Page 31 of Desert Loyalties

MANDRAKE

The courtroom’s air feels denser after recess. More eyes. More pressure. And more heat coming off Christina as she steps to the centre of the room, heels clicking.

She nods toward Serena, expression polite, voice razor-clean.

“Ms. Albright, let me just start by saying, I’m sorry about your parents. Loss like that can shape a person. I believe if anyone understands being an orphan, it’s my client.”

Cheng immediately rises. “Objection. Irrelevant.”

Judge Benton doesn’t look up from her notes. “Sustained. Move on, Ms. LaGuerta.”

Christina’s eyes narrow slightly, and she pivots like it was part of her plan all along.

“You stated earlier you had sexual relations with my client, Mr. Lloyd. Can you tell the court, did you have sexual relations with anyone else in the Horsemen?”

“Objection.” Cheng again. “Irrelevant and prejudicial.”

Christina barely turns. “Your Honor, the prosecution asked about my client’s sexual history. I’m exploring context and credibility.”

Judge Benton sighs. “Overruled for now. But tread carefully, Ms. LaGuerta.”

Serena shifts. Her voice isn’t trembling now, she’s defensive. “There were… others.”

Christina nods, like she expected that. “Would you describe your role as a ‘hangaround’? Someone known to stay near the clubhouse, and often sexually available for club-related activities?”

Serena’s brows pinch. “I didn’t sleep with everyone, if that’s what you’re implying.”

Christina doesn’t flinch. “No implication. Just clarification. Were you ever given anything in exchange? Money, drugs, protection?”

“No,” Serena says quickly. “They let us crash sometimes, but we had to clean and do stuff around the house.”

“So, you chose to sleep with multiple men without being coerced?”

Serena exhales, her voice small. “It was a bad time. I’m not proud of it.”

Christina gives a single nod, then flips a page in her notes.

“Let’s move on. What was your relationship with Mr. Donahue?”

Serena straightens, and I see the flicker in her eyes, she knows what’s coming. “We were friends.”

Christina nods. Calm. Controlled. Loaded. This is why she asked for the recess. I gave her all the ammo she needs.

“Did you ever have sexual relations with Mr. Donahue?”

Cheng drops his face into his hand. Too late.

“Yes… A few times.”

“And were any of those times while Mr. Donahue was married?”

A pause.

“Yes. But I didn’t know he was married at first.”

“Of course.” Christina doesn’t even blink. “Earlier, you testified that Mr. Donahue told you my client was watching you. When did that happen?”

Serena stares at her, lips parting slightly. “I—I don’t understand the question.”

Christina steps closer. Her tone sharpens, exact.

“Let me rephrase. Mr. Lloyd owns three active businesses. He holds a leadership role in the Horsemen. He is also in a relationship. So, I ask again: when, precisely, did he have time to watch you?”

“I—I don’t know. Locke just said he was.”

Christina tilts her head.

“So, to be clear, you cannot confirm this alleged threat came from Mr. Lloyd himself.”

“No,” Serena whispers, her voice trembling just enough to sound rehearsed. “I never saw him. But… he did threaten me. A year ago.”

I don’t look at her. I look at the judge. Always watch the one holding the knife.

“Your Honor,” Christina says, her voice level but edged, “this witness cannot establish that my client made any threats to Mr. Donahue. Her testimony is speculative and inadmissible under Rule 602. She has no personal knowledge of any wrongdoing and cannot testify to events she did not witness or directly experience. We move to strike her last statements for lack of foundation.”

Judge Benton shifts in her seat, sighs like she’s been holding her breath for hours.

Cheng is already on his feet. “Your Honor, the defendant threatened this witness directly. That goes to pattern of behaviour under Rule 404(b). We’re not saying she saw the murder.

We’re saying she experienced the same intimidation the defendant has used against others.

It’s consistent. It shows motive and method. ”

He’s trying not to sound too eager. Failing.

Judge Benton rubs the bridge of her nose.

“Let’s be very clear here,” she says. “The court is well aware that Rule 404(b) does not allow character assassination. But pattern, motive, intent; those are admissible, if supported by relevant, credible testimony.”

She looks at Christina. Then at Cheng. Then back at Serena, who’s wiping a tear that may or may not be real.

“The court will allow the testimony to stand for the limited purpose of establishing alleged pattern, not as direct evidence of the charge of murder.”

She flicks through some papers before setting them down. There’s a pause. No dramatic gavel.

“On Count One- Murder and Count Three-Conspiracy, the court finds the government has not established probable cause. The body recovered in Nye County does not match Kyle Donahue, nor has the prosecution presented sufficient evidence linking the defendant to his disappearance or death.”

I feel there’s a but coming.

“However,” Judge Benton continues, “on Count Two-Witness tampering and Count Four-Obstruction of justice, this court does find sufficient probable cause to proceed. The witness’s testimony, while contested, presents a consistent narrative of intimidation and coercion that aligns with the statutory definition. ”

I don’t flinch. But my jaw’s tight enough to creak.

“Bail will remain in place,” Benton adds.

“However, in light of today’s testimony, the following modifications will apply: Mr. Lloyd is to have no contact, direct or indirect, with the witness Serena Albright.

That includes through third parties. He will also continue to wear a GPS ankle monitor, submit to weekly check-ins with Pretrial Services, and abide by his current home confinement conditions. ”

“Ms. LaGuerta,” the judge says, turning to Christina, “Mr. Cheng. We will reconvene for a status conference in four weeks’ time. If there is no negotiated resolution by then, the court will set a trial date and move the case to a district judge.”

Christina stands; voice steady but urgent. “Your Honor, my client’s business and personal life are severely impacted by the prolonged uncertainty. We respectfully request that this court set a firm trial date and begin jury selection as soon as possible to avoid further harm.”

She glances at Cheng. “Mr. Cheng, is the government prepared to accommodate a faster timeline if necessary?”

Cheng clears his throat. “Your Honor, the government requires adequate time to review new evidence and prepare accordingly. While we understand the defence’s concerns, rushing could compromise the integrity of the case.”

Christina speaks again, voice firm but measured. “With all due respect, Your Honor, my client has a right to a speedy trial under the Sixth Amendment. The ongoing delays are causing significant harm. We ask the court to prioritize this matter accordingly.”

Judge Benton leans forward, considering both arguments carefully.

Then she nods thoughtfully and speaks with authority: “Understood. While the government is entitled to sufficient preparation time, the defendant’s right to a speedy trial is paramount.

This court will set a firm trial date no later than eight weeks from today and will begin jury selection promptly. ”

Judge Benton continues, “This matter will be assigned to a district judge for all further proceedings, including trial.”

The courtroom falls silent for a beat before the sharp sound of the gavel echoes through the room.

“Court is adjourned.”