The Guardians

Post goes to visit Dr. Benderschmidt at VCU in Richmond, Virginia. Dr. Benderschmidt gives his expert opinion on the evidence of Quincy’s case, specifically the blood-splattered flashlight (photos of it since the piece of evidence itself was lost in a fire). Dr. Benderschmidt tells Post he isn’t even sure the spatter on the flashlight is blood. Dr. Benderschmidt has debunked two of Paul Norwood’s convictions in the past. He comments that “[i]t was grossly irresponsible for him to tell the jury that these specks are blood that came from Russo’s body” (90). Dr. Benderschmidt concludes the people who framed Quincy are professionals and warns Post, “That situation down there could get sticky. None of my business, you know, but you’d better be careful” (92).

Post goes to meet a man named Gerald Cook, a prospective client. A 43-year-old white male, Cook was set up by his ex-wife and stepdaughters, who accused him of sexually molesting them. It was all a scam to put Gerald away, so the ex could get her hands on his lottery winnings in their divorce. Although Post believes Gerald’s story, he refuses to take him on as a client because of Gerald’s vindictive nature: Gerald is angry and bitter, and Post is worried he may try to harm his ex-wife if he’s exonerated and freed.