A collective gasp swept through the gallery. The stenographer stopped typing, her mouth open. Richard Sterling’s face drained of all color. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white. What is the meaning of this? Judge Halloway demanded, standing up. Why is a witness in chains? This man, Julian said, pointing an accusing finger at Graves, was arrested last night while sabotaging my client’s home. He has confessed to the police. He has confessed to the district attorney. And now he is here to confess to this court.
Julian walked up to the witness box as Graves was sworn in. Mr. Graves, Julian said softly, leaning on the railing, you are under oath. Who hired you to break the gas valve at 1402 Oak Street? Graves looked at Richard Sterling. Richard’s eyes were wide, telegraphing a frantic message. Shut up. Don’t say a word. I’ll fix this. But Graves saw the detective standing by the door. He saw the judge’s furious face. He knew Richard couldn’t save him. It was him, Graves croaked, his voice shaking.
He pointed a trembling finger at the plaintiff’s table. Richard Sterling. The room erupted. Lawyers were whispering frantically. People stood up in the back rows to get a better look. Order. Order. Judge Halloway banged his gavel so hard it sounded like a gunshot. He called me on Tuesday, Graves continued, tears welling in his eyes. He said he needed a reason to evict the old lady before the hearing today. He offered me $5,000 to find a violation.
When I couldn’t find one, he told me to make one. Lies, Richard screamed, losing all composure. He lunged toward the witness box. He’s lying. This is a setup. I never spoke to this man in my life. Sit down, Mr. Sterling, the judge roared, or I will have you shackled to your chair. I have proof, Julian said calmly. He turned back to his table and picked up his smartphone. He connected it to the courtroom’s AV system. Your honor, I would like to introduce defense exhibit B, an audio recording made two days ago in this very courthouse. A conversation between myself and Mr. Sterling. I did not consent to that, Richard yelled, sweat pouring down his face. That is inadmissible. Georgia is a one-party consent state, Julian countered coldly. Play the tape. The speakers crackled.
