Chapter 20 - My Testimony
I testified next day.
Name.
Job.
Army background limited.
Incident report.
What I saw seven months earlier.
What Barnes said hospital.
What Tyler spontaneously told.
Recorded phone call.
Defense tried:
“You are trained to manipulate adversaries?”
“No.”
“You commanded classified tactical unit?”
“I commanded military unit.”
“You contacted federal agents immediately?”
“I contacted former colleague to ensure independent channels.”
“Because you knew how to use system?”
“I knew sheriff controlled local department.”
“You threatened Barnes at hospital?”
“No.”
“You grabbed wrist?”
“I removed his hand from my shirt.”
“You said touch my son again?”
“Yes.”
“Threat?”
“Warning not to touch patient.”
“You capable of violence?”
I looked at jury.
“So is anyone. I chose not to use it.”
Defense smiled.
“Colonel Irwin, you expect jury to believe former special operations commander became janitor?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because floors don’t lie.”
That got objection? Maybe rhetorical. Judge struck? Let's be safe.
“I wanted predictable work near family.”
“Were you investigating Barnes?”
“No.”
“Yet you filed report.”
“That is facilities job.”
“Kept copy.”
“Yes.”
“Received invoices.”
“Unsolicited.”
“Your son investigated county.”
“School project.”
“Your former teammate triggered FBI involvement.”
May you like
“FBI assessment existed before shooting.”
That ended narrative.
