“Did she run over a nail?”
“No. Her tire was shredded by a handmade spike strip. The bits of scrap metal were still embedded in the rubber.”
“What happened next?”
“A tow truck pulled up, and the driver was prepared to tow thevehicle.”
“But you got the spare tire on?”
“Correct.”
“So you didn’t need a tow?”
“Correct.”
“Why was the tow truck there, Sergeant Wolfe?”
“The driver informed me that someone else had called on behalf of the vehicle to have it towed away.”
“Why would they do that?”
“I suspected to get rid of evidence.”
This is when Jeremiah’s lawyer should object… But he has no idea where my line of questioning is going. I’m trying not to let my cards show.
“Who was trying to get rid of evidence?”
“The former sheriff, Sheriff Chuck Donahue. He and his wife’s brothers were working together to abduct innocent people from their vehicles.”
“Why?”
“They were involved in human trafficking.”
“Jeremiah’s father and his uncles. Correct?”
“Yes.”
“Objection, your honor, this has nothing to do with my client.”
Judge Fulton dismisses his objection, and I turn to hide my smirk, raising my voice an octave to capture the attention of the room. “Sergeant Wolfe, can you tell me who was driving the tow truck that day?”
“Yes. Him.” He points to Jeremiah.
The audience gasps. “Did you know that it was Jeremiah Porter at the time?”
“No, I did not. I only knew the face I saw that day.”
“Nearly four years ago, Jeremiah Porter was driving thetow truck that was used to dispose of evidence in his family’s crimes,” I speak directly to the jury. “Does this sound like a man who has just suddenly been tempted to commit a crime? No. Jeremiah comes from a crime family. He wasn’t in the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s not a victim. He has been involved in their illegal dealings for at least four years, and I would bet longer.”
“Objection!” The defense shouts, though they don’t have more to add. I know they’re halting my speculation. I hold my hand up in understanding.
“Fact: Jeremiah Porter owns three different towing vehicles. Fact: Jeremiah Porter owns a failing junk yard. Fact: He has the resources to tow vehicles and dispose of the parts. Fact: Jeremiah Porter has been a single father for six years.”
“Objection. Relevance?”
“Miss Greenwood.” Judge Fulton encourages my next response.
“This is relevant to Jeremiah’s motive and mental state, your honor.”
