Page 70 of Entice

“Very well, please take the stand.” The judge gestured to the witness box. Brady looked at Crystal, and she nodded.

Tessa sat down as Brady entered the witness box. His family glared at him, but Brady kept his attention on Jordan and Sage. Once Brady was sworn in, Jordan stood up.

“Mr. Jacobs, please tell the court how you feel about this whole process?”

“Objection. This has no relevance.”

The judge sighed.

“Your Honor, I think this has great relevance. It is Mr. Jacobs’ life.”

“Agreed. Overruled.”

“You haven’t heard the full objection,” Brady’s family lawyer complained.

“I have agreed to let Mr. Jacobs testify. Mr. Frost is asking for his opinion.”

“But his opinion is biased,” the lawyer said.

Crystal barely prevented herself from rolling her eyes.

“Overruled. Go ahead, Mr. Jacobs.”

“I don’t agree with my family at all. What Sage and I have is consensual.”

“Objection. It’s obvious he’s been brainwashed,” the lawyer said a hint of desperation in his voice.

“You have not presented any such evidence. Overruled.”

“Mr. Jacobs,” Jordan said. “Can you tell us the events that led you to my client’s home on Sunday?”

Brady’s hand trembled as he ran it over his face. “I’ve been trying to get my family to understand about my relationship with Sage. They refuse to listen. Sunday, I told them I’d had enough, I wasn’t going to put up with them any longer.”

Crystal’s heart swelled. It took courage for Brady to renounce his family.

“What happened when you told them?”

“Objection. What relevance does this have to the case?”

“Your Honor,” Jordan said. “Mr. Brady’s family brought this case in which they made several allegations that Mr. Brady has vehemently denied. Mr. Brady is an adult and has not been found to be incompetent; therefore, we maintain he has a right to have his opinion heard.”

“Agreed. Overruled. Continue.”

Crystal kept an eye on Brady’s family. They were talking among themselves and to the lawyer. She had a bad feeling about this. As Jordan turned back to Brady, one of his brothers stood. She motioned to Jordan.

“Your Honor,” Jordan said. “I ask that no one be allowed to leave the courtroom at this time.”

Crystal sighed. She was so glad they’d talked about this. She’d had a feeling Brady’s family might try something underhanded.

The judge stared at the brothers. “Sit back down. Bailiff, please make sure no one leaves.”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

Jordan glanced back at Crystal and nodded.

“Mr. Jacobs, please continue,” Jordan said.

“Sunday morning, I told my family enough. I was leaving when my brothers attacked me.”

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