When We Were Bright and Beautiful(91)

Behind me, Eleanor asks, “Are you sure about this, Peter?”

“Yeah, Ellie. I’m sure. I’m positive.”

A look passes between them.

“Ellie?” Lawrence says, confused. “Since when are you Ellie?”

*

In the courtroom, the gallery is filled, but the jury hasn’t been called in yet. For the next hour, the defense, prosecution, and judge engage in a complicated and testy exchange. From his seat next to Eleanor, the Bowtie explains what’s happening. DeFiore is asking to recall Diana because she misspoke about the texts she got from Billy. This bears on their relationship generally, and the events of March 24 specifically. “In other words,” the Bowtie says, “Diana’s untruths will illustrate to the jury that Billy isn’t guilty of the crimes he’s being tried for.”

“Why don’t you just call them ‘lies’?” I whisper.

Eleanor shushes me. “I can’t hear.”

DeFiore is speaking. “Your Honor, on page 142 in the record, Ms. Holly testified upon direct examination—I’m paraphrasing—that the text communication my client sent to her was motivated by his wanting to continue their relationship. When in fact it was something else.”

“Counselor, you had a full and fair opportunity to explore this issue when you cross-examined Ms. Holly the first time.”

“Yes, Your Honor. However, the defense believes that Ms. Holly misstated the truth upon direct examination by the State with respect to the State’s Exhibit A-21.”

“If this is a stunt, Mr. DeFiore, you will personally pay in the form of a censure. But I will allow it.”

Anderson is pissed. “The Defense had the chance to cross-examine her. This is merely an attempt to cast the accuser in a bad light.” Clearly out of options, he finishes with, “Let the record reflect my objection.”

“Objection noted. Does either side want to bring anything else up?”

They do not. The jury is called in and seated. Diana approaches the stand with apprehension. Today, she’s wearing a Kelly green dress and a lighter green scarf. Her cheeks and lips have a bit of color, which makes her look less washed out.

DeFiore stands up. “Your Honor, permission to show Exhibit A-21.”

Permission granted; he situates one of the State’s posters near the witness box. It’s a screenshot of the texts Billy sent to Diana after their breakup. DeFiore asks her to read each text aloud.

We’re not finished.

You can’t tell anyone.

Do not do this, Diana. I WILL NOT LET YOU.

You’ll ruin our lives.

It’s not true. Nothing you’re saying is true.

DeFiore turns to her. “Before I ask about these texts, I want to review statements you made under direct examination. Is that okay with you?”

Diana’s voice is shaky. “Yes, that’s fine.”

“Previously, you stated Billy has a secret. He is addicted to pornography. You also stated that during the party on March 24, he became angry, even enraged, because, quote, he was afraid I would tell people, unquote. Why was he angry?”

“He couldn’t maintain an erection.”

“So, he was angry at himself, correct? Not angry at you?”

“I have no idea. Both, probably.”

DeFiore points to the screenshot. “Does this text refer to Billy’s same fear?” Using a Sharpie, he circles you can’t tell anyone. “That you will tell people he’s addicted to porn and unable to maintain an erection during sexual activity?”

“Yes,” Diana says.

“Just to be clear, Cassie. On March 24, my client was enraged about his impotence, correct?” DeFiore’s eyes widen. “Excuse me. Cassie is Billy’s sister. I apologize for the mistake, Ms. Holly. Again, to be clear: my client was afraid you would reveal his secret, correct?”

I freeze. This was no mistake. DeFiore intentionally mixed up our names. But why? Suddenly, I’m terrified.

“Yes,” Diana says. But her eyes are wide; she’s terrified too.

“Okay, new topic, Ms. Holly.” DeFiore smiles sheepishly. But where someone else might see embarrassment, I see bloodlust. I remember when I pissed him off, how he bared his teeth then ripped into my throat. He’s about to rip into Diana, who’s aware it’s coming and yet leaving herself open.

“Ms. Holly, you testified that Billy’s sister, Cassie, made everyone in the Quinn family tense. Can you explain what you meant?”

Hearing my name again, I gasp. The air is too shallow; I can’t catch my breath.

“Cassie is moody,” Diana says. “She runs hot and cold.”

“You also stated that you believe Billy’s behavior was your fault. That he got angry because of you. What did you mean by this statement?”

“I meant he got angry because I knew his secret.”

“I don’t understand. You’re saying Billy got angry on March 24 because you knew he was addicted to porn? Or because he was impotent? Or because of something else entirely?”

“I don’t know . . .” Diana falters. “I don’t know why I said that.”

“Okay, no worries,” DeFiore tells her casually. “So, to restate: Billy got angry at you because he was impotent, and he was afraid you would tell people. Is this statement correct?”