“If the offenses are minor, I can promise to do my best to deal with the matter in this office—assuming the victims are willing to let Tyler make restitution and agree not to press charges. However, I can’t speak for them.”

“In exchange for Tyler’s cooperation, you could recommend restitution as the simplest course.”

If the guy was hoping for an ironclad commitment, he was out of luck. “I’m willing to consider that if the information Tyler has is as useful as you’ve inferred—and to do my best to help him get a clean start.” But he wasn’t about to be backed into a corner by a high-priced lawyer or make promises he might not be able to keep if the man was misrepresenting the gravity of the offenses.

After a few moments of silence, the attorney spoke to the two men beside him. “I believe that’s an acceptable commitment. Shall we proceed?”

Tyler exchanged a glance with his father. The older Holmes gave a curt nod, and Tyler swallowed. “Yes.”

The attorney pulled a thin file folder from his briefcase and laid it on the table. “I can fill you in on the basics. Tyler will answer your questions as we go along. Is that agreeable?”

“Yes.” Nate positioned his tablet in front of him.

Atwood opened the file. “My client has been involved in four illegal incidents. First, he’s responsible for the petty vandalism at Fred Wilson’s farm. That mischief was a misguided attempt to help convince Mr. Wilson to sell the property to his father. Carl Holmes was not aware of his son’s activities. Now that Mr. Holmes owns the land, he does not wish to prosecute for any of the damages.”

“You’re saying there was no malicious intent, nor was there any attempt to cause Mr. Wilson bodily harm.”

“Correct.”

“I’d like to hear that from Tyler.” Nate transferred his attention to him.

The attorney motioned toward the younger man, giving him the floor.

“I just wanted to aggravate him so he’d sell the place.” Tyler’s Adam’s apple bobbed. “All of the stuff I did was minor, and I never saw him during any of my visits. The night he died, I was at home. I don’t have any witnesses to that, but it’s the truth.”

Nothing in the younger man’s demeanor suggested he was lying.

“Shall we move on?” The attorney indicated the file folder.

Nate dipped his head.

“Second illegal incident. My client overheard Mavis Templeton tell a friend at the Spotted Hen Café that she kept a tidy sum of cash in a whipped-topping tub in her freezer. My client decided to steal it. He went to Ms. Templeton’s house the night she died and broke a kitchen window to gain entry. Once inside, he walked through the downstairs to be certain she’d gone to bed. He found her on the steps to the second level, already dead. He left immediately, without taking the cash. He’s prepared to pay her estate for the cost of the window replacement.”