Chapter 41
Chapter Forty-One
Ariana
The picture Wendy Graham painted for the jury regarding Luca was not pretty, but I wasn’t worried. She called her first witness, Randall, the bartender from the Peninsula Hotel. When she was finished, I cross-examined him. The second witness was Marta, the cleaning staff who found Gina Burroughs’ body. The third witness for the prosecution was Detective Jacks. I was going to have a field day cross-examining him.
“Detective Jacks, could it be possible that Mr. Russo is being framed?”
“No,” he spoke.
I glared at him as I stepped closer to the witness stand.
“Don’t forget you’re under oath.”
“I know.” He spoke with a cocky attitude.
“Do you remember the Victor Roth case?” I asked.
He narrowed his eye at me and then cleared his throat.
“Yes.”
“And what was the outcome of that case?” I asked.
“Victor Roth was set up by his brother.”
My eyes were fixated on the jury.
“So even though the gun that was fired that shot Malcolm White had Victor Roth’s fingerprints all over it and gunpowder residue was found on his hands, it was later found that he was innocent because you refused to look into any other possible suspects, even though certain evidence was obtained and brought to your attention?”
He swallowed hard.
“Yes.”
“So, I’ll ask you one last time, Detective Jacks. Could it be possible that Mr. Russo was set up?”
He looked around the courtroom and rubbed the back of his neck before answering.
“It’s possible.” He glared at me.
“Was other evidence, in this case, brought to your attention of the possibility that someone else had a motive to kill Gina Burroughs?”
“Objection, your Honor,” Wendy spoke.
“Overruled. I’d like to hear what Detective Jacks has to say.”
“Nothing substantial,” he answered.
“Isn’t it true that I came to you and asked for your help in investigating another person of interest who was connected to Gina Burroughs, and you refused?”
“Objection, your Honor. She’s badgering the witness!” Wendy exclaimed.
“Overruled. Answer the question, detective.”
He sat there and slowly shook his head as his eyes stayed locked on mine.
“Yes.”
“Is it true that you refused to look into it because I wouldn’t have a drink with you?” My brow raised. “And please remember you’re under oath.” I walked over to the table where Luca and Brad sat and picked up my phone, holding it up in front of him, indicating that I had recorded our conversation.
“Yes,” he spoke through gritted teeth.
“No further questions, your Honor.” I smiled.
I sat next to Luca, who had a burning rage in his eyes. I didn’t tell him about Detective Jacks because I knew it would piss him off, and that was the last thing I needed. It was time for a lunch break, and we were to meet back in court in two hours.
“Why didn’t you tell me that he asked you to meet him for a drink?” he angrily spoke.
“For this very reason, Luca. Look at you. You’re angry.”
“Damn right, I am!” He paced around the lobby. “How dare he!”
“I didn’t need you saying something to him and risk him or anyone else finding out about us.”
“You still should have told me, Ariana.”
“I did what was in the best interest of my client. Now drop it!”
“I want to hear the recording,” he spoke.
“There is no recording.” I slyly smiled.
Franco wheeled his chair over to us, placed his hand on Luca’s back, and looked at me.
“You’re doing a great job, Ariana. I was watching the expressions on the jury’s faces after you cross-examined that detective. The seed of doubt has been planted.”
“Good. Now let’s go grab some lunch. I’m starving.”
I struggled with the decision to do something for the past couple of days. I didn’t mention it to Luca because I knew he’d tell me not to. It was a long shot, but as we ate lunch, I decided it was the right thing to do.
“Excuse me for a moment. I need to use the restroom,” I said as I wiped my mouth with a napkin and got up.
Upon entering the bathroom, I pulled out my phone and dialed Olivia.
“Hey, how’s it going?” she asked.
“It’s going fine. I need you to do me a favor.”
“What?”
“File a subpoena for Wilson Garrett. I’m calling him as a witness.”
“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”
“I’m sure. He won’t even make it to the witness stand with any luck, but I want him in that courtroom.”
“Okay. I’m on it.”
After lunch, court resumed, and the prosecution called Charlie Henderson, the forensic lab specialist. Once Wendy finished her questioning, I cross-examined him and a few other witnesses the prosecution drummed up. I purposely took my time and drew out my line of questioning so Sam couldn’t be called until tomorrow. I needed Wilson Garrett in that courtroom so Sam could see him.
“Court is adjourned and will resume tomorrow morning at nine o’clock. Miss Williams, Miss Graham, I need to see you in my chambers,” Judge Kingsley spoke.
I placed my hand on Luca’s arm.
“Go home. I’ll meet you there.”
“Be careful, Ariana. I knew what you were doing, and so did Judge Kingsley.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’ll see you soon.”
Wendy and I stepped into Judge Kingsley’s chambers and sat across from him.
“Miss Williams deliberately took her time cross-examining those witnesses to stall the court,” Wendy spoke.
“Don’t be ridiculous.”
“Miss Williams,” Judge Kingsley spoke. “I noticed that as well, and I want to make it very clear to you that you will not waste this court’s time nor mine. There was one more witness to be called before court adjourned, and we couldn’t get to that witness because of your shenanigans in my courtroom. Now we’ll also be behind tomorrow, and that pisses me off.”
“I’m sorry, your Honor. I was only trying to be as thorough as possible. I’m a little bit nervous. This is my first murder case, and my client’s life depends on my ability to prove he’s innocent.”
“No. You’re up to something. Just like Mr. Russo was always up to something, I won’t stand for it. Consider this your warning. Do you understand?”
“Yes. I apologize, your Honor.”
I found Luca sitting on the couch with his laptop when I arrived home. Kicking off my shoes, I set his laptop to the side and climbed on his lap. I wrapped my arms around his neck and kissed his lips, something I’d been dying to do all day.
“Did you get scolded?” He smirked.
“Yep. I’ve been warned.”
“Sam was the last witness to be called for the day, and you didn’t want him up on that stand yet. Why?”
“Because I felt there wasn’t enough time to cross-exam him. I couldn’t very well let him leave that courtroom with the notion that I know he killed Gina Burroughs.”
“You’re really smart. Did you know that?” He softly brushed his lips against mine.
“Yes. I know.” I smiled.
“What makes you think he’s going to confess?”
“He’s going to have no choice once I get finished with him.”
“Be careful, Ariana. Wendy will do everything she can to stop your questioning. You better be prepared.”
“I will be. I’m going to work on it tonight. Play out every possible scenario.”
“You can do that after I fuck you, and we have dinner. I’ll help you.”
“So, we have to fuck first?” I grinned.
“Yes. It was a struggle keeping my cock under control while watching you in that courtroom today.” His fingers began unbuttoning my blouse.