Page 83 of Cause of Doubt
“She lied?” Paige asked.
“You bet she did. She was shaky on the stand before and inconsistent. I was tearing her apart. In fact, I tore her apart. Then today, when the prosecution recalled her, she was calm,precise with her words, and confident. It was like a totally different woman up there.” I threw back my drink.
“It sounds like she was coached,” Paige said.
“Not just coached. She was either conditioned or bribed. Something was really off.”
“And you think the prosecution got to her?”
“I know they fucking did.” I poured another scotch.
“How?” she asked.
“That’s your job to find out.” I pointed at her. “I need to know what happened to her between yesterday and today. I want to know where she went, who she talked to, and who the fuck is pulling the strings.”
“So you want me to investigate the ADA?” Her lips formed a sinister smile.
“I want you to find the truth and use any means necessary.”
“You’re crossing legal lines, Hamilton.” She grinned.
“The ADA crossed them first. Do what you do best, Paige.”
“I need her name and her file. Did you bring it home?” she asked.
“In my briefcase. You can start after dinner. We’re not back in court until next week.”
“Great. That’ll give me time to really dig deep.” She smiled.
Paige
I couldn’t tell Parker I was pregnant. Not yet. And not in the mood he was in because of this case. I would have to wait until the time was right and he was in a better mood. Perhaps once I found something on ADA Benton, and proved he was crooked.
I stepped into my office the following morning. My staff was already gathered around the table.
“Good morning.” I set my purse down. “Angela Ruiz.” I put her picture up. “A witness in a murder case, whom we believe ADA Benton got to and made her change her testimony. Two days ago, her testimony was inconsistent. She was nervous, unreliable, and Parker was tearing her apart on the stand. And yesterday, she appeared confident, and every answer was aligned perfectly with the prosecution. She was made to remember differently, and we’re going to find out why. Hack into ADA Benton’s computer and files for this case. I want all the cam footage you can find from two nights ago. I want it to start at the Hall of Justice and go all the way to Angela Ruiz’s home. I also want anything you can find surrounding ADA Benton’s house. Let’s go, people. Parker is running out of time.”
I grabbed my purse and walked as fast as I could to the bathroom, vomiting in the toilet that had become a daily occurrence. But it was only one time a day, out of nowhere, and it hit whenever. There was no set time, which I was thankful for. Otherwise, Parker would worry and ask questions.
“Boss, we got something,” Logan said.
All of the information my staff gave me was enough to end ADA Benton’s career. My phone pinged with a text message from Parker.
Hi, sweetheart. How about Four Kinds for dinner tonight?
Sorry, babe. I’m buried with work and don’t know when I’ll be home. I’ll grab something here at the office.
You sure know how to break my heart.
Do you want to win your case or not?
Fair point. I love you. See you later.
I love you too.
I looked at the information my staff collected and smiled. Grabbing my purse, I left my office and climbed into my car. Parking along the curb across from ADA Benton’s home, I went around the back and picked the lock to the back door. The house was dark, quiet, and exceptionally clean for a man. But then again, he was all about appearances because he was on track for District Attorney.
I felt my phone vibrate in my back pocket. Pulling it out, Christine was calling.
