Total pages in book: 49
Estimated words: 45821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45821 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 229(@200wpm)___ 183(@250wpm)___ 153(@300wpm)
“Objection. The prosecution is testifying for the witness,” Dirk interjected.
“Sustained,” the judge pronounced before addressing the prosecutor. “Any further questions for this witness?”
Ms. Appleton announced, “The prosecution rests, Your Honor.”
“Redirect, Mr. O’Roark?”
Dirk didn’t stand. He asked from his place at the desk, “Are you a cybercriminal, Cynthia Grant?”
This was a question they hadn’t rehearsed. Cynthia shook her head. “I’m not. I’m simply a blackmailed fool who allowed herself to be manipulated. I should have been braver. I should have been smarter. I should have…”
Cynthia’s voice trailed away, and she looked helplessly at Dirk to save her.
“You should have been treated better,” he added.
“Objection, Your Honor.” Ms. Appleton jumped to her feet in protest.
“Sustained. You are testifying, Mr. O’Roark,” the judge warned.
“The defense rests, Judge Blanco,” Dirk responded respectfully.
“You are dismissed, Ms. Grant,” the judge informed her softly before announcing, “Court is adjourned until nine o’clock tomorrow for closing arguments.”
CHAPTER 15
Dirk escorted Cynthia out of the courtroom with a hand on her lower back. Navigating through a side door, he avoided the largest crush of reporters at the front doors wishing to take photos and ask questions. Unfortunately, a large number had gathered at the side entry as well.
Taking Cynthia’s hand, he forged the way through the group as she tucked herself into the space he carved out behind him. After ushering her into the waiting car he’d had arranged, Dirk climbed in behind her. As they cleared the gathering, he fastened her seatbelt and then his own. He patted her thigh and squeezed it slightly.
“You did good.”
“I was so scared. That Appleton lawyer lady is fierce. She scares me.”
“She should scare you. The feds don’t choose wimpy lawyers to battle cybercrime. Appleton is good,” Dirk confirmed.
“But you’re better?” she asked with a hopeful tone.
“We’re better. And we have truth on our side. That always helps.”
Cynthia allowed herself to ask the question she’d stifled for months as they waited for the trial. “What’s the worst thing that can happen?”
“You go to jail for a long sentence,” Dirk admitted.
“And the best is that they believe I was blackmailed and hand down a smaller sentence?” Cynthia asked.
“Don’t put yourself back in jail yet. We don’t know what the judge will decide after the jury reaches a verdict,” Dirk advised.
When the hired car reached his office, Dirk helped her into his car. “I’ve taken the rest of the day off. We’re going home to forget about all the trial proceeding and make some happy memories.”
“I don’t know if I can ignore all that’s going on,” she protested.
“Leave it to me, Little girl. It’s all up to my closing arguments to convince the jury that while you plugged in that flash drive, you aren’t guilty of the crime that occurred.”
“Do you think they can make that distinction?”
“I’m going to give it my all. You’ll have to forgive me, sweetheart, if my mind wanders today.”
“I can be super quiet,” she promised.
“There’s no need for that, Little girl. We’re going to enjoy the rest of day and night. We’ll worry about tomorrow in a few hours.”
“Okay.”
When they arrived home, James Flanigan stood on the front step. He waited for them to park in the garage and join him.
“Ms. Grant. I’m glad I caught you at home,” he said with a hint of sarcasm. “Your ankle bracelet has registered you outside your area for the past week.”
“Cynthia’s court case is currently being held. She has called and left a message on your cellphone every day to inform you. I also have the court’s official notice of the trial for you,” Dirk answered for her. His tone was confident and assured.
“You are?” the release officer asked, looking pointedly at Dirk.
“Dirk O’Roark. I am Ms. Grant’s attorney.”
“I’ve heard of you, Mr. O’Roark. I am James Flanigan, release officer assigned to Ms. Grant’s case.”
The two men sized each other up. Cynthia noticed neither man extended a hand to shake the other’s. This was obviously not a typical business or social situation. She glanced up at Dirk’s face and noted his professional face was firmly in place. There was a big difference between his expression when they were alone and when he was operating as a lawyer. She treasured the intimate connection they had.
Her instant anxiety that she was in trouble evaporated as he spoke. He was her protector from all who threatened her. Cynthia felt her shoulders relax down from the stress position they’d crept into. Her Daddy had this all under control.
“Perfect. I’ll look forward to seeing the court document. I do have the log of the phone calls. If I didn’t, I would not be here. A squad car would have been dispatched to pick you up,” Mr. Flanigan stated bluntly.
“So, there’s something else that brought you here?” Dirk asked, his gaze narrowing.
“Yes.”
“Come inside,” Dirk invited as he pressed the code on the door lock. Ushering everyone inside, Cynthia automatically returned to the kitchen table where they had spoken before.