Chapter 25

• “Objection!” Lacy snapped, half-rising from her seat. “Your Honour, the defendant is attempting to malign the character of my client with unsupported testimony and conjecture! This is harassment!”
• Judge Hawkins tapped a pen sharply on the table. “Objection overruled, Ms. Hurbert. Mr. Thorne is the defendant in this civil suit; he is entitled to state his recollection as part of the defence’s claim. Continue, Mr. Thorne, but keep your comments relevant to the facts.”
• Taylor smiled—a chilling, triumphant curve of his lips. Renee felt a wave of nausea. He was enjoying this, turning her trauma into a spectacle.