Chapter 6 - The Judge's Chambers
The preliminary hearing was a circus of flashing cameras and reporters. Evan's status as a local real estate mogul made it front-page news.
Evan sat at the defense table, wearing a crisp navy suit, looking like the victim of a tragic misunderstanding. Celeste sat directly behind him, perfectly poised, wearing pearls.
Arthur Vance stood before the judge, grandstanding.
“Your Honor, the prosecution's entire case rests on an illegally obtained video. My client had an expectation of privacy in his own bedroom. This is a clear violation of state wiretapping laws, and the footage must be suppressed.”
The prosecutor, a sharp woman named District Attorney Ramirez, stood up.
“Your Honor, we argue the footage falls under the exception for recording a crime in progress, specifically to protect one's life.”
The judge sighed, looking over his glasses. “It’s a gray area, DA Ramirez. Without established prior precedent or a clear pattern of abuse, this looks like a spousal trap.”
That was my cue.
I had given the file to Ramirez five minutes before the hearing.
“Your Honor,” Ramirez announced, her voice ringing through the silent courtroom. “The State would like to introduce a new witness and new evidence to establish that pattern. We have sworn testimony and bank records from a Ms. Sarah Jenkins, proving that the defendant has a history of severe domestic violence, and further, that his mother, Celeste Montgomery, has actively engaged in felony witness tampering and extortion to conceal these crimes.”
The courtroom erupted into whispers.
Evan's head snapped around to look at Vance, genuine panic finally breaking through his mask.
Celeste dropped her expensive leather handbag. The pearls around her neck suddenly looked like a noose.
“Furthermore,” Ramirez continued over the noise. “Because the defense was actively engaged in an ongoing criminal conspiracy to conceal his violence, the expectation of privacy is nullified. We demand the video be entered into evidence.”
The judge slammed his gavel. “Order! I will review the new evidence in my chambers. We are in recess.”
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Ten minutes later, the judge returned. His face was like thunder.
“The motion to suppress is denied,” the judge ruled. “The jury will see the tape.”
