Page 102 of Protecting Christina

“Is everything all right?” Will asked.

“Yes. More than all right.” I smiled at him, then tapped the prosecutor on the shoulder.

He ignored me at first, but I poked his back twice more.

“Are you serious right now?” he seethed when he turned his beady eyes at me.

I smiled. “I’ve got another witness for you. The third woman who was in the house. My sister.”

The prosecutor looked behind me. “She hasn’t been prepared. How do I know she won’t blurt the wrong thing out? It’s too late.”

I knew what it felt like to not speak out against Simon. It was a regret I still felt in my bones today. I didn’t want my sister to live through that, especially now that she had made the difficult decision to do this.

“I will prep her. I know that man and I know my sister. She will be ready. I promise.”

“I don’t know you, nor do I trust you. You know that, right?”

“Right. But you’re losing right now and if you don’t try this, I will bring it before the judge that you ignored a potential witness.”

He sighed with such exasperation that I thought the judge’s microphone would pick it up. “Fine.”

He turned back around and stood. “Your honor, I would like to request that we convene for today and resume tomorrow morning. A witness has come forward.”

“Absolutely not,” said the defense. “I’ve not had a chance to review this witness or their testimony.”

“Yes, he has,” I whispered harshly to the prosecutor.

“Excuse me, your honor,” he said and turned to me.

The judge rolled his eyes. “Ms. Polito might as well take the seat beside you. It seems she is quite invested in this case.”

I knew he’d meant that sarcastically, but I wasn’t going to let that statement go. I would take advantage. “Thank you, your honor. I think I will.”

I ushered myself through to the end of the row and sat beside the prosecutor. He closed his eyes, surely trying to contain his annoyance, but also wanting to hear what I had to say.

“Donna Polito’s statement was taken by the police. The defense has read her statement and therefore is not unprepared for what she has to say.”

“Your honor,” the prosecutor began. “The defense has had the opportunity to hear Ms. Polito’s statement from the police report. This is not new evidence.”

The judge looked at me and then at my sister. “If she keeps to the topics and statements she made to the police, I will allow it.”

I closed my eyes briefly as relief washed through me. “Ask for extra time,” I reminded the prosecutor.

“Your honor—” The judge raised his hand.

“I know what you’re going to say, and I’m denying you. We will take a break for lunch now and reconvene in two hours. That will give you enough time since this witness has already given her statement.”

“Fine,” I grumbled under my breath, while the prosecutor replied, “Thank you, your honor.”

“Which room can I use to prep her?” I asked him.

“Take her to my office. Wecan talk there.”

I walked back to my sister. “The judge will allow you to testify. I’ll make sure you’re ready.”

She nodded.

I felt a hand on my waist. “Do you need me to stay?”

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