Link Deas is one of the few white citizens in Maycomb who supports Atticus and believes that Tom Robinson is telling the truth. Link Deas is Tom's former employer, who is willing to look past race and exercise integrity by standing up for Tom Robinson during the trial. In chapter 19, Tom Robinson takes the witness stand and testifies that he did not assault or rape Mayella Ewell. Tom Robinson tells the truth about what happened on the evening of November 21st and testifies that he ran out of the house after Mayella made sexual advances towards him. Before Mr. Gilmer begins his cross-examination, Link Deas interrupts the court by standing up and saying,

"I just want the whole lot of you to know one thing right now. That boy's worked for me eight years an' I ain't had a speck o' trouble outa him. Not a speck" (Lee, 199).

Link Deas is immediately chastised by Judge Taylor, who furiously bangs his gavel and warns Link about charging him with contempt of court for any additional interruptions. Link Deas's defense of Tom Robinson emphasizes Tom's innocent, honest nature and positive reputation throughout the community.