Chapter 202

Quinn's POV

I watched Nina Sinclair's expression shift to barely concealed anxiety. Rachel Thorne kept her composure, but I noticed her unconsciously fiddling with her bracelet.

Rising from the prosecution table, I addressed the bench: "Your Honor, I move to present evidence proving my client's whereabouts during the alleged bank transaction."

Judge Morrison nodded. "Proceed, counselor."

I handed the USB drive to the court clerk and waited as the footage appeared on the courtroom's LCD screens. "The account in question was activated at First Manhattan Bank's Midtown branch at 10 AM on October 15th. During this exact time frame, my client was chairing a board meeting at StarRiver Group. This security footage, accelerated for time, shows her continuous presence there."

The courtroom fell silent as the footage played. This evidence would dismantle their theory about Serena's involvement.

After the playback concluded, I turned back to Judge Morrison. "Your Honor, this evidence strongly suggests a deliberate attempt to frame my client."

As expected, Leach jumped up. "Objection, Your Honor. The defendant's physical absence from the bank doesn't preclude involvement. Given the prosecution's allegations about Officer Brad's bribes, arranging a proxy bank visit would be trivial. This footage proves nothing about the account's ownership."

I'd anticipated this line of attack. "Your Honor, I request permission to cross-examine Ms. Jessa Penrose."

With the court's permission, I approached the witness stand. "Ms. Miller, you testified that my client directed you to file fraudulent tax returns and bribe Officer Brad?"

"That's correct," she replied, adjusting her blazer.

"What compensation did she offer for these federal crimes?"

"She... she was my boss at StarRiver. I had to do what she said to keep my position," Jessa responded, her accent becoming more pronounced under stress.

Seizing the opening, I pressed further: "So there was no direct compensation?"

"No."

I motioned to the clerk to display the next exhibit on the screens. "These are statements from your Chase Manhattan account. Could you explain the series of deposits from numbered accounts over the past six weeks?"

I watched her composure crack as her eyes darted over the transaction records displayed on the monitor.

"The withdrawals are particularly interesting," I continued. "Multiple wire transfers to the Bellagio in Las Vegas. According to these records, you've lost over $200,000 at their high-stakes tables. Would you care to explain?"

"That's... that's private. It has no bearing on this case. I invoke my Fifth Amendment rights," Jessa stammered, her hands gripping the witness stand.

I projected my voice for the jury: "It's absolutely relevant! Your gambling debts made you vulnerable to coercion. Someone promised to clear your markers with the casino if you helped frame my client!"

As Jessa's denials echoed through the courtroom, I pivoted back to Judge Morrison: "Your Honor, the prosecution calls Mr. Miller."

When the silver-haired man in a suit took the stand, Jessa's face went ashen.

I approached the witness stand, keeping my movements deliberate and controlled. "Mr. Miller," I said, using the measured tone, "this is a court of law. Just tell us exactly what happened, alright?"

"Yes, ma'am." He adjusted his tie.

I started with the basics, my heels clicking softly against the floor as I moved. "Please state your full name for the record."

"Edward James Miller."

"And what do you do for a living, Mr. Miller?"

"I'm a fine art reproduction specialist," he said, his voice nervous. "Based out of the Eastport."

"Could you elaborate on the type of work you do?"

"I reproduce museum-quality copies of classical paintings," he paused, then added, "Sometimes I also do signature and handwriting reproductions for historical documents and private collections."

I noticed Leach shifting in his expensive suit - he knew what was coming. "Would you be willing to demonstrate your expertise for the court today?"

"Objection, Your Honor!" Leach was on his feet before Miller could answer. "This is theatrical and wastes the court's time."

I met Judge Morrison's eye. "Your Honor, this demonstration is vital to establishing the witness's credentials and expertise."

The judge adjusted her glasses. "Overruled, but keep it brief, Ms. Ashford."

I nodded to the court officer, who brought forward a legal pad and a pen. "Ms. Sinclair, would you please sign your name?"

After Serena finished, I handed the materials to Miller, watching Jessa Penrose from my peripheral vision. Her suit couldn't hide her growing discomfort.

The gallery fell silent as Miller worked. When he finished, several jury members leaned forward in their seats - the signatures were indistinguishable.

"The court has witnessed Mr. Miller's expertise," I said, my voice carrying to the back of the courtroom.

Leach stood again, his face reddening above his striped tie. "Objection! This could be rehearsed testimony from a paid witness."

I turned, letting just a hint of steel enter my voice. "Mr. Anderson, the DA's office exists to pursue justice, not protect corporate interests at any cost." I saw him flinch slightly. "As for rehearsal - let's find out."

"Mr. Miller," I continued, "do you recognize anyone in this courtroom?"

"Yes." He pointed directly at Jessa Penrose, who was now gripping her blazer like a lifeline. "That woman there."

"How did you first connect with Ms. Penrose?"

"She reached out on Telegram. Said she had a consulting opportunity."

"What kind of opportunity?"

"She wanted me to reproduce Ms. Sinclair's signature on several StarRiver Group documents."

"When exactly was this?"

"Four weeks ago."

"Do you have evidence of these communications?"

"Everything's still in my iPhone messages and emails."