Sycamore Row - John Grisham

“Are you okay?” Jake whispered as he leaned over to Lettie.
“I’m at peace,” she said. “Are you okay?”
“I’m a wreck,” he said and smiled.
Judge Atlee took the bench and the jurors were brought in. It is impossible for a trial
lawyer not to look at the jurors as they return with a verdict, though every trial lawyer
vows to ignore them. Jake looked straight at Michele Still, who sat down first, then gave
him a quick little grin. Nevin Dark handed the verdict to the clerk who handed it to
Judge Atlee. He reviewed it forever, then leaned an inch or two closer to his mike.
Enjoying the drama, he said, “The verdict appears to be in order. The jury was to
answer five questions. Number one: Did Seth Hubbard execute a valid holographic will
on October 1, 1988? By a vote of 12 to 0, the answer is yes. Number two: Did Seth
Hubbard understand and appreciate the nature and effect of what he was doing when
he executed his holographic will? By a vote of 12 to 0, the answer is yes. Number three:
Did Seth Hubbard understand and appreciate who the beneficiaries are to whom he had
given gifts in his holographic will? By a vote of 12 to 0, the answer is yes. Number four:
Did Seth Hubbard understand and appreciate the nature and amount of his property and
how he wanted to dispose of it? By a vote of 12 to 0, the answer is yes. And, number
five: Was Seth Hubbard unduly influenced by Lettie Lang or anyone else when he
executed his holographic will on October 1, 1988? By a vote of 12 to 0, the answer is
no.”
Ramona gasped and began crying. Herschel, who had moved himself to the second
row, rose immediately and stormed out of the courtroom. Their children had left the trial
the day before.
Judge Atlee thanked the jurors and dismissed them. He adjourned court and
disappeared. There were hugs among the victors and long faces among the losers. Wade
Lanier was gracious in defeat and congratulated Jake on such a fine job. He spoke
kindly to Lettie and wished her the best.
If she was on the verge of being the richest black woman in the state, she did not look
it. She just wanted to go home. She ignored a couple of reporters and brushed aside
some well-wishers. She was tired of being pawed at and fawned over.
Harry Rex organized a party on the spot, hot dogs on the grill in his backyard and
beer in the cooler. Portia said she would be there after she took care of Lettie. Willie
Traynor was always ready for a party. Lucien said he would come early, and he might
bring Sallie, a rare occurrence. Before they left the courthouse, Lucien was already
taking credit for the win.
Jake wanted to choke him.