"Don't react tomorrow when Roberto goes after me. No matter what he says. No matter how he twists things. Stay neutral. Don't give them ammunition."
"I'll try."
"Don't try. Do it. For both of us." He kissed me softly. "Now take me to bed and remind me why this is all worth it."
Thursday morning arrived too quickly.
Emilio sat in the gallery looking composed and professional. I sat at the defense table trying not to watch him obsessively.
"The People call Emilio Rossi to the stand," Roberto announced.
Emilio stood. Walked to the witness stand with steady confidence. Was sworn in. Sat down and looked at Roberto with neutral professionalism.
He was magnificent even now. Even facing hostile examination. Even being used against me.
"Mr. Rossi, can you state your occupation for the record?" Roberto began.
"I'm a criminal defense attorney with Diana Martinez & Associates."
"And prior to joining Ms. Martinez's firm, where did you work?"
"Sterling & Associates. For three years."
"And during your time at Sterling, did you represent Alessandro Vitale in connection with these assault charges?"
"I did. Initially. I withdrew from representation."
"Why did you withdraw?"
Diana stood. "Objection. Relevance."
"Your Honor," Roberto said, "the witness's relationship with the defendant goes to establishing a pattern of corruption and manipulation that's relevant to understanding the defendant's character and methods."
"I'll allow limited questioning," Judge Morrison said. "But stay focused on relevant matters, Mr. Green. The defendant's personal life isn't on trial."
"Thank you, Your Honor." Roberto turned back to Emilio. "Mr. Rossi, why did you withdraw from representing Mr. Vitale?"
"I developed a personal relationship with Mr. Vitale that created a potential conflict of interest. To avoid any appearance of impropriety, I withdrew from representation."
"A personal relationship. Can you be more specific?"
Emilio's expression didn't change. "We're in a romantic relationship. We started dating while I was his attorney. When it became clear the relationship was serious, I withdrew to avoid ethical violations."
Murmurs rippled through the courtroom. Judge Morrison banged her gavel. "Order."
Roberto walked closer to the witness stand. "So you were sleeping with your client while representing him in a criminal case."
"Objection!" Diana was on her feet. "Argumentative and inflammatory."
"Sustained. Rephrase, Mr. Green."
"Were you in a romantic relationship with Mr. Vitale while simultaneously representing him as his attorney?"
"For a brief period, yes. Which is why I withdrew when I recognized the conflict."
"How brief was this period?"
"Approximately three weeks."
