had three Skulls riding in it. Chief Marsh recognized the men and car. Jumping quickly, he hid behind a truck cab and soon after ran down an alleyway to enter the rear of the police station. He was unhurt. This was a very close call.