Thornton.” He was younger than Jess had expected. Late thirties, maybe. He was also rather proud of himself.Every wall was covered with certificates of appreciation from the community for one thing or another. He’d graduated from the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He had a wife, two kids and one dog, based on the framed photo on his desk. What he didn’t have was a high regard for law enforcement. His attitude was one of cold indifference. The good doctor evidently had forgotten that Scottsboro was called the Friendly City.“As I told your detective on the phone,” Thornton sent a pointed look at Lori as he leaned back in his chair and clasped his hands over his waist, “I’m not sure what you expect me to say. Doctor-patient privilege prevents me from discussing Amanda Brownfield’s case.”“You’re absolutely right about that, sir.” Jess reached for her bag as if preparing to go. “But, there’s this one little exception to that privilege. Maybe you forgot.” She fished for her pad and pencil.
