Chapter 13 - The Reckoning in CourtWhen it came time for the defense to present their case, Scott’s lead attorney attempted a desperate, pathetic tactic. He called Scott to the witness stand in an effort to portray him as a stressed business owner who had been "manipulated" by Richard Vance and Arthur Vance.
"Mr. Carter," his attorney asked softly, "did you ever intend to leave your wife and child destitute?"
Scott looked up, his eyes darting frantically toward the gallery, finally landing on Evelyn and me.
"No... no, of course not," Scott stammered, his voice quivering with fake emotion. "I was under immense pressure. The merger... Richard told me it was standard legal procedure. I thought Diane was going to receive a fair share! I loved my family..."
The state prosecutor stood up for cross-examination like a predator closing in on its prey.
"Mr. Carter," the prosecutor began, walking slowly toward the witness box. "If you loved your family, why did you hire an attorney who was actively conspiring to trick your wife into signing away her 51% ownership?"
"I... I didn't know the extent of Richard's plans—"
"And did you know," the prosecutor interrupted sharply, picking up a printed photograph from the evidence desk, "that on the night of October 14th, during a freezing rainstorm, your eight-month-old daughter was suffering from a 103-degree fever when you threw her and your wife out of your home?"
Scott’s jaw tightened. "My mother told her to leave! My mother threw the bag!"
The prosecutor turned toward the gallery and gestured toward Evelyn. "Your mother threw a suitcase containing the hidden evidence of your crimes, Mr. Carter. She saved your wife and daughter from the trap you set for them."
The prosecutor leaned over the witness rail, staring Scott directly in the eyes. "Is it true, Mr. Carter, that while your sick daughter was being carried into the rain, you were inside opening a bottle of vintage champagne with your mistress?"
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Scott opened his mouth to reply, but no sound came out. Sweat dripped down his forehead. He looked around the courtroom, realizing that every single person in that room—including the judge and jury—saw him for exactly what he was.
"No further questions, Your Honor," the prosecutor said, turning his back on Scott.
