Read Proof Positive (2006) for Free Online Page B

had been active in community affairs for a long time, and his name was frequently mentioned in the newspaper in connection with civil-rights issues, antiwar protests, and other political topics. He was certain that the rabbi could help Jacob's case, but Jerry Cochran was right. If Jacob forbade him to contact his parents, Doug would have to honor his client's wishes. He decided to go to the jail and see if he could persuade Jacob to change his mind.
    Jacob had been adamant that Solomon and Valerie Cohen were not his parents. When Doug suggested that there shouldn't be a problem with him talking to the Cohens, since Jacob was not related to them, Jacob had gone ballistic, spouting Bible verses about Judas Iscariot and other famous traitors until Doug promised that he wouldn't speak to the rabbi, just to get his client to shut up. When Doug left the jail, he had a splitting headache.
    It wasn't lunchtime yet, so Doug decided to go to the DA's office and touch base with the prosecutor who was handling Jacob's case. If he was lucky, the prosecutor would be reasonable and he could negotiate a deal that would keep Jacob out of prison.
    When Doug asked the receptionist for the name of the deputy handling Jacob's case, she called the trial assistant in the sex crimes unit.
    Hannah Graves is handling that matter, the receptionist said. I'll see if she's available.
    Doug's hopes dimmed. He had never tried a case against Graves, but she had a horrible reputation in the defense bar. Ten minutes later, Graves marched down the hall, a self-satisfied smile plastered on her face.
    Hi, Doug, Graves said cheerfully, holding out her hand. I don't remember having a case against you.
    This is the first time.
    I did sit in on a little of the Raymond Hayes case, Graves said.
    Doug's stomach rolled. He wondered if Graves had mentioned Ray's case to unsettle him or if she was just insensitive.
    Tough break, Graves added without an iota of sincerity. The prosecutor held open the low gate that barred entry to the rest of the DA's office. Come on back.
    Doug followed Graves down a narrow hall that ended in a large open area. The offices of the deputies with seniority lined the walls. Filling the center of the room were cubicles for the newer deputies and support personnel, a conference room, and other workstations.
    Hannah had an office along an interior wall. It was narrow and cluttered with case files. A bookshelf with a copy of the criminal code sections of the Oregon Revised Statutes, criminal law texts, and the advance sheets of the Oregon Supreme Court and Court of Appeals took up most of one wall. The only decorations were Graves's college and law school diplomas. There were no family photos, framed prints, or personal items in evidence.
    So, you' re representing Jacob Cohen, she said when they were seated. I'm not surprised your boy is back in trouble. In fact, I was certain we'd meet again.
    Were you the DA in the attempted rape case?
    Yup.
    Well, this is just a failure-to-register situation and Jacob has a good explanation.
    I'm sure he does, but I want you to know up front that I'm not going to cut a deal with you.
    Why not? Doug asked, surprised by Hannah's hard line.
    Graves leaned back in her chair and played with a pencil she had picked up from her blotter.
    Jacob Cohen is a violent, unpredictable maniac who hates women. There are no women in the Oregon State Penitentiary. When Cohen is locked up the women of this state are safer. So I'm going to do my best to send him back to prison.
    But he may not be guilty.
    I' ve seen the registration form that was sent to your client. It's blank. That means he didn't register. If he didn't register he's guilty.
    Jacob was living in a vacant lot, Doug said patiently. He didn't have a mailing address so he had his mail sent to the building that houses the Office of Parole and Probation. Jacob never got the letter with his form. Someone at the office must have returned it.
    Who? Graves challenged.
    I