Page 72 of Entice

Sage took a deep breath. “I brought him into my home, wrapped him in a blanket, and then called Mr. Frost.”

“Mr. Frost, how long was it from the time Ms. Montgomery called you until you arrived at her home?”

“About forty-five minutes, your honor,” Jordan answered.

“I see. Was there anyone else with you?”

“I was, Your Honor.” Crystal stood up. “Mr. Frost and I arrived together.”

“Ms. Hayden, what did you see?”

Crystal’s heart pounded. “Brady was huddled on the sofa. Mr. Frost explained right away about the legal ramifications.”

“Did that stop you?”

“No. Sorry, Your Honor, but I was worried about Brady.”

“Why were you worried about him?”

“I could see the fear in his face.”

“See? She beat him, not us. We told you,” Brady’s father yelled.

“This is your last warning. One more outburst, Mr. Jacobs, and you will be escorted from this courtroom and jailed on a contempt charge. Am I clear?”

Winters answered for him. “Yes, Your Honor.” He glared at his clients with the clear message to keep quiet.

“What did you do?”

“I took Brady into the spare bedroom, helped him clean up and talked with him while Jordan and Sage talked.”

“What did Mr. Jacobs tell you?”

“He told me about how he didn’t want this case against Sage, that his family was doing it out of spite. They hated his lifestyle. He’d told them Sunday morning he was done trying to get them to understand, then his brothers beat him up. He came where he was safe.”

“Your Honor,” Winters said. “Ms. Hayden works for the defense. She’s naturally going to protect her client.”

“I understand that, Mr. Winters. But she’s also a witness.” The judge turned back to her. “Ms. Hayden, as a paralegal you’re aware of the consequences of lying in court.

“Yes, Your Honor. I’m willing to take the oath if need be.”

The judge nodded. “Were you aware of the type of relationship your client and Brady had?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

“Did it bother you?”

“Maybe at first.” She wasn’t going to lie even though Mr. Winters beamed. “I also believed it could be considered abuse. But as I learned more about the lifestyle, I realized I had some misconceptions. It’s all about consent between adults.”

“Thank you, Ms. Hayden.” The judge looked at Brady. “Brady, you may step down and sit wherever you choose.”

Brady left the stand and sat down next to Crystal. She squeezed his hand.

“I’m going to take a ten minute recess before I render my decision. Everyone stays in the courtroom.” The judge stood and left.

“What does this mean?” Sage asked quietly.

“It looks like he’s going to put an end to this one way or the other. I hope he’s going to rule in our favor,” Jordan said.

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