Page 75 of Desert Loyalties

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.