Chapter 17 - Evelyn Takes the Stand
The courtroom changed when Evelyn entered.
She looked older.
No pearls.
No cream silk.
Plain gray suit.
She avoided me.
Prosecutor:
“Did you want Claire to sign?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“My money was in Julian’s business.”
“How much?”
“Eighty six thousand dollars plus guarantee exposure.”
“Did Claire owe you that?”
“No.”
“Did her house?”
“No.”
“Then why pressure?”
“Because I thought family should rescue family.”
“What happened when Claire refused?”
“Julian became furious.”
“Did you move pot?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“I wanted her to see I was preparing lunch and force conversation in kitchen.”
“Did you expect Julian to push her?”
“No.”
“Did you tell him not let her leave?”
“Yes.”
“Did you wipe pot after?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because I wanted story to look like accident.”
Silence.
“Did you take Claire’s phone?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To stop her calling before Julian decided what to say.”
That sentence made jurors look up.
Defense cross:
“You are testifying under plea agreement.”
“Yes.”
“You benefit.”
“Yes.”
“You want Julian blamed.”
“I want less prison.”
Brutal honesty.
It made her more credible.
Then:
“Did Julian ever tell you he wanted Claire dead?”
“No.”
“Baby dead?”
“No.”
“Did he tell you he intended soup injury?”
“No.”
There.
May you like
Attempted murder became harder.
But aggravated assault became stronger.
