Counsel for the Defense

Westville is buzzing with anticipation as the town prepares to unveil its grand new water‑works. Amid the festive bunting and the clang of the brass band, editor Arnold Bruce hammers out a feature story in a cramped, dust‑laden office, his strong hands pounding the typewriter while a young reporter lounges nearby, cigarette in hand. Their banter hints at deeper currents beneath the town’s celebratory surface, suggesting that not all is as orderly as the parade’s march.

At the heart of the tale is Katherine West, a determined young woman caught in a tangled web of accusation and conscience. As the community’s respected doctor, the reverend, and a cadre of political figures converge, a courtroom drama unfolds where loyalties are tested and hidden motives surface. With a cast ranging from seasoned attorneys to shrewd detectives, the narrative weaves together personal stakes and civic intrigue, promising listeners a compelling mix of suspense and moral complexity.