Page 74 of Desert Loyalties

Cheng nods, trying not to smile.

“Ms. Albright, do you know a man named Kyle Donahue, also known as Locke?”

She nods, brushing her hair off her shoulder. “Yes. We were friends.”

Cheng picks up a stapled packet from the prosecution’s table and walks it toward the bench.

“Your Honor, the government moves to admit Exhibit 14—phone records obtained via subpoena from Hart Telecommunications. These logs reflect regular contact betweenMs. Albright and Mr. Donahue in the weeks leading up to his disappearance. We offer this to establish corroboration and context for her testimony.”

Judge Benton eyes the papers.

Christina rises again, unflinching. “Objection, Your Honor. Foundation. Mr. Cheng hasn’t laid any groundwork to authenticate this document or demonstrate its relevance.”

Cheng doesn’t skip a beat. “We will have the custodian of records testify if needed, but for purposes of this preliminary hearing, the logs are self-authenticating under FRE 902(11). They’re offered to support the witness’s statement and show sustained communication, relevant to motive and connection.”

Judge Benton frowns, then nods. “Noted. Exhibit 14 is admitted provisionally, pending full authentication at trial.”

Cheng turns back to the witness. “Ms. Albright, during these calls with Mr. Donahue, did he ever express concern regarding the defendant, Mr. Lloyd?”

Christina is already halfway out of her seat. “Objection, hearsay. She can’t testify to what someone else said.”

Cheng answers quickly, “Your Honor, the statement is not being offered for the truth of the matter asserted, but to explain Ms. Albright’s subsequent actions, why she felt threatened, and why she left. It’s directly relevant to her state of mind.”

Judge Benton considers, then says coolly, “Proceed carefully, Mr. Cheng. I’ll allow it for state of mind only.”

Cheng nods again, pacing slightly as he softens his tone for the jury of one.

“What, if anything, did Mr. Donahue say that concerned you?”

Serena pauses, milking it.

“He said Drake—Mr. Lloyd—was watching me. That I should stay away from the clubhouse, that I was a loose end.”

Her voice trembles just enough. “He said that if I pushed too far, I’d disappear like others had.”

Across the gallery, Skye’s whisper is almost a hiss. “Lying bitch.”

Christina, without turning, scribbles something in her notes, gearing up for her turn.

Chapter 31

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.”