Chapter 38

Today was the last day. This was the pinnacle of my hell. I had listened to the testimony of witnesses Josh's attorney had called, but in all honesty, I heard them talk but didn't hear any of the actual words. I was so consumed with my own fear of the stand that I mindlessly stared across the courtroom. I shook from my trance when Douglas called me to testify. My eyes met his, and they were encouraging and strong. I took my seat in the chair, the bailiff swore me in, and then the questioning began.

I knew what to expect from my attorney. We'd gone through it multiple times to make sure my answers were consistent, and I avoided information leading to openings for the defense to attack. No matter how many times Douglas had tried to warn me, I wasn't prepared for cross-examination.

The defense's attorney went after both my frame of mind that night and my overall character.

"Is it possible, Ms. Pierce, you were too intoxicated to remember encouraging the defendant?"

"No, it's not