Page 58 of Prey for You

I had no choice but to get up and walk back to the stand. I was sworn in again, then sat down. But my heel wouldn’t stop jumping.

To my surprise, it was the judge who spoke to me first.

“Mrs. Priestley, we need to be certain that you understand: Any testimony given, or events prior to the marriage are not covered by spousal privilege.”

My whole body went cold.

The judge raised her brows and pinned me with what could only be described asa look.“Were you married to Mister Priestley on the date of his arrest?”

“N-no,” I rasped.

“Then legally in the State of Oregon, you must answer under oath.” She looked past me then to address the jury. “Let me be clear: Even if a couple are married, if the questions are posed about events or a timebeforethey were married, or if it can be established by Counsel that the question touches on events during the marriage in which one spouse harmed another, the testimony is also not covered by Spousal Privilege. Let the record show that Counsel have moved, and I have upheld, that Mrs. Priestley’s testimony is not covered by Spousal privilege under these circumstances, and I will rule on any objection in accordance with those laws. You may proceed, Counsel.”

I couldn’t help it, I looked right at Sam. My stomach dropped to my toes. His forehead was lined with worry, and his eyes sad, but then… then he just nodded. Slowly.

He nodded for me to tell the truth.

“Your Honor—” I gasped.

“The witness will remain silent until a question is asked by Counsel,” she said without even looking at me.

Shit.Shit!

And then fuckingDerekwalked right up to stand in front of me, eyes blazing. He was furious.

“Bridget—is it alright if I call you Bridget?” he said coolly.

I swallowed and nodded. My head shrieked.

“You’ll need to speak for the record.”

I cleared my throat. “Y-yes.”

“Very good. Bridget, in the months before your husband’s arrest, did you or did you notseek outsomeone to kill you?”

“I… I…” I looked at Sam, but he’d slumped forward in his seat, his head in his hands.

I wanted to cry.

“Mrs. Priestley,” Derek snapped. “Is it true that you were active on a forum on the dark web titledWeirdos Whackos and Freaks Playgroundwhere you used the screennameDeadgirlwalking,and that you posted on more than one occasion telling the other members of this forum that you, quote,wanted to run for your life… and lose?”

“I… I mean, yes. But I was really drunk and upset and—”

“Was it understood by you, and those responding to the post, that your intention was to identify someone who would willingly kill you?”

Stunned. Speechless. Head screaming. I couldn’t do this! I couldn’t make them find Sam guilty! But it was all my fault that we were here in the first place.

Oh god, I was going to be sick.

“Y-yes,” I stammered.

“On the night of your husband’s arrest, did you or did you not tell the accused where to find you, with the understanding between you that he was coming to kill you?”

I felt faint. “He threw away the knife,” I breathed.

“I need you to speak up, Mrs. Priestley.”

I swallowed and blinked. The world wanted to spin. I looked for Sam. Locked in, because he was the ground and I needed the sky overhead and… and he stared right back at me, worry and fear in his eyes…for me.

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