Page 99 of The River We Remember

“Even if I convince them to tell their story, it will take a miracle to get a jury to believe it. Folks in Jewel didn’t necessarily love your father, but he was one of them. Noah Bluestone is Indian and Kyoko is Japanese. They aren’t just the accused, Fiona. They’re the enemy.”

Fiona rose from her chair. “Good day, Miss Bauer.”

Charlie rose, too, and handed her a business card. “I’d appreciate hearing from you if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

“A conscience is an interesting thing. I’ve found that in good people, it usually gets the upper hand.”

“My conscience, Miss Bauer, is clear.”

“I’m grateful for your time. Thank you.” At the door as she left, Charlie said, “One more thing.”

“Yes?”

“You knew Noah Bluestone once. He and his father helped work your father’s land. What did you think of him then?”

“That was a very long time ago, Miss Bauer. People change.”

“Not what’s at the heart of them. Think about Noah Bluestone’s heart. And then think about your father’s. And then look into your own. That’s all I’m asking.”

Fiona didn’t reply. Charlie left her in the doorway of her perfect-looking little house, left her to her perfect-seeming little life, and went back to Black Earth County and the messy business of those who still called it home.

BRODY DERN’S CRUISER was parked in the Quinns’ yard when Charlie returned from Des Moines in the late evening. Only the pale blue memory of daylight remained in the western sky, and the big yard light near the barn was already garishly ablaze. All the lights inside the house seemed to be on as well. She got out of her car, and as she did so, Brody emerged from the Quinn home, descended the porch steps, and walked toward her and his cruiser.

“Evening, Charlie,” he said.

“Hello, Brody. Just a friendly visit?”

“I wish. The Quinns fired Tyler Creasy this afternoon. He got angry and made some threats.”

“Fired why?”

“It was Creasy who accused Bluestone of stealing gas. Bluestone’s in jail now, but the discrepancy between the gas going out and what’s been entered in the log-book at the pump continues. It has to be one of the hired men, Creasy or Able Grange. Maybe you know the Grange family. Good people. Given a choice between Able and Creasy, it’s pretty easy to figure who the real culprit is.”

“No proof though?”

“That’s right. So no charges. Marta simply fired Creasy. He maintained his innocence, of course, swore Bluestone set him up.”

“Where’s Creasy now?”

“Took off before I got here. I’ll find him.”

“And what?”

“I might hold him until Monday, when court convenes.”

“On what charge? It’s not a crime to threaten someone, Brody. And you have no real proof of theft.”

“I didn’t think you were fond of Tyler Creasy.”

“I loathe the man. We’re talking the law here.”

“Relax, Charlie. I just want to make sure he’s not drunk and that he’s cooled off. What are you doing here so late?”

“I’m hoping to talk with Marta.”

“She’s inside,” he said. He eyed the dim glow in the western sky. “I’d best get started. Night, Counselor.”