That was the shape of it. My word against hers.
Proceedings had barely begun when the courtroom door opened hard enough to echo.
Vanessa arrived dressed as if she were grieving. Adam sat beside her, pale and drawn. He had the look of a man who wanted a path back to innocence and had not found one.
Proceedings had barely begun when the courtroom door opened hard enough to echo.
Everyone turned.
It was Ethan, half in uniform, his schoolbag still over one shoulder. Behind him was the family driver, out of breath.
The bailiff moved, but my defender stood up fast and said, “Your Honor, the boy is the complainant’s stepson. If he has material evidence, the defense asks the court to hear him.”
He walked to the front and held out his hand.
The judge frowned. “Bring him forward.”
Vanessa rose halfway from her seat. “Ethan, sit down.”
