Page 9 of Secrets of the Past
“Objection,” Tripp said quickly.“Prejudicial speculation.”
Judge Price looked from one to the other.“Overruled.Proceed, Ms.Reyes.”
Nicole gave a slight nod.Score one.
Her partner, Craig, stood next.“Your Honor, we request to include the defendant’s prior assault charges involving Miss Laurent.They’re directly relevant.”
Tripp’s voice sharpened.“Objection.Prior offenses are not part of this trial.”
“Including an arrest for beating the victim just three months prior?”Craig challenged.
The judge held up a hand.“Sustained.The court will not consider prior offenses unless directly linked by evidence.Move on.”
Tripp exhaled slowly, giving Nicole a sidelong glance.
She ignored him.
“You all right?”Craig murmured as he sat back down.
“I’m fine,” Nicole said through clenched teeth.“Don’t worry about me.I’ve been prepping for this case since I returned to the island.I just didn’t prep for...him.”
Across the room, Tripp rose again.“Your Honor, the defense demands that the prosecution hand over all remaining forensic reports.”
Nicole stood again.“Already done, Your Honor.”
“I haven’t received the autopsy report,” Tripp said, eyebrows raised.
Bullshit.If she wouldn’t land herself in contempt, she’d say it straight to the judge’s face.But for now, some truths had to stay unsaid.
Her office had sent the report the moment it was finalized.He was either stalling or trying to bait her.Either way, she wasn’t biting.
“Asecondcopy will be delivered this afternoon, via courier.We will expect a signed signature,” she replied curtly.
The next thirty minutes blurred into legal ping-pong, motions, objections, and clarifications.Once or twice, the heat between Nicole and Tripp threatened to override the legal decorum of the room.
They were volleying like it was Wimbledon, each trying to trip the other up, to make them stumble, to get even for the hurt left behind twenty years ago.It was less a trial and more a game: push every button, hit every nerve, and see who cracked first.
And it damn sure wouldn’t be her.
Judge Price finally raised a hand.
“Counselors,” he said dryly, “this isn’t a tennis match.Let’s keep it civil.Trial date is set for one week from today.”
Craig snorted quietly.Nicole didn’t smile.
Because this wasn’t civil.
This was personal.
And she was still burning.Still waiting to get even.
When the session finally adjourned, Nicole packed her briefcase with swift, practiced movements.
She leaned toward Craig.“I’ve got to go.”
“Want me to run interference?”
She shook her head.“Just get me five seconds of a head start.”
