“They’re very serious. I think it would be better if we discussed them in person.”
“I’m not a child, Miss Barrister. Tell what’s going on.”
“The district attorney is accusing him of poisoning a woman named Sophie Randall, attempting to poison Samuel Moser, and poisoning another man named Arthur Gentry.”
“Arthur!” Dowd gasped. Then there was silence on Dowd’s end of the phone.
“Mrs. Dowd, are you all right?”
“Yes. This is just a shock. And it can’t be true. Bobby would never do anything like that.”
“He’s told me that he’s innocent.”
“Of course, he is.”
“I’m sure you understand that it is very expensive to defend a murder case. One of the reasons I’m calling is because your husband wants to retain me. He told me to call you to make the financial arrangements so I can represent him.”
“What amount are we talking about?”
Regina quoted a figure and explained why it was high. Dowd was silent again for a moment.
“That’s a lot of money. I’d like to talk to you in person before I write a check.”
“Of course. Can you come to Portland, or would you rather I go to you?”
“Will they let me see Bobby?”
“Yes. There are visiting hours.”
“Very well. I’ll come to Portland. Can I see Bobby this afternoon?”
“I’ll try to set up a visit. We can talk after you see your husband.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Regina was standing at the front door of the Justice Center when a black Mercedes limousine stopped at the base of the steps. A light rain was falling. A chauffeur opened the rear door and held an umbrella over Lily Dowd, who was wearing a dull gray overcoat and sensible shoes. If it weren’t for the limo and the chauffeur, Regina would not have known that Dowd was one of the wealthiest women in Oregon.
“Mrs. Dowd,” Regina said as she walked down the steps.
Dowd and the chauffeur met Regina halfway.
“Let’s get inside,” Regina said.
“I’ll be all right now, Greg,” Dowd said. “I’ll call you when I’m ready to go.”
The chauffeur shielded Dowd until she was out of the rain. Then he walked back to the car and drove off. Dowd opened her coat when she was inside. Her dress was as drab as her coat.
“How is Bobby doing?” Dowd asked.
“Remarkably well for someone facing the most serious charges the State can bring.”
Dowd smiled. “That’s Bobby. He’s always so cheerful. When can I see him?”
“Right away. You won’t be able to be in the same room with him. They have noncontact rooms where you can talk on a phone through shatterproof glass.”
“But I’m his wife.”
“It’s the best I could do. Very few people other than a defendant’s lawyer can have a contact visit.”