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I guess Jack had told him I was on my way.  
    Deputy Scotty Perry was sitting at the front desk. “Carson Reno,” Scotty greeted. “This is one time I think Leroy will be glad to see you!”
    “Maybe,” I offered. “But I’m not sure I’ll be glad to see him!   Is he in his office?”
    “Yep, go on back.   He’s been expecting you.”
    Leroy was pouring coffee and gestured with his cup, asking me if I wanted one.   I nodded yes and took a seat in one of his comfortable leather chairs.
    “How’s the community?” I questioned as he handed me my coffee.
    “Racially charged up and very much on edge would be my take on the tension here.   It’s been peaceful, so far, but I’ve heard rumors of protesters showing up tomorrow.   This James Meredith thing in Mississippi has opened up some old wounds, and I’m afraid it’s going to spill over into the streets of Humboldt.   I’m not staffed to handle it and neither is Raymond.”
    “I know you’ve talked to Jack and I’m sure he told you he’s making contact with the attorney general, but why is nobody returning Jack’s calls?” I asked with a frown.
    “Busy?”   Leroy tossed out.
    “Busy – bullshit!   You and I both know better.   I’m going to find Judge Graves tomorrow, and if I can’t find him, I’m headed to Trenton to find another judge.   Jack doesn’t want Henry moved and Judge Graves can prevent that.   If he won’t listen, I’ll find someone who will.”
    “I know, and I don’t intend to move him unless the DA orders me too.   I haven’t heard from him yet, but I expect that I will.” Leroy sounded frustrated.
    “Leroy, you have any idea why Jack is concerned?   I mean, one jail is as good as another is and I assume this is a city matter.   So, what difference could it make?”
    “Jack didn’t share that with me,” Leroy sighed. “But I expect it has something to do with the statements made by Officer Menard.   You know, he is Raymond’s officer, who said he had seen Henry in the area where the body was found.”
    “Officer Menard?   Do I know him?” I asked.
    “Carl Menard, you should know him.   He’s a young guy, ‘thirtyish’, but has been around awhile.   He was on the force before Raymond Griggs replaced Dick Valentine and has a good service record, as far as I know.” Leroy was being cautious with his words.
    “What are you not telling me?   You’re leaving something out.   I know you, remember?”
    “Carson, I’m not leaving anything out.   He’s just…well; he’s just like a lot of other folks in this town.   He’s a little prejudiced – intolerant might be a better word.”
    “And?” Leroy was still leaving something out.
    “And, I’ve heard Raymond mention that Officer Menard has arrested more than one colored man who came in with some bumps and bruises that weren’t necessary.   However, he’s a good cop, so don’t get any ideas.   Okay?” Leroy said frankly.
    “Okay, but how did Jack get wind of this?   I mean unless you told him, or Henry told him, he’s not talked to anybody else.”
    “It wasn’t me and I don’t know what Henry and Jack talked about.   But, Henry didn’t say anything to me about Officer Menard and I haven’t talked to Officer Menard.   So, I guess you’ll need to ask Henry.”
    “Alright, has anything new developed that I need to know before talking with Henry?” I asked getting up to leave.
    “Nope,” Leroy said as he tossed me his jail keys. “Leave these with Scotty when you are finished and watch out for that murdered girl’s husband, Sonny Blurton.   He’s sure to be around somewhere tomorrow and he’s a real hothead, just be aware.”
    “Thanks for the warning, and how do you plan on dealing with protesters, if they show up?”
    “I don’t plan on dealing with them at all,” Leroy said frankly. “Unless they get out of order or show up wearing white hoods, I plan on leaving them alone!”
    Leroy walked out of his office