“I’m not taking notes. Is there going to be a test?”
“No, but learning more about the history of the firm gave me an idea.”
“Okay,” I answered, mystified.
“Mr. Samuel Braddock and his father practiced law together for a long time. Lawrence died about ten years ago, although he’d been retired for many years. Mr. Appleby is originally from Norfolk and joined the firm when the father was still practicing.” Vince paused. “Mr. Carpenter did too. Mr. Carpenter’s family—”
Realizing another long genealogical recitation was coming, I couldn’t stifle the giggle that bubbled up within me.
“What did I say?” Vince asked.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know where you’re going with this, but your attention to detail is incredible. Are you the same way with your Bible study?”
“I try to be.”
“How many books of the Bible have you memorized?”
Vince shook his head. “I’m not answering that. Are you going to let me finish? It’s going to be hard to find time later today.”
“All right. You were starting Mr. Carpenter’s genealogy.”
“Mr. Carpenter’s family is from Savannah too, but his family history isn’t documented except for the names of his parents. When I saw his father’s name, I remembered our conversation the other day at the deli.”
“Floyd Carpenter?” I asked in shock, putting my hand to my mouth.
Vince nodded. “Yes.”
“I never really thought—” I stopped.
“Did you mention that to Mr. Carpenter?” Vince asked.
“No. I thought it would sound foolish.”
“That was probably very wise.” Vince moved the cursor on his laptop. “At that point, I stopped working on the website and started searching the closed file records.”
“Looking for what?”
“References to the significant names: Prescott and Carpenter as clients of the firm.”
“What did you find?” I asked.
“Not much. Floyd Carpenter died not long after Mr. Braddock’s father passed away.”
My heart sank.
“However, the old files haven’t been destroyed,” Vince continued. “The State Bar Rules would allow it, but the firm is proud of its history and put its records on microfilm in the 1980s. They’re stored off-site. I’m just not sure how to get access.”
“Mr. Carpenter obviously isn’t an option.”
“Why don’t you ask Zach?”
I shrugged. “I’m not sure he’ll help. He thinks I need to concentrate totally on helping Moses with the trespassing case and forget about Lisa Prescott.”
“You can do both.” Vince closed his laptop. “There may be nothing to it, but access to privileged information is a unique opportunity, something the police didn’t have when they were investigating Lisa’s disappearance.”
Everything Vince said made sense.
“How long did it take you to do this?”
Vince smiled. “Less time than it took to memorize the first two chapters of Ephesians. I’ll check with you this afternoon.”
I LEFT THE CONFERENCE ROOM. When I passed Mr. Carpenter’s office suite, his secretary stopped me.
“Tami, hold on. I was about to come looking for you. I’ll let Mr. Carpenter know you’re here.”
“Could it wait?” I asked, trying to think of a good reason to postpone a meeting.
The secretary already had the phone receiver in her hand. She shook her head. I had no choice but to wait. I offered up a rapid prayer for help. Mr. Carpenter opened the door to his office.
“Good morning, Tami,” he said. “Come in.”
I entered the office and sat down. He didn’t go behind his desk but sat across from me in a leather side chair. Sitting so close to him increased my anxiety.
“I hope I’m not in trouble,” I said lamely.
“Of course not,” Mr. Carpenter answered lightly. “I read your memo about the Jones case with great interest. Clifton Cannon can be hard to deal with, especially if his sciatica is acting up.”
“I don’t know, but it must have been bad yesterday. It’s disturbing that the judge’s back condition might affect how many years a man or woman spends in prison.”
“The practice of law is filled with intangibles that law school doesn’t prepare you for.”
“Yes sir.”
“What are you going to do next on the case?”
“Uh, get ready to try it. I have to phone the courthouse and find out the dates for criminal trial calendars this summer.”
“Zach will guide you. He’s a bright young man. If both of you get in over your heads, call on me.”