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anything about the game, as you said in the Kidco meeting.” Adam looked dubious. “I have to be honest with you: that doesn’t exactly inspire confidence.”
    Sinead kept her expression neutral. “Are you saying you’d prefer someone else to handle the case?”
    “No. If they say you’re the best, then you must be the best, right?”
    “Would you like me to recite my track record to you?”
    “No need. But I would feel better if you learned about the game.”
    “I intend to. Now, may I finish what I was saying before you interrupted me?”
    “By all means.”
    He probably thinks I’m a bitch, Sinead thought, but who cares? Arrogant jerk .
    “The judge and jurors hearing the case might not be hockey fans, either. The prosecutor is going to show video of the hit, and for people who don’t know hockey and who don’t understand the game, it might seem excessive. Maybe even criminal.”
    “I’m a defenseman,” Adam said, with a bit of annoyance.
    “I know,” Sinead said with a touch of frustration. “But what does that mean?”
    Adam closed his eyes and lowered his head for a moment, as if gathering himself. When he lifted his head back up, his expression had changed; he looked more cooperative.
    “Every player on the ice has a job,” he said patiently. “The job of the goalie is to prevent the puck from going across the goal line. All of his efforts are focused on that one task. Wingers, by and large, are supposed to score goals. Their aim is to put the puck in the net. Generally, everything they do is with that end in mind. Centers are supposed to facilitate the forwards in goal scoring, while also assuming some defensive responsibilities. I’m a defenseman,” he repeated.
    “My job is to keep other players from scoring and from threatening my goaltender. Unlike everyone else on the ice, a defenseman’s role is to oppose another player. To a goalie, winger, or center, the puck is primary. To a defenseman, the puck is secondary. My job is to physically deter and impede other men—strong, fast, determined men—any way I can, within the rules. When you look at the video of that hit, you see me doing my job—very well, I might add.”
    Sinead nodded. Clearly, Adam Perry was many things: Egotistical. Stoic. Attractive. Guarded. Physical. But one thing he was not was a bonehead. He seemed to possess a certain thoughtful eloquence. Sinead realized she had lost focus and quickly brought the conversation back to more mundane matters.
    “Thank you for that explanation,” she said gratefully. “Now, I’ll also need to speak with some family and longtime friends. Who do you recommend I interview in your hometown?”
    Adam looked irked. “Why do you have to talk to anyone in my hometown?”
    “As I explained in the meeting last week, the more people we can get to attest to your character, the better for you,” she said slowly in an effort to stop herself from speaking sharply. He was beginning to try her patience.
    Adam looked angry. “You don’t have to speak slowly. Just as you don’t understand why I do what I do for a living, I don’t understand why you do what you do for a living.”
    “You’re right, I’m sorry,” Sinead apologized. “But back to my question: any recommendations as to who I should talk to in your hometown?”
    Adam sighed wearily. “Call my brother, Rick.”
    “I’d prefer to interview him face-to-face.”
    “You can get the same info over the phone.”
    “May I have his number, please?”
    Adam gave her the number, frowning with displeasure. He checked his watch. “Anything else?”
    Sinead just stared at him. Oh, gee, am I taking up your precious time? she longed to say. I’m just your attorney, that’s all. Sorry for the inconvenience.
    “I’ll call you. In fact, you should get used to talking to me. A lot.”
    Adam didn’t look happy.
    “I guess that’s all for now.” Sinead rose, extending her hand. “Thanks for coming in.”
    “No problem. I can see