Page 166 of Prey for You

“The witness has been heard fromyourcase, Counsel. Now you want the Court to dismiss her testimony? On what grounds?”

“Your Honor, we believe if this testimony werecredible,it would have been raised before now. You will see we have filed a motion to admit evidence of witness tampering, and also to amend the indictment. We believe this spurious accusation which is the basis of dismissal was made in retribution and to stay our proceedings, offering the accused more time out of prison.

“I would ask you to consider hearing our motionsfirstso that you could measure how the testimony and evidence goes to motive and—”

“Counsel, your motions call for the same witnesses,” the judge said pointedly.

“Yes, but—”

“I fail to see how you can challenge a motion to dismiss on the basis of credibility of a witness, yet claim thosesamewitnesses as your evidence against them? God, even saying it makes my head spin.”

“Your Honor—”

“Your Honor, if I might make an offer to the Court?” Stephen stood up, but kept his chin low, standing slightly hunched.

“I’ll allow it.”

Stephen’s lips ticked up towards a smile before he spoke. “Your Honor, if the credibility of Mrs. Priestley is being questioned, the Defense would accept initial testimony from the other witness, Special Agent Jeremy Haines. I believe, if I read the motions correctly, his testimony would be needed in either case. And we believe, Your Honor, that in fact, his testimony is far more crucial to the motion to dismiss. I’m sure the Prosecution wouldn’t callhiscredibility into question?” Stephen asked slyly.

The Judge’s brows rose and she turned to the Prosecutor. “I find I agree with the Defense, Counsel. Do you have any objection to the calling of your witness, Special Agent Haines?”

The Prosecutor leaned down to hear something from his second chair, then turned back to the judge. And he wasseething.”

“Your Honor, of course we don’t discount the credibility of Special Agent Haines. However, we received this motion very late. Special Agent Haines could not be contacted last night, and is not present in the Court. I would be forced to move for a stay until he could be located and brought to Court.”

The Judge’s lips thinned. “Special Agent Haines has been present in this courtroom every day until now, Counsel.”

“Yes, Your Honor. Unfortunately, as I said, we received this motion very late and he could not be—”

“Let’s not waste any more time, Counsel. The court finds that the missing witness's testimony is material to the case. In the interest of justice, the court orders a stay of proceedings to allow reasonable time for the witness to be located and brought before the court. This delay is necessary to ensure a fair trial for both parties.

“The court grants a stay of proceedings for a period of two days to allow the prosecution time to locate and secure the witness. If the witness is not produced by then, the court will reassess whether the trial may proceed without their testimony… or whether this case may be dismissed."

“Your Honor—”

“You used the word spurious a moment ago, Counsel. Be certain that I am not using it on Friday. Court is dismissed.”

Then she banged her gavel and everyone stood up for her to leave.

The moment she was gone, Stephen turned to me.

I was gaping. “She didn’t make a decision, right?”

“No, but she let the Prosecution know she saw through the bullshit of Jeremy not being here today.”

I looked over my shoulder at Bridget who was staring at me, her face pale and deep shadows under her eyes. We’d agreed to have no contact until this was done, so there were no more risks of us defeating ourselves. But she lookedterrible.

“So now we have to wait again? For two more days?”

“Oh, I doubt that,” Stephen said, then smiled.

“What?” I asked quickly. “Why are you smiling?”

He leaned into my ear. “Because I have a hunch that I’ll be hearing from the Prosecution with an amended plea deal very soon,” he murmured. “After all, we’ve only got forty-eight hours before they have to show up with Jeremy here. This is good sign, Sam. A very good sign.”

“So? What do we do?”

“We wait,” he said, then put a hand on my shoulder. “You enjoy your freedom. And you pray it becomes a permanent state.”

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