A Time for Mercy (Jake Brigance #3) - John Grisham Page 0,115

soon.”

“And so that leads us to my request for a refinancing. If the bank will redo the mortgage on my home, extend more credit, I’ll have some cash to work with. I can pay down the litigation loan and stay in business.”

“Well, your business model worries them. They’ve gone through your financials and are not impressed.”

The idea of a bunch of big-shot bankers poking through his financials and frowning at his income made his blood boil. He hated banks, and once again vowed to somehow get them out of his life. At the moment, though, that seemed impossible.

Stan continued, “Last year you grossed ninety thousand and netted fifty before taxes.”

“I know this. Believe me I do. But the year before I grossed one-forty. You know what it’s like hustling clients in a small town. With the exception of the Sullivans, every lawyer around the square is up and down.”

“True, but the year before you were sitting fat because of fees from the Hubbard will contest.”

“I really don’t want to argue with you, Stan. I bought the house two years ago from Willie Trainer for two-fifty, a lot for Clanton, but then it’s a lot of house.”

“And I approved the loan, without hesitation. But the guys in Jackson are skeptical of your appraisal.”

“You and I both know the appraisal is on the high side. I’ll bet those sumbitches down in Jackson live in homes that cost a lot more than three hundred thousand.”

“That’s beside the point, Jake. They’re saying no to a new mortgage. I’m sorry, Jake. If it were up to me I would approve the loan to you with just your signature, no collateral.”

“Let’s not get carried away here, Stan. You are, after all, a banker.”

“I’m your friend, Jake, and it pains me to pass along the bad news. Zero. No new mortgage. I’m sorry, Jake.”

Jake sighed in defeat and almost felt sorry for his friend. They watched each other for a moment. Jake finally said, “Okay, I’ll shop it around. When do they want their money?”

“Two weeks.”

Jake shook his head as if in disbelief. “I guess I can dip into the rather shallow pool of my savings.”

“I’m sorry, Jake.”

“I know you are, Stan, and I know this is not what you want. Don’t beat yourself up over it. I’ll survive. Somehow.”

They shook hands, and Jake couldn’t wait to get out of the bank.

* * *

—

HE USED THE back alleys to avoid people and minutes later eased into his office. More bad news was waiting.

Josie was sitting with Portia at the front desk. Both were drinking coffee and seemed engaged in a pleasant conversation. She had not bothered to make an appointment and Jake was not in the mood for more hand-holding, but he couldn’t say no. She followed him upstairs to his office and sat across from him at his cluttered desk. They talked about Drew for a moment and Jake reported that Carla was over at the jail going through their initial tutoring session. He exaggerated a little and said Drew seemed to be enjoying the attention. They talked about Kiera for a moment and Josie described her as lonely, bored, and frightened. Mrs. Golden from the church visited three times a week for lessons. She was piling on the homework and this kept Kiera somewhat engaged. Charles and Meg McGarry stopped by every other day to check on her. Josie had stopped going to church because Kiera couldn’t go with her anymore. She was finally showing a little and their secret had to be protected.

Josie pulled some letters out of her purse and handed them over. She said, “Two from the hospitals, here and in Tupelo, and one from the doctor over there. A total of sixteen thousand dollars and change, and, of course, they’re makin’ threats. What am I supposed to do, Jake?”

Jake quickly scanned the numbers and once again marveled at the cost of health care.

She said, “I’m working three part-time jobs now, all minimum wage, and we’re barely gettin’ by, but I can’t pay these bills. Plus my car needs a new transmission. If it croaks we’re just screwed, plain and simple.”

Jake said, “We can bankrupt these.” He avoided bankruptcy work with as much enthusiasm as he avoided divorces, but occasionally he waded into the pit with a client in dire need.

“But I need my doctor, Jake. I can’t bankrupt him. Plus, I filed two years ago down in Louisiana, for the second time. Isn’t there a limit on how many