My job is tough. And some days are worse than others. I kept my tone flat when I addressed the defense attorney.
“Mr. Meyers? Is that what you want? Will the reverend’s proposal satisfy the defense?”
I could catch her whisper when from the counsel table Bria Gaines said, “No!” Benjamin Meyers heard it, too. They consulted, a hushed exchange.
He stepped back to the bench. “The defense doesn’t control the actions or decisions of the leadership at Victory Baptist Church. But the prosecution has permitted a coercive situation to develop, under which the State’s witnesses are rewarded for their participation in this criminal case against my client. On that basis, their testimony should not be admitted.”
I was torn, shredded. I didn’t want to make the order that would dry up the Jones family’s grocery supplies. Starla and her kids needed whatever support the church could provide.
But Bria deserved a fair trial. Her life was at risk.
I almost chickened out. Almost said, “I’ll take it under advisement.”
But that wouldn’t resolve anything. So I made my decision. Announced it from the bench. Just like the judgment of King Solomon. In the Book of Kings, the Old Testament story of the two women who claimed the same baby.
“Defendant’s motion in limine is overruled. The receipt of donations from the members of Victory Baptist is not a basis to exclude Starla Jones and Nova Jones from testifying in this case.”
I stole a look at Dr. Gaines. She was staring at a blank legal pad. Seemed like she’d lost all hope. So I split the baby. Like King Solomon offered to do.
“But the defense raises a viable possibility that witnesses might be affected. The donations may continue, but the defense can use the facts regarding compensation in cross-examination at trial.”
At that, the courtroom burst into a chorus of voices, all the lawyers talking at once.
“Objection!”
“This won’t work, Judge, you need to rethink it—”
“This is an unreasonable ruling—”
“What’s the church supposed to do? We need a firm decision!”
I pounded that gavel. “Order!”
Kept bringing the hammer down until the voices fell silent. I looked over at Marlena. “Did you get that ruling down?”
Marlena nodded as her hands flew over the keyboard, recording the ruling.
“Court is adjourned,” I said. In my no-bullshit judge voice.
At the counsel tables, briefcases were slammed shut. Angry murmurs were just barely audible.
No surprise. I could read the room. If King Solomon was still around, he could’ve warned me.
When you split the baby—you make everybody mad.
CHAPTER
44
I was late to meet my sisters. Not my fault, there was no help for it. The discovery hearing in a personal injury case ran long. The lawyers put on a show for their clients, objecting to everything, making long, stuffy speeches.
So by the time I reached Coley’s, a restaurant on the other side of town, my sisters were already there. I spotted them in a booth against the far wall. Jordan raised her hand and waved.
Coley’s was busier than usual. I shouldered my way through the crush, trying to avoid stepping on feet. I slid into the red vinyl booth, next to Nellie.
They were dressed all in black, down to the toes of their church shoes.
“Nice service?” I asked.
