In the Golden County Government Center during Superior Court’s November term, Theo rides a crowded elevator to Judge Kenneth McLender’s courtroom and sits beside Kendrick. Theo watches a “hearing day” docket where pre-trial motions, bail, pleas, and probation matters are handled with brisk formality, leaving Theo both fascinated and unsettled by how casually lives are changed.

After about two hours, the clerk calls “State v. Mateo Mendez.” Mr. Mendez is brought in shackled and wearing jail stripes, but an impeccably dressed, expensive defense attorney steps up to represent him. Mr. Mendez does not know who hired the lawyer, but he is grateful for the protection of an advocate.

Derrick Prentiss, handling the State’s cases that morning, presents a plea agreement on the vehicular homicide charge. Despite the defense’s efforts to reduce the charge, the deal reflects political realities: Mr. Mendez pleads guilty to the felony, and the sentence is set to equal the time Mr. Mendez has already served.

Judge McLender accepts the plea and calls a short recess. Derrick explains to Kendrick and Theo that Mr. Mendez is effectively finished with his sentence and will be released that day, though his future remains uncertain as his lawyer seeks a hardship visa to allow him to stay and care for his daughter, with little confidence it will be granted.

Several concrete mercies follow from the agreement: Mr. Mendez will change into new clothes provided by his lawyer, and within hours he will see his wife and daughter, who have been brought to town and housed in a hotel room paid for by Mrs. Gidley. Lamisha can rest knowing her letter to Mr. Mendez’s daughter, Maria, was delivered; as Mr. Mendez leaves the defense table, he finds Kendrick’s eyes, bows his head, and raises his unchained hands in prayer.