Page 5 of Flynn

"Your honor, allow me to present this document - exhibit H. It's an email from the defendant detailing the events a year ago, on November 15. It clearly states that Mr. Daley acquired the services of a hitman-"

"Objections, your honor!" The lawyer flew up out of his seat, gray eyes blazing. "Cause for speculation. The prosecutor is coloring the jury's outlook on the case."

"The defendant himself did that all on his own." She retorted dryly.

"Objection sustained." The judge announced. "I am asking the jury to ignore that and for that to be stricken from the record." Judge Willow Baker bent a steely look on Ryleigh. "Another stunt like that, and I will file contempt charges. Am I clear?"

"Of course," Ryleigh told her smoothly, turning towards the man sweating in the box. Mr. Davis, you are being treated as a hostile witness. Do you have any idea why that is?"

The man's head bobbed up and down nervously, eyes darting to the man seated on the left in his expensive ash-gray suit. "It's because I did not want to testify."

"Can you tell the court why not?"

Davis darted a look at the man again, his eyes sliding away hurriedly. "I am afraid of him."

"And by him, you mean-"

He jabbed a finger in Daley's direction.

"Let the records show that the witness pointed out the defendant."

"Objection!" Another lawyer shot to her feet, her breasts quivering.

"What now?" Ryleigh asked impatiently.

"You are leading the witness."

"Objection overruled." Judge Baker glared at the woman. "Sit down and be quiet."

Hiding a smile, Ryleigh turned back to the man in the box. "Would you like to share the source of your fears with the court?"

"I-" The man sucked in a breath. "Mr. Daley is a terrifying man. I see him slice a man's forearm because he dared to question him about-"

"Objection!" This time, it was both lawyers who rushed to their feet. "The witness is speaking entirely on hearsay."

"I am confused." Ryleigh turned to look at the jurors. "I could have sworn the witness stated that he saw the witness perform the vicious act-"

"Objection!"

"Withdrawn." Turning back to the witness, she could see the man had taken a turn and looked even more frightened than he had been before.

"I am not feeling well," he muttered.

"Would you like a glass of water?" she asked, her spirits plummeting. Somehow, the defendant had gotten to her witness in a few minutes. She could see her carefully prepared cross-examination going straight down the drain.

"I am feeling ill. I need a doctor." The man clutched at his chest.

"Mr. Davis-"

"I need a doctor," he gasped before sliding to the floor. The courtroom erupted into pandemonium, and Ryleigh knew it was over, at least for the day.

*****

Looking up from the court transcript, Ryleigh sighed softly as DA Rosalyn Carter sailed into the office. Closing the door behind her, she went to pour herself a cup of coffee and brought it back with her. Sitting on one of the stuffed chairs, she took a sip, eyeing her friend and protege over the cup's rim.

"Aren't you going to say it?"

"Say what?"