My cell mate, Oliver Howard, has no visitors and expects to die in prison, not believing he will survive his eight-year plea deal. He is charming . . . though hard of hearing. Guards consider him a good fellow, and…

It is to be a memorable day. As usual, we are waking at 4 a.m., a foolish and dark time of day. After breakfast, a group adjourns to the basketball court. It is my cellie’s 71st birthday, and he is…