Total pages in book: 179
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 173733 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 869(@200wpm)___ 695(@250wpm)___ 579(@300wpm)
She sits up straight. “What? No. You said next week.”
“What’s going on, Reese?” Nelson asks, sounding concerned, and looking professional as always in a navy-blue suit and tie.
“To end this story,” I say, “I’m closing today.”
Nelson stands up. “Today?”
“Yes,” I say. “Today.”
“What about the character witnesses?” he asks.
“The prosecution has a bombshell waiting on us,” I say. “Let’s not keep hunting for it. Let’s get your wife on the stand and let’s get you back to your normal life.”
“You think we’re going to get an acquittal?” he asks.
“A jury is never a sure thing,” I say. “But in theory, we’ve proven reasonable doubt. Kelli can help seal the deal.”
“What are you going to ask me?” Kelli asks, standing now as well.
“Elsa is going to spend some time prepping you this morning,” I say, knowing very well that my questions won’t resemble Elsa’s, but that’s the plan. “You’ll be called midmorning, after which I’ll rest my case, and we’ll close this afternoon. Unless the judge decides closing will be Monday, which I doubt he will. He wants the jurors to go home, if they can go home.” I turn and exit the room, and yes, I’m nervous. I’m always nervous for closing, my adrenaline pumping, and that’s a dangerous feeling that can be distracting if not reeled in.
Fifteen minutes later, I walk into the courtroom and, as always, my attention gravitates to Cat. I find her in her normal spot, her notebook in hand, her beautiful blonde hair pinned primly at her nape. And there is nothing hotter than a schoolteacher image in public who saves her wild side for me. Fuck. I’m crazy about this woman, and rather than distracting me, there is something about her being here that helps me center that adrenaline. It’s the damnedest thing.
I take my spot at the table, and it’s not long until Richard joins me and Dan appears at his table. Soon, the judge and jury are in place and the day is set to begin. I call Geneva Marks, Nelson’s secretary, a pretty thirty-something brunette dressed in a blue suit dress. She’s sworn in and states her name, and I start with softball questions.
“How long have your worked for Nelson Ward?”
“Five years.”
“How well do you know him?”
“I know more about him than probably even his wife.”
“Based on that statement, is he a man of honor?”
“Objection,” Dan shouts. “Leading.”
I rephrase. “What is your assessment of his character?”
“One of the best men I’ve ever known. Honest, kind, generous. Smart.”
“Have you ever witnessed him and his wife fighting?”
She inhales and lets it out. “Yes.”
“What about?”
“Me. She was jealous of me.”
“Does she have reason to be?”
“No. My relationship with Mr. Ward is completely professional, which is one of the things about him I respect. He would never, ever dream of cheating on his wife, or making a woman feel uncomfortable.”
“Did you hear them fight about Jennifer Wright?”
“Yes.”
“What was the context?”
“There was a call to Mr. Ward’s cellphone from Jennifer Wright the night she was murdered. He wanted his wife to admit to the police that she took the call, not him.”
There is a rumbling of voices in the courtroom that fades quickly, and you can almost feel the courtroom waiting for what comes next.
“What was Mrs. Ward’s response?” I ask.
“She said it would make her a suspect. She—”
“Objection!” Dan shouts, jumping to his feet. “Hearsay.”
“This is not hearsay,” I argue. “She was sitting outside the office and heard the conversation.”
“Overruled. Continue.”
I look at Geneva. “You were saying. She what?”
“She cried and accused Mr. Ward of not loving her if he wouldn’t protect her.”
“And how did Mr. Ward respond?”
“He proclaimed his love and promised to protect her.”
“Did either admit to murdering the victim?”
“No. I did not hear any admission of guilt.”
“At any time has Mr. Ward admitted to killing Jennifer Wright?”
“Not when I was present.”
“I’m done with the witness,” I say, walking back to my table and sitting down, while Dan stands.
Nelson leans into me and whispers, “What the hell are you doing?”
“My job,” I say, as Dan asks, “Ms. Marks, was the door open when you heard this conversation about the phone call between Nelson and Kelli Ward?”
“No,” she says.
“In other words, the conversation was muffled?”
“The walls are thin,” Geneva states. “I hear everything.”
“Is there any chance you might have overheard a portion of the conversation?” Dan presses.
“Unlikely.”
“Yes or no?”
“Ah—yes.”
“I’m done with the witness,” Dan states, walking back to his table.
Nelson grabs my arm and leans into me. “Leave it.”
I stand back up, forcing his hand from my arm. “Redirect, your honor?” Seeing the judge’s agreement, I press forward, “Ms. Marks, have you ever heard something through the walls and found it to be untrue later?”
“No, I have not.”
She’s dismissed, and I motion for Richard to retrieve Kelli. “Judge, we’re retrieving Kelli Ward, who will be our next witness.”