With Jake both out of his way and occupying the spotlight, Hal could work quickly to wrap up the Jensen case and be done with this whole mess. He’d been DA long enough to know the media’s attention was short-lived. He made a note to himself to get in touch with Dom Finch’s attorney. No, scratch that, he would just give Dom a call himself. Dom wouldn’t mind the breach of protocol—he was a businessman who knew how to get things done. His boy, Hunter, was going to have to take a plea. There was no other choice, given all of the attention. It would be better for the kid, and for Dom’s business, if this wrapped up quickly. Hal would offer a short stay in county, as well as a stint of community service, as a sign of the kid’s contrition. Hell, Dom was in the construction business. Maybe he could be convinced to put the house back together himself. That would generate some positive press for everyone. The Jensens had been increasingly frantic in the messages that they left, and Hal wanted them off of his back. If they could rebuild their house, they could put this all behind them and so could he. Dom Finch wouldn’t like it, but he would take the deal. He’d know a good offer when he heard it.

41

Will’s mother always said bad news comes in threes. Nonsense, his father would reply. But then she would try to prove it, pointing out three celebrities dying in quick succession, or one of the farmhands calling in sick on the same day that the tractor wouldn’t start and she left the jam on the stove too long, scorching the pot. It’s easy to find bad luck if you’re looking for it, his father said. So don’t.

Usually, Will agreed with his father, but today he was feeling more superstitious. In the morning the bank called to let them know they hadn’t qualified for a second loan against the farm. In addition, their agent reminded them the three-year low interest period on the current loan would expire in two months, and they should be ready for the increased payments.