Defending Jacob

Back at home after another day of testimony, the Barbers notice the sedan has returned. Duffy drives up and asks the driver for his license and registration. The man greets Andy and asks how his family is doing. Duffy lets him go and talks with Andy. He tells him the man is James O’Leary, nicknamed Father O’Leary. Duffy says, “‘He’s a fixer [who] hires himself out” (25). He does not know who might have hired him. Duffy also tells Andy that he has found a new connection between Logiudice and Patz—the prosecutor let Logiudice plead out of a past crime, which may explain Logiudice’s reluctance to look at another suspect.

Father O’Leary attends court the next day. Derek testifies that there was a small amount of blood on Jacob the day of Ben’s murder. Logiudice tries to question him about Jacob and the stray dog, but Jonathan objects. He is, however, able to ask him about the knife and the Cutting Room. Derek admits that he felt he had to turn Jacob in—he was certain about his guilt. Andy has the immediate feeling that the mood in the courtroom has changed: “everyone’s doubts were resolved at last” (367).