Jasmine Henderson Haynes was buried at Maple Hill Cemetery, a huge expanse of land adjacent to California Drive in Huntsville. Bo placed the flower on the headstone and squatted down so that he could run his fingers over her name.

“Jazz, I don’t know if what I’m about to do is right or not,” he said. “Hell, I’m not sure if I know the difference between right and wrong anymore.” He paused and stifled a sob. “But I’ve got to do something, honey.” He leaned down and kissed the marker and then, after wiping his tears, walked with purpose to the Sequoia.

His next stop was the Hendersons’ home in the Medical District, a neighborhood of middle-class houses a half mile from Huntsville Hospital. He hoped that Ezra would be out and that he could speak with Juanita. No such luck.

Ezra answered the door before Bo could knock. “What in the hell do you think you’re doing? The kids are at school, and even if they were home, the court made it plain yesterday that you only get to see them on the weekends.”

“I came here to tell you that I’m going back to Pulaski,” Bo said, trying with every fiber of his being to maintain his cool. “I’ve been retained to represent a prominent citizen on charges of murder.”

“What prominent citizen would even think about hiring you after what you’ve done with your life these past few years?”

“General Helen Lewis.”

Ezra’s eyes widened, but he wasn’t thrown off too much. “Well . . . good luck.” He started to shut the door, but Bo stuck his forearm in the opening. “One thing,” Bo said, stepping into the space and making the older man retreat a step backward.

“You’re in my house now, Bocephus, and I’m going to call the police if you don’t leave. How’d that be? Another conviction on your record.”

“I got something to say, and you’re going to listen. I’m returning to work in Pulaski, but I’m not giving up my children. In six months, we’ll be back in front of Judge Woodruff, and I’ll be awarded custody. You understand?”

“In your dreams.”

Bo leaned forward and glared at the other man, who had never thought Bo was good enough for Jazz, even when things between the couple had been stable. “In the meantime, I expect that you will make sure that they stay safe, attend school, and do what they’re supposed to be doing.”

“Who the hell do you think you’re talking to? I asked the court for custody because I didn’t think you were going to do those things. I don’t need a lecture from you.”

“You asked the court for custody because you’re a vindictive man. A very small man who decided to blame me for all of his troubles instead of owning them himself.”