Sycamore Row - John Grisham

quickly grabbed another and uncorked it. As he did so he explained that he was in town
to cover the trial. His latest venture was the launch of a monthly magazine devoted to
southern culture, and its inaugural issue would have an in-depth story about Seth
Hubbard and the fortune he’d left to his black housekeeper. Willie had not mentioned
this before.
Jake was thrilled at the idea of some publicity outside Ford County. The Hailey trial
had given him a dose of notoriety, and it was intoxicating. “Who’s on the cover?” he
asked, joking.
“Probably not you,” Willie said as he handed over two glasses filled to the top.
“Cheers.”
They talked about the trial for a moment or two, but all three were having other
thoughts. Finally, Willie broke the ice by saying, “Here’s what I propose. Let’s shake
hands tonight on the house, a verbal contract, just the three of us.”
“Verbal contracts for real estate are not enforceable,” Jake said.
“Don’t you just hate lawyers?” Willie said to Carla.
“Most of them.”
Willie said, “It’s enforceable if we say it’s enforceable. Let’s shake hands tonight on a
secret deal, then after the trial we’ll find a real lawyer who can draft a proper contract.
You guys go to the bank and line up a mortgage, and we’ll close in ninety days.”
Jake looked at Carla who looked right back. For a moment they froze, as if the idea
was entirely new. In reality, they had discussed the Hocutt House until they were weary
of it.
“What if we can’t qualify for a mortgage?” Carla asked.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Any bank in town will loan you the money.”
“I doubt it,” Jake said. “There are five in town and I’ve sued three of them.”
“Look, this place is a bargain at two fifty and the banks know it.”
“I thought it was two twenty-five,” Jake said, glancing at Carla.
Willie took a sip of his wine, smacked his lips with satisfaction, and said, “Well, yes, it
was, briefly, but you didn’t take the bait at that price. Frankly, the house is worth at
least $400,000. In Memphis—”
“We’ve had that conversation, Willie. This is not midtown Memphis.”
“No, it’s not, but two fifty is a more reasonable price. So, it’s two fifty.”
Jake said, “That’s a strange way to sell, Willie. If you don’t get your price, you keep
raising it?”
“I’m not raising it again, Jake, unless some doctor comes along. It’s two fifty. That’s
fair. You guys know it. Now let’s shake hands.”
Jake and Carla stared at each other for a moment, then she slowly reached over and
shook Willie’s hand. “Atta girl,” Jake said. The deal was closed.
The only sound was the faint hum of a monitor, somewhere above and behind him.
The only light was the red glow of digital numbers that recorded his vitals. His lower