Theo of Golden

October arrives in Golden, and Theo decides to pause his portrait bestowals until spring. He reflects on having given portraits to 43 people, creating new connections and friendships. Some memorable recipients include Leah the waitress, whose husband is in the Army. He also considers Taquon, the sheriff’s deputy; Hardy, the old-school barber; Miller P., the lawyer; and the volatile Cleave Torber, who destroyed a portrait.

Theo has maintained detailed records of all bestowals in the same journal in which he notes plants, trees, and birds in Golden. Three recipients never showed up for their meetings, and Theo has kept those portraits, thinking that he might mail them someday without a return address. He feels satisfied to envision 43 homes displaying Asher’s artwork.

At the Golden County Government Center, Theo attends a court hearing with Kendrick. The building buzzes with activity as Judge McLender works through criminal cases. After two hours, the case of “State v. Mateo Mendez” (274) is called, and the Guatemalan man who caused the accident that injured Lamisha and killed her mother is brought into the courtroom in shackles and a prison jumpsuit.

Mr. Mendez is represented by an expensive lawyer whom Theo has secretly arranged for him. Prosecutor Derrick Prentiss announces that a plea agreement has been reached; Mr.