Healing Divides (Smokey Mountain Series Book 2) by Stella Moore

Author:Stella Moore [Moore, Stella]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Blushing Books Publications
Published: 2017-10-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

“We'll do our best to get the evidence thrown out, but as I said before, we have to be prepared for the worst-case scenario.”

A week after he'd asked Melissa to consider testifying, District Attorney Christopher Jennings was grilling her in a conference room, preparing her for the trial that would be starting in a few short weeks.

“I understand,” Melissa assured him.

“What we may need from you is Penny’s state of mind when she came to you. It'll be a bit like walking through a minefield to avoid giving them an opening to ask you questions Penny doesn't want answered, but I'll help you out there. We want the jury to understand that she was, without a doubt, abused.”

She nodded. “I understand. You should know that Penny's father may be getting more involved. We're hoping to limit the press coverage, at least during the more sensitive parts of the trial.”

“Double edged sword,” Christopher warned. “You still have the jury, who will most likely give interviews after the trial if they're approached. And blocking the media can be like dropping a gallon of blood into shark-infested waters. It's a fine line, but if anyone can walk it, Michael Frost can.”

“From what I know of him, I'm inclined to agree. There's one last thing.” She took a deep breath. “You have a leak.”

“I'm sorry?” By his defensive tone, it was obvious he understood she wasn't referencing his plumbing.

She met his angry gaze head on. “My parents found out that I might be testifying, as well as the sensitive nature of the trial, before I even agreed to do so.”

“Why would anyone from this office talk to your parents?”

“My father is William French.”

“Fuck. As in, every country star’s favorite divorce attorney William French?” She nodded. “I'm an idiot. How did I not put that together? I'm surprised I haven't gotten a call from the governor to remove you from the trial.”

“My parents and I aren't on speaking terms at the moment. They aren't happy that I've decided to testify.”

Christopher stood and ran a hand through his hair in a gesture of impatience she was certain he rarely exhibited. “I don't want an enemy in William French. We'll find another expert witness. And I'll find my goddamn leak.”

She pushed the anger, the absolute insult of it aside and stood to face him. “You won't find one who understands this case better than I do. Removing me would be a mistake.”

“This is an absolute clusterfuck. My victim and my expert witness both come from two families who can easily make my life hell. Maybe I should move to Alabama.”

Sympathy trickled through her anger. He really was in an unenviable position. “I can handle my father. I'll do my best to make sure there's no negative blowback on you. Penny is the priority in all of this,” she reminded him.

“Fine. But if your father says he wants you out, you're out.”

She inclined her head in acknowledgement. “I understand. I'll see myself out.”

Back at her office, she instructed her receptionist not to disturb her, and locked the door behind her.

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