There was a change in the jury. They had been, if not sympathetic, at least neutral. Today their faces were hard. And as Judge Hobbs once again brought up the death of the witness Luke Haslett and instructed them not to speculate on what Mr. Haslett might have said, they all were looking straight at Cora Felton. A sure sign that they had made up their minds.
Henry Firth regarded them with satisfaction. His adjournment had done its job.
“Now then,” Judge Hobbs said. “When we left off yesterday, the witness Ken Jessup was on the stand, and Mr. Firth was conducting his direct examination. Do you have any further questions, Mr. Firth?”
“Just a few, Your Honor.”
“Proceed. Mr. Jessup, I remind you that you are still under oath.”
“Mr. Jessup,” Henry Firth said, “you testified to seeing Paula Martindale sitting alone in a car in the mall parking lot?”
“Yes, I did.”
“You also testified to seeing Luke Haslett lurch in front of your car as you were driving out of the lot?”
“That was a separate incident.”
“But you testified to it?”
“Yes.”
“Mr. Jessup, would it surprise you to learn that Luke Haslett—”
“Objection!” Becky thundered. Jurors gawked in amazement to hear such a bellicose roar come out of such an attractive young woman.
“Sustained!” Judge Hobbs snapped. “Counsel, approach the bench!”
Becky and Henry Firth went up to confer with the judge.
“Mr. Firth,” Judge Hobbs said with quiet intensity, “any attempt to circumvent the court’s ruling by introducing anything Luke Haslett may or may not have told you outside of court while not under oath will be considered contempt of court and grounds for a mistrial. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Step back.”
The lawyers resumed their positions.
Henry Firth said, with rather bad grace, “No further questions.”
“Ms. Baldwin?” Judge Hobbs said.
Becky didn’t even bother to stand. “No questions, Your Honor.”
That produced a ripple in the court. Henry Firth nearly gagged.
“Very well,” Judge Hobbs said. “The witness is excused. Call your next witness.”
“Your Honor,” Henry Firth said, “I find myself at a loss. The witness I intended to call, as you know, is not available, and I had expected counsel’s cross-examination to take all morning. If I could have a brief recess?”
“The court was adjourned overnight so you could prepare, Mr. Firth.”
“Yes, Your Honor. As I say, this took me by surprise. I need to line up a witness.”
“Ten minutes, Mr. Firth. Not a minute more,” Judge Hobbs said.
As court broke up, Paula Martindale pushed her way through the gate and grabbed Henry Firth. Her face was animated. She whispered something and pulled him out of earshot of the defense table.
“What the hell just happened?” Cora said.
“I don’t know,” Becky said, “but it can’t be good.”