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“Things are done differently here than where you’re from. Like it or not.”
    â€œ Do you think the boy is guilty?”
    â€œHe swears he’s innocent and his mother is convinced he’s telling the truth. What I think isn’t important. I’ll do my best for him, of course, but as she may have told you, I have no background in criminal law.”
    â€œThen why did you take the case?”
    â€œI’ve known Mrs. Hatcher casually for some time. I often eat at the restaurant where she works.”
    â€œDoesn’t quite answer my question.”
    â€œMost attorneys in Mineral Springs are either involved with the mining industry or specialize in personal injury cases or family law. None with experience in criminal law would touch it. I happen to believe that everyone is entitled to a legal defense, even a young man who has allegedly committed a series of highly inflammatory crimes.” Another blown breath. “Frankly, I’m working for Mrs. Hatcher more or less pro bono.”
    Good for him. “You’re aware she’s the victim of harassment?”
    â€œAnonymous phone calls and a rock-throwing incident, yes.”
    â€œMore than that. Last night somebody tossed a rock through her kitchen window and set fire to the shed in her backyard. Not much damage, but there could have been if the fire had spread.”
    â€œMy God. I never thought the harassment would go that far, that she was in any real danger.…”
    â€œThe arson attempt change your mind? You know this town, I don’t.”
    Parfrey thought about it, pinching and rotating his ring again. “No. It’s a cowardly act, like the phone calls. No one has any reason to do her deliberate physical harm. If she had cause to fear for her life, then so would I. Cody Hatcher’s mother, Cody Hatcher’s attorney.”
    â€œHave you been hassled, too?”
    â€œVerbally a time or two. That’s all. It hasn’t made me think twice about representing her son, and won’t. I’m not a quitter.”
    â€œI’m glad to hear it. Neither am I.”
    â€œI know. Your reputation precedes you.” I raised an eyebrow, and he said, “When Mrs. Hatcher told me you were coming, naturally I wanted to know more about you. I had my assistant Google you and your agency.”
    Good for him again. He might be in over his head, but he was apparently efficient as well as steadfast.
    He folded his hands—thick-fingered, the backs red-furred—on his neat desktop. “Well, then. I imagine you have some questions.”
    â€œSeveral. To begin with, what are my chances of a brief interview with Cody Hatcher?”
    â€œSlim and none, I’m afraid. Mendoza and Sheriff Felix won’t even allow his mother to see him.”
    â€œMendoza being the district attorney?”
    â€œTwo terms now, yes. But that cholo has bigger political aspirations. He views this case as a stepping-stone to a state office.”
    Cholo. Derogative term with racist overtones. But it didn’t necessarily make Parfrey a bigot. His obvious dislike of Frank Mendoza might be a matter of professional jealousy, his use of the slur one of those stupid mouth farts that pop out without malicious intent.
    â€œWhat about Felix?” I asked. “How would you categorize him?”
    â€œAnother two-termer, but not nearly as politically motivated. Happy right where he is, or seems to be.”
    â€œDogmatic? Runs his department with an iron hand?”
    â€œWhat makes you think that?”
    â€œI met him last night. He responded to what happened at Mrs. Hatcher’s home.”
    â€œAnd that was the impression he gave you?”
    â€œMore or less. Not true?”
    â€œWell, he’s a better man than Frank Mendoza,” Parfrey said. “Tough enough, and uncompromising at times, but essentially competent and fair-minded.”
    â€œCan you get me an audience with