Page 28 of Merciless Obsession

Before I could overthink things, I popped it in my mouth, grabbed the cup I kept on my counter, and filled it with water.

I was in control.

My main goal was and always would be Charlie and avenging her death. No one was going to distract me from that.

CHAPTER 9

EZRA

“Mr. Carnes, you told the detectives on the evening of June twenty-ninth, twenty twenty-two that you were entering your place of business and were hit in the back of the head, and when you came to you were tied to a chair in the middle of your living room, correct?”

The witness on the stand nodded.

“Speak out loud, Mr. Carnes,” the judge stated.

Mr. Carnes leaned forward and spoke into the mic. “Yes, that’s correct.”

“And then you told the detectives that you were beaten and threatened if you didn’t go forward with the sale of the lot your family’s restaurant was on, correct?”

“Yes.”

“The prosecution would like you to direct your attention to the screen. Shown is Exhibit B. Pictures of the witness’s face and body after the assault in question.”

Murmurs broke out around us.

“The witness exhibited a fractured jawbone, three broken ribs, required stitches across his left jaw, and two broken fingers.”

Mr. Carson cleared his throat and shifted in his seat.

“Mr. Carnes. The man who caused these injuries to you. Do you see him in this courtroom here today?”

Mr. Carnes was quiet for a moment. His eyes shifted to where me and Felix were sitting. My arms rested calmly on the table next to me.

“Mr. Carnes?” the prosecution called out.

“Answer the question, Mr. Carnes.”

“No I don’t recall, Your Honor.”

The DA’s jaw ticked. He turned, walking back to his table and picking up a folder.

“Mr. Carnes, please remember you are under oath. Do you not recall telling detectives that Felix Benson was known for coming around and intimidating business owners in the area to sell to their properties? You also said when you denied selling, even after the beating, your restaurant was burned down.”

“I don’t recall.”

“Mr. Carnes, again, you are under oath.”

“I know that.”

“So please tell the court what you told the detectives.”

“The night you speak of, my vision was unclear due to the hits in the head. The detectives led me to believe it was Mr. Benson when they came and questioned me.”

“Mr. Carnes.”

I spoke up. “Objection, Your Honor. The DA is badgering his own witness. He says he doesn’t recall.”

“Sustained. Mr. Carnes, are you sure you do not recall the night in session.”