“Got it. But none of the things you found. The earring. The clothing. The body itself … you can’t conclude Ellie Luke was murdered from your findings. That’s not within your purview, is it?”
“Not as such,” she said.
“Good. Thank you. Dr. Palmieri, you’ve been at this a long time. That was your testimony?”
“I’ve been a crime scene investigator for thirty-plus years, yes.”
“You’ve worked on some relatively high-profile cases, haven’t you?”
“I suppose so.”
“You’ve written books about it too, haven’t you?”
“I believe my curriculum vitae was entered into evidence, Mr. Cutler. Are you asking me to list my publications?”
“No, thank you. You said you’ve consulted with BCI since you began teaching full time. But they aren’t the only organization you’ve consulted with, are they?”
“No.”
“In fact, you’ve consulted on television shows and movies too, haven’t you?”
“Once or twice, yes.”
“Once or twice. I would assume those consultations are more lucrative than working for the government or a university, aren’t they?”
“Objection, relevance,” I said.
“Mr. Cutler?” Judge Saul said.
“Your Honor, it’s proper cross for me to explore any biases this witness might have. I’m getting there.”
“Please do,” Saul said. “Overruled.”
“You’re aware this case has garnered national media attention, aren’t you?”
“I can’t say that I am,” Palmieri said.
“You can’t say that you are. Doctor, you’ve worked closely with an author by the name of Remy Redstone, haven’t you?”
“I was hired as a consultant by Mr. Redstone’s publisher, yes. Mr. Redstone and I exchanged some emails. He came to visit me on campus to interview me in person once, maybe five years ago.”
“You’re being modest though, aren’t you? Isn’t it true that Mr. Redstone has a character based on you in his latest series of crime thrillers? The Louise Palmer Mysteries. That’s you, isn’t it? Lois Palmieri, Louise Palmer.”
“Objection! Your honor, we’ve gone way afield of relevance now.”
“I agree. What’s your point, Mr. Cutler?”
“I’ll make it,” he said. “Doctor, isn’t it true that Remy Redstone has already approached you about your involvement in this particular case?”
“No. That is not true.”
“You didn’t take a phone call from Mr. Redstone in the last two weeks?”
“I received a call from Mr. Redstone. I didn’t speak to him. And if I had, and he had asked me about my involvement in this case, I wouldn’t have answered. I don’t discuss active investigations with members of the media.”
“But this one will make a pretty good book, don’t you think?”
“Objection! Your Honor, Mr. Cutler is fishing without bait at this point.”
