“My husband told me about the defendants’ actions and their family.”
“When?”
“On Christmas Eve.”
Mr.Evans blinks.There’s a pause before he clears his throat and keeps going.“Were you still under contract as a talent at the defendant’s agency?”
“Legally, yes.I had submitted my resignation, but the defendant was still persuading me to stay.”I clench my fist on my lap.
“You handed your resignation letter after the advertising scandal with the defendant.Is that true?”
“No, it was weeks before that.”My lips shake more with each question.
“So, this is about settling a score?You wanted to get revenge and drag him down, is that it?”
“Objection, Your Honor.Irrelevant to the case,” Golden calls out.
“I’m digging into the true intentions of the case, Your Honor,” Mr.Evans says.
“Overruled.Witness, please answer the question,” the judge orders.
I go quiet for a long moment.My breath turns shaky.My eyes flick toward Laird.He watches me with worry etched deep in his brow.“I just wanted him to acknowledge his wrongdoings and pay for all his mistakes.”
“His mistakes towards you?Isn’t that a selfish personal vendetta?”
“Objection, Your Honor.This is irrelevant,” Golden says, barely containing his frustration.
“Sustained.We know the reason.Next question, Mr.Evans,” the judge says with an eye roll.Mr.Evans pouts before turning back to me.
“Tell me, Mrs.Baxter.What did you do after you learned the defendant was involved in criminal activities?”
“I helped clarify some information they already had.That’s it.”I’m holding my breath until the words leave my mouth.
“What did you clarify?”
“Their confession of the crimes committed,” I say, my heart pounding uncontrollably.Did I say that right?Did I mess up?
“So, you never saw concrete evidence with your own eyes?Was there any entrapment with the evidence obtained illegally?”
“Objection.The attorney is leading the witness.Our coordination is part of a legitimate investigation under the jurisdiction of the federal attorney and the FBI,” Golden argues sharply.
“Not if the evidence you gathered also came from illegal actions,” Mr.Evans fires back.
“The investigation was authorized.Any details beyond that are classified.”Golden strikes back.
“You mean involvingcivilianswho weren’t officially working for the government?Espionage done illegally is a criminal act.Tampering with privacy.”Evans talks in rush.
“It’s called a covert operation!”Golden’s voice is thundering on the courtroom.
Evans cuts back in, his hand slicing the air sharply toward Golden.“You trapped them!Who knows if the proof is legitimate or planted by her revenge motive?”
“Enough, both of you.”The judge bangs the gavel over and over.The courtroom erupts with murmurs from spectators and journalists.“The court is adjourned for ten minutes.”
* * *
This time, I watch Laird from the spectator seats.It’s strange to see a father and son in the same courtroom as opponents.It should be unethical, but nobody has a clue how Hugo Evans gets away with it.
“Mr.Evans, did you share confidential client agreements with the federal prosecutor and the FBI?”Mr.Evans asks, his voice hoarse but loud.
