“Proceed.”
“Jeremiah has been a single father for six years, and there is no documentation of any received child support. He’s kept his business all these years despite making less revenue than the expenses to keep it running.
“Fact: Jeremiah needed money to support his family. And, he was desperate enough to steal, lie, and hurt people to get that money. He was complicit in his family’s human trafficking ring. He willingly abducted JoAnna Montgomery, and he attacked a man when he got caught. He was willing tokillformoney,” I enunciate passionately, making sure to look each juror in their eyes as I speak. “He left Curtis Debaughfor dead. Curtis is alive today because of his own strength. His own grit. Jeremiah should not get off easy because Curtis survived the terror inflicted upon him.”
I stroll calmly across the floor, listening to my heels clack in the deathly somber room. “I’m finished with this witness, your honor.”
“Defense, any questions for this witness?”
He stands up, stacking his papers together, pretending to have his life together. “Mr. Wolfe, this incident with a random tow truck took place four years ago. How can you be sure you are getting your identification correct?”
“I’m sure.”
“Eyewitnesses are wrong all the time. Nearly 69% of wrongful identifications happen every year.”
Nathan leans towards the microphone. “Those are civilian statistics. I’m not a civilian.”
“So you are more qualified to identify faces?” The defense lawyer scoffs.
He leans in again. “Yes.”
He responds so seriously that everyone in the room would be remiss to argue. Even the defense lawyer looks scared.
“No further questions, your honor.”
And that’s all I need.
* * *
“On the count of arson with malicious intent: We, the jury, find the defendant… Guilty.
“On the count of unlawful abduction: We,the jury, find the defendant… Guilty.
“On the count of second-degree attempted murder: We, the jury, find the defendant… Guilty.”
Judge Fulton knocks his gavel, signifying the end of the trial, and I let the wave of success wash over me. I did it.
I nailed Jeremiah Porter on all counts. He’s going to prison for a long ass time.
“Congratulations,” Hayes whispers in my ear as I’m packing my briefcase. I don’t look at him as I finish my task, but the smile glows on my face regardless.
I want to wrap my arms around his neck and plant a big kiss on his lips, but I’m forced to maintain my composure until we exit the courtroom.
“So do we all go out to celebrate now or what?” Thea asks, pulling me into a hug.
“I definitely want to celebrate, but please, let’s rain check. I’m exhausted,” I laugh, and she squeezes my arms.
“Fine, I’ll get my mom to babysit tomorrow night. Don’t argue.” She points at me before backing away. “I’m telling everyone. I need a good night out before the pregnancy sickness hits me like a freight train.”
“Yes, mother,” I tease her.
“Hayes, make sure she looks sexy,” she whispers through her hands, winking before she joins Jesse and the others outside the courtroom.
“I can only imagine you two were menaces in college.”
“Yes. Yes, we were.” My hand creeps down to his butt after I notice we’re the last few remaining in the room, and the others aren’t paying attention to us. “Take me home, baby,” I utter raspily, and his eyes darken.
“Liv, your stalker is out there. We shouldn’t go back to thecottage yet. We shouldn’t be going out tomorrow either.”
