Today's Reading
"That's very sweet," the attorney said, her voice like honey-soaked steel. "And just to confirm, this is the bus stop at the corner of Holmstead Street and Green Street?"
"Yes."
"We can see that, because the drugstore is right behind you in the photo."
"Your Honor," the defense attorney said, not even bothering to stand this time, "I think we've established that this is Mr. Davies's regular bus stop."
"Are you going anywhere with this, Counselor?" the judge asked.
"Yes, Your Honor." The attorney removed another piece of paper from underneath her notepad. "This is a list of all the buses and their routes, marked D-6, which is already in evidence."
She put the paper down in front of the witness. "Mr. Davies, according to these routes, do you see that the only bus that goes anywhere near your mother's nursing home no longer stops at the corner of Holmstead Street and Green Street?"
The courtroom was silent as the witness stared at the piece of paper.
"I..." he finally said, glancing over at his attorney before looking back down at the paper, "I...is that right?"
"It is," the prosecuting attorney said. "According to this notice, the route changed soon after you moved out of your wife's house. But you've previously stated that you regularly visit your mother at her nursing home, correct?"
"Y...yes."
The attorney smiled sympathetically at the witness. "Do you see on this paper that this bus does service the stop near your current residence?"
"Yes," Mr. Davies said, reaching for the life preserver he thought he was being offered. "Yes, that's the bus stop I use to visit my mother."
The defense attorney tensed as the judge's brows raised with curiosity.
"Then, Mr. Davies," the prosecuting attorney said, angling towards the jury, "what were you doing with those flowers at this bus stop?"
"I... I..."
The prosecuting attorney finished her questioning soon after, relinquishing the floor to the defense, who made his way to the witness stand.
"Mr. Davies," the attorney said, "do you know who took these photos?"
The witness hesitated.
"There's a name..." the attorney prompted, pointing at the paper.
Mr. Davies squinted at the print below the photos in front of him. "'Charlotte Illes,'" he read.
"Do you know Charlotte Illes?"
"No."
"Were you aware she was taking your photo?"
"Not at the time."
"Do you know who she is?"
Mr. Davies gave a half shrug. "I think she's a detective."
The defense attorney pointed at the photos again. "These photos are a bit blurry." He flashed a quick grin at the jury. "Any blurrier and I doubt they could've been admitted into evidence. Can you read the name of the store behind you in this photo?"
The prosecuting attorney stood. "Your Honor, the witness already confirmed that he recognizes the bus stop in the photos. Ms. Illes's abilities as an investigator and a photographer aren't on trial here."
"The witness has already confirmed the location of the bus stop, Counselor," the judge said sternly. "Do you have anything else other than this line of questioning?"
The defense attorney hesitated, then squared his shoulders. "No, Your Honor. No further questions."
"Dick," muttered a low voice from the back of the gallery.
The defense attorney gestured towards the voice while chuckling tiredly. "Your Honor—"
"Ms. Illes," the judge said in the direction of the voice, "I won't warn you again. One more word, and you'll be escorted out."
...
