Page 46 of With Wine Comes War

I squinted my eyes and asked, “So, what you’re saying is everyone witnessed what I did but not what he did?” Who are his witnesses?

The DA said, “Just to be clear, no one has come forward to testify on his behalf about what you did. It would seem you’re pretty well liked in that place.” I thought about what the people in there really thought of me and I doubt it was very good, considering Tanner was heard saying I’d been with every guy in there. I fucking hate the rumor mill.

“Then how does anyone know who did what?” This is so frustrating.

“There were cameras in the bar.” The DA pointed out. “His attorney subpoenaed them. They couldn’t see what he did to you. You handed your purse to a girl next to you before you turned around. Does she know what happened?” I put my head down and slowly shook it from side to side.Why is this happening?

“I’m going to put everyone through hell, aren’t I?”

Roman put his hand on my shoulder and assured me, “Alex, anyone who testifies for you is doing it because they care about you. I’ll happily take whatever comes my way for my part in this if it means that piece of shit goes to jail.” I don’t want anyone to have to do any of this for me.

“Can we just call Shay right now and do this over the phone? I don’t want her to get a subpoena or anything,” I pleaded.

The detective said, “Does she have time?”

“Yes, she’s my assistant at the Realtor’s office.”

She gets to assist me with all kinds of bullshit. How nice for her.

When Shay picked up the phone she said, “Alex Kennedy’s office.” I blew out an exaggerated sigh.

“Hi Shay, are you busy right now?”

“Not for you, boss. What’s up?” I wish it were something better. I wish I were a better boss.

“I’m here at Roman’s office with Detective Lewis and District Attorney Martin about my case. It seems Tanner is out and about, saying I assaulted him first a couple weeks prior to that night. Some things were caught on video and some things weren’t. They saw you on video and would like to ask you some questions.”

She said a little too enthusiastically for my taste, “Oh hell yes! I remember that night like it was yesterday.” That made me feel horrible. I wanted her to forget it ever happened.

The DA said, “Miss?”

I added, “Pierce, Shay Pierce.”

He continued, “Miss. Pierce. Can you tell me what you witnessed that night?”

I closed my eyes and rubbed my hands over my face before staring blankly into space, getting ready to listen to this nightmare event.

Shay started recounting the events of the night. “We got in line to get a drink and Alex turned and said, and I quote, “That better be your hand on my ass.” I showed her both of my hands to let her know that it clearly wasn’t me then she handed me my drink and downed hers. She handed me her purse and told me what she was about to do might get her kicked out of the bar. She didn’t tell me what she was going to do. I told her I would gladly get kicked out with her. She asked the guy if he grabbed her ass and he said he did, and that he looked forward to grabbing other parts of her later. That’s when she squeezed his parts and asked him how he liked it. Then she told him to keep his hands to himself.”

Oh my God. I’d never repeated what I said to anyone except the detectives and my attorneys. I had no idea she heard me. I had to concentrate not to clench my jaw.

The detective asked, “Did Alex tell you what she said, or did you hear it?”

“I was standing close in case she needed my help. I heard every word, especially him calling her a bitch and a prude because she didn’t appreciate him touching her. Oh yeah, and the pathetic screaming right before he called her a psycho bitch.” Shay sounded like she was getting all kinds of fired up right now.

I almost smiled until the DA said, “Miss Pierce, will you testify to that in court?” I put my hands back over my face as the tears started to fall again.

Shay said, “Absolutely, he belongs in jail for what he did. She’s not just my boss, she’s my friend. I know what kind of a person Alex is and I know she’d never do anything like that for no reason.” After that the DA said he was putting her on the witness list, we hung up and they left.

This is spinning out of control. There’s just twelve days left before this trial starts and with shit like this happening, I don’t know how I’m going to get my head straight. I’d better call Roman’s mom right now.

Chapter 11

ALEX

As soon as the doors to the penthouse opened, I called Dr. King. She answered with a semi excited tone.

“Alex, how wonderful to hear from you.”

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