Page 87 of Desert Loyalties

“Ever since her death, he’s looked at me differently. So much so that he forced me to go to rehab, because he felt guilty. I believe I’m in danger. And if I’m not heard from in the next two days, believe that I am dead. And believe that Mandrake did it.”

The screen goes black.

The courtroom stays that way, silent. No shuffle of paper, no cough, not even a breath. Hell,I’mstunned, and I already know the guy’s dead.

Even I feel bad for the rat in that moment. Not because he blamed me. Not because of what he said. But because the pain in his voice didn’t sound like a lie.

It sounded like a man who’d already given up.

Chapter 36

MANDRAKE

Cheng rises from his seat, posture straight, voice smooth. “Agent Munez, is this the video you received on July 11?”

Munez nods. “Yes.”

“And this is what led you to arrest Mr. Lloyd—”

Christina is already on her feet. “Objection. Leading.”

Judge Keller nods once. “Sustained. Rephrase.”

Cheng clears his throat. “What other factors led you to view Mr. Lloyd as a suspect?”

Munez adjusts his tie. “Well, this video… and the fact that Mr. Donahue claimed Mr. Lloyd was the one dealing drugs.”

“And what led you to arrest Mr. Lloyd?”

Munez doesn’t hesitate. “He’d just bought a million-dollar mansion, owns several businesses, and had no clear explanation for the origin of his wealth.”

“Why didn’t you suspect anyone else at the club?”

Munez lifts a hand slightly and gestures toward me. “Mr. Lloyd was the only one not present at the clubhouse when the raid happened. And he’s the only person Mr. Donahue specifically expressed fear of.”

Cheng looks satisfied. “No further questions.”

Christina stands slowly, heels echoing in the hushed room as she walks to the podium.

“Agent Munez, earlier you testified that you suspected Mr. Lloyd because he owns several businesses, but couldn’t explain the source of his wealth. Is that correct?”

Munez nods. “Yes.”

“You’re saying he has no way to account for his income, while also stating that he owns multiple businesses.” She raises an eyebrow. “Could those not be the source of his wealth?”

Cheng jumps to his feet. “Objection, Your Honor. The agent is not a financial expert.”

Christina doesn’t flinch. “Your Honor, Mr. Cheng is the one who brought up Mr. Lloyd’s finances as a justification for suspicion. I’m simply testing the reliability of that conclusion.”

Judge Keller gives Cheng a look. “Overruled. The witness may answer.”

Munez hesitates, clearly annoyed. “I suppose it's possible. But we didn’t see clear documentation.”

Christina gives a tight smile. “You didn’t see it… or you didn’t look?”

Cheng, “Objection.”

Keller, “Sustained. Move on, Ms. LaGuerta.”