Mountain Top(13)
“I heard you were pretty good.”
“Who told you that?” Mike asked in surprise.
“Your name came up last week when I was having lunch with Judge Coberg. He told me about a case in which you cross-examined a witness who confessed on the witness stand. It sounded like something from a TV show.”
“Warren Ridley,” Mike answered. “It was a white lightning case. A real throwback.”
“Yeah, the judge said that’s what convinced him you should be a minister. He claimed anyone who could get this Ridley guy to admit his guilt when another man was about to be convicted ought to be in a pulpit urging people to confess their sins. It was hilarious the way the judge told it.”
Mike smiled at the memory of the mountain man sputtering and fuming on the witness stand until finally throwing up his hands and acknowledging that he’d secretly built a moonshine still on a neighbor’s property.
“That story has been overblown, but if I’m so good, I should have been able to convince Sam Miller that I’m not going to be his lawyer.”
“Maybe you should put it in writing.”
“Yeah, that’s my next step. Sorry to inconvenience you.”
“No problem, it’s a pleasure meeting you over the phone. Let me know if I can help.”
“Thanks, and I’ll suggest to Miller that he consider hiring you.”
Mike hung up the phone and added Greg Freeman to his list of church prospects. He turned on his computer and quickly typed a letter of nonrep-resentation that included a place for Sam Miller to sign.
“Back to the jail,” he said to Delores.
“Why?”
“I have to set Mr. Miller straight that I won’t be representing him. I don’t think the elders or members of this congregation would want me practicing criminal law on the side.”
THIS TIME, THE FEMALE DEPUTY ON DUTY DIDN’T OBJECT TO Mike’s request for access to the cell block. Lamar Cochran wasn’t on duty, and an unfamiliar officer brought out Sam Miller. The older man greeted Mike when he entered the hallway. Mike didn’t respond. They went into the same interview room. Mike spoke without sitting down.
“Mr. Miller, I thought I made it clear that I wouldn’t be representing you. You don’t qualify for an appointed lawyer and need to hire a private attorney. Mr. Freeman is willing to help, but whether you hire him or someone else, you need to act as soon as possible.”
Sam looked up at Mike. The old man didn’t seem upset at the news.
“Have a seat,” Sam said. “I understand.”
Mike placed the letter he’d typed on the table.
“This is a letter stating that I’m not your lawyer. Sign it. I have an extra copy for you.”
Sam picked up the sheet of paper, looked at it for a few seconds then placed it on the table. Mike held out a pen.
“Do you have any questions?” Mike asked.
“Yep.”
“Go ahead.”
“Did she laugh?” Sam asked.
“Who?” Mike asked in surprise.
“Your wife.”
“Why would she laugh?”
“I told you yesterday that Isaac was on the way.”
Mike stared at the old man for several seconds.
“What are you talking about?”
“Your baby. Did your wife laugh when she gave you the news that you’re going to be a daddy?”
“Yes,” Mike answered slowly. “And cried, too.”
Sam patted his stomach. “That’s understandable. It’s been a long wait. But she’s a new woman. A fresh wind from heaven is going to refresh her soul.”
Mike sat down in the chair opposite Sam. “How did you know my wife was pregnant? I didn’t know it myself until I got home yesterday afternoon.”
“I told you Isaac was coming. I figured she’d be laughing since that’s what his name means.”
Mike’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You believe I’m going to have a son?”
“Yep. But I have a fifty-fifty chance of guessing right anyway.”
“How did you know my wife was pregnant?” Mike insisted.
Sam grinned. “Papa showed me. It’s a sign and a wonder.”
“Well, it makes me wonder all right, but you didn’t answer my question.”
“It was part of the dream,” Sam answered patiently. “The one that sent Muriel to the church to fetch you.”
“What dream?”
Sam sat back in his chair. “You told me to get right to the point yesterday, so I didn’t mention it. Do you want the whole explanation?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Here’s what happened. In the dream, my truck broke down on the side of the road in front of your church. A lawyer I know came out of the sanctuary to help me. His wife was with him, and she was laughing and pointing at her stomach. It was obvious that she was pregnant, but she put her finger to her lips, so I knew it was a secret. The lawyer started working on my truck and fixed whatever was wrong with it, then I left.” Sam stopped.