What they weren't hearing was everything that came after.
Emilio stood for cross-examination. His expression was calm but I could see the steel underneath.
"Mr. Park, you testified that you were concerned about Mr. Russo. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Concerned enough to discuss him with federal agents?"
Alex went pale. "I... yes. An FBI agent approached me—"
"Agent Reeves?"
"Yes. He said he was investigating and asked if I'd noticed changes in Valentino's behavior."
"And you told him everything you just told this court?"
"I was worried—"
"Did you inform Mr. Russo that you were discussing him with the FBI?"
"No, but—"
"You discussed your friend's private life, his work, his behavior with a federal agent without telling him?"
"I thought I was helping." Alex's voice rose defensively. "I thought he was in trouble—"
"You're a journalist, Mr. Park. Are you familiar with journalistic ethics regarding confidential sources and colleagues?"
"Yes, but this was different—"
"Is it ethical for a journalist to discuss a colleague's work with law enforcement without that colleague's knowledge or consent?"
Alex's jaw tightened. "In normal circumstances, no. But I believed Valentino was being coerced—"
"Based on what evidence? Did you witness Mr. Romano threaten Mr. Russo?"
"No."
"Did you see any evidence of physical coercion?"
"No, but—"
"Did Mr. Russo ever tell you he was being coerced?"
"Not explicitly, but his behavior—"
"So you assumed. You saw your friend acting stressed and immediately assumed he was a victim who couldn't make his own choices?"
"Objection," the prosecutor said. "Argumentative."
"Sustained. Mr. Rossi, rephrase."
Emilio nodded. "Mr. Park, did it occur to you that Mr. Russo might have been stressed for reasons unrelated to coercion?"
"Like what?"
"Like falling in love with someone? Like navigating a complicated relationship? Like dealing with the pressure of a demanding career?"
