The sadistic puppet master pulling the strings of my life.
My nails dug half-moons into my palm.
Hailey asked, “Well, can’t we get some expert to review the video and say it’s a fake?”
“Barry claims he already had someone review it and it’s genuine.”
Hailey grimaced. “Do you believe that he did?”
“No.”
Hailey frowned. “This is a fucking mess.”
“Welcome to my life.”
“There must be something we can do.”
“My only hope is the jury will see through all the bullshit.”
“So basically, we’re banking on twelve people who are too dumb to get out of jury duty to see through this mega-intense, super crazy revenge scheme and find you not guilty?”
“Of course, if Pierce could get to the commonwealth’s attorney and probably the judge, what’re a few jurors?”
“You think he’ll bribe the jury, too?”
“I think Pierce Worthington will stop at nothing to make me suffer.”
“Jesus, Madison, this is a fucking mess.”
I exhaled. “You already said that.”
“All right then, this is a motherfucking hot pile of shit mess,” she corrected.
“That’s better.”
Hailey vowed, “He will not get away with this. We’ll find a way to beat him at his own game.”
Before I could respond, the officer stepped forward. “Time’s up, Hastings.”
Hailey’s next words came out in a rush as she stood. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll see you tomorrow in court. I dropped your outfit off at the guard station. They’ll bring it to court for you to change. Don’t worry, Madison. He won’t get away with this. We’ll stop him. The truth will come out.”
I forced a smile and gave her a halfhearted wave, then hung up the phone and preceded the officer out.
At least one perk of being framed for murder by an uber-rich man was that he was also an impatient one.
Since my incompetent attorney hadn’t filed a single motion in my defense, there was no reason not to proceed directly to trial at lightning speed.
Hailey truly believed Pierce wouldn’t get away with framing me for murder.
The problem was...he already had gotten away with it.
CHAPTER 9
MADISON
“Iobject!” I shouted, pounding the table for emphasis like they did in the movies.
The judge’s nostrils flared as he let out a frustrated sigh. “For the last time, Miss Hastings, you are not permitted to object. Mr. Finkle, please control the defendant.”
