For All the Money

Jack Cordell Sr. was released from prison after serving seven years of his ten year sentence for manslaughter of Brian Douglas. His wife Miriam Cordell was waiting for him at home and welcomed him home with open arms, but Jack was not receptive to her as she expected him to be. She knew something was wrong and tried to find out why her husband was rejecting her and behaving erratically. Miriam enlisted their sons Jack Jr, Al, and Trace to see if their father would open up to them, but with no avail. Jack Sr. turned over the running of his business to his two older sons, Jack Jr. and Al. Trace had made a career in the military. Jack was content to stay at home doting on his grandchildren. Over the next few years, Jack became increasingly ill. Miriam suspected that he had caught some kind of disease while he was in prison. Countless doctors’ visits and tests did not reveal what was making Jack sick. His health was deteriorating rapidly and he finally confessed to his doctor that he had received test drugs while in prison in exchange for a reduced sentence. Miriam accepted her husbands’ illness. After his death, her eldest grandson, Jackie was doing bombing missions over North Vietnam. His jet fighter was shot down over one of his bombing missions. Trace using his military contacts in Vietnam and found him and brought his nephew home safe and sound. After the death of Miriam, Jack Sr’s attorney presented a hand written letter to Jack’s son’s regarding all that had transpired after the death of Brian Douglas.