A Time for Mercy (Jake Brigance #3) - John Grisham Page 0,80

up and run off with a nurse. She was well known too because she was drop-dead gorgeous and one of the most lusted-after women in the county, single or married. Jake had not heard the rumor, never met the woman, didn’t like the doctor, and tried to avoid the gossip.

It was Carla’s long-standing opinion that men, contrary to popular opinion, were worse gossips than women. Jake found it hard to disagree. He was relieved when the conversation drifted to sports, and even more pleased when Stan announced dinner. No one had mentioned the Kofer killing.

They dined on smoked ribs, corn on the cob, and slaw. It was a perfect spring evening, just warm enough to eat outside on the patio and enjoy the blooming dogwoods. The fourteenth fairway was fifty yards away, and after a dessert of store-bought coconut pie, the five men fired up cigars and walked to the golf course for a smoke. The Masters was in full swing at Augusta National and this dominated the talk. Nick Faldo and Raymond Floyd were battling it out, and Stan, a serious golfer, was generous with his analysis. Since he was hosting and wouldn’t be driving, he was drinking too much.

Jake had little experience with cigars and even less with golf, and as he gamely listened his mind went back to the scene at the church and the look of hopelessness and fear in young Kiera’s eyes. He shook it off, and wanted to go home and crawl into bed.

Stan, though, wanted to end the night with a digestif, a fine brandy someone had sent him. Back on the patio, he poured five generous shots and the boys drifted over to bother the girls.

Carla looked at the drink in Jake’s hand and whispered, “Haven’t you had enough?”

“I’m okay.”

One couple was paying a babysitter and needed to call it a night. Another had a new puppy that was all alone. It was almost 11:00 p.m., Friday night, and most of them were looking forward to a late morning sleeping in. Thanks and farewells were offered and accepted and the guests left.

At the car, Jake’s red Saab, Carla asked, “Are you okay to drive?”

“Sure. I’m fine.”

They got in and she asked, “How many drinks have you had?”

“I didn’t know we were counting. Not enough.”

She gritted her teeth, looked away, and said nothing else. Jake was determined to prove his sobriety and drove slowly and carefully. “So what did the girls talk about?” he asked, trying to break the ice.

“Usual stuff. Kids, school, mothers-in-law. You heard about Dr. Freddie and the nurse?”

“Oh yes. All the details. I’ve always avoided him.”

“He’s a creep, but then his wife is not much better. Watch your speed.”

“I’m doing just fine, Carla, thank you.” Jake fumed and concentrated on the road. He turned onto a bypass east of town and the bright lights of Clanton were just ahead. He glanced in his mirror and mumbled, “Crap! A cop.”

The patrol car had materialized from nowhere and was suddenly on his bumper, with blue lights flashing and a siren that could be heard for miles. Jake knew immediately that it was a county car. The town limits of Clanton were a mile away.

Carla turned around in horror and saw the lights close behind. “Why is he stopping us?” she asked.

“Hell if I know. I was under the speed limit.” Jake slowed and managed to stop on a wide shoulder.

“Do you have any gum?” he asked. Carla opened her purse, which in keeping with the current style was almost large enough to check in as luggage at the airport. Finding gum or breath mints in it, and in the dark, and under pressure, seemed unlikely. Fortunately, the officer was in no hurry. She found the gum and Jake crammed two pieces into his mouth.

It was Mike Nesbit, a deputy Jake knew well. He knew all of them, didn’t he? The officer shined his light inside and asked, “Jake, can I see your license and registration, please?”

“Sure, Mike. How you doing?” Jake said as he handed them over.

“Great.” Nesbit examined the cards and said, “Just a minute.” He strolled back to his car and got in, just as a green Audi passed them in the center of the road. Jake wasn’t positive but he believed the car was owned by the Janeways, a couple they had just enjoyed dinner with. And since Jake had the only red Saab within fifty miles, there was little doubt as to who was getting