Page 49 of Omega's Fever

“I’m simply asking for specifics, Your Honor,” Milo says calmly. “The witness made serious allegations. Surely he can provide one concrete example.”

“Overruled. The witness will answer.”

Danny looks desperately at Sutter, but she can’t help him now. “It’s hard to remember exact conversations.”

“I see.” Milo flips through his notes. “Let’s talk about Maria Santos. Tell me, when exactly did you see Mr. Hayes threaten Ms. Santos?”

“I don’t remember the exact date.”

“Where did this conversation take place?”

“In the main bar area.”

“With how many witnesses?”

“I don’t know. It was busy.”

“So in a busy bar, full of people, Mr. Hayes openly threatened an employee, and you’re the only one who remembers it?”

Danny’s hands twist in his lap. “I saw what I saw.”

“Did you?” Milo moves closer. “Mr. Rivera, have you been promised anything in exchange for your testimony today?”

“No.”

“No reduced charges? No immunity deal? No financial compensation?”

“Objection!” Sutter’s on her feet. “Counsel is implying—”

“I’m not implying anything,” Milo cuts her off. “I’m asking direct questions about potential bias.”

Judge Melkham waves a hand. “Overruled. Answer thequestion, Mr. Rivera.”

“I haven’t been promised anything.” But his voice wavers, and everyone hears it.

Milo lets the lie hang in the air for a moment before continuing. “Mr. Rivera, do you know a man named Cobb Sewell?”

My breath catches. No. I told him not to mention Cobb. I damn well told him. But there’s nothing I can do. I can’t shout ‘objection’ at my own defense attorney.

Danny freezes. “I... no.”

“No? You’ve never heard that name?”

“Maybe. I don’t know.”

“You don’t know if you’ve heard the name Cobb Sewell?” Milo’s voice is silk over steel. “Let me refresh your memory. Isn’t it true that Cobb Sewell was the actual owner of The Pit?”

“Objection!” Sutter practically shouts. “Leading question.”

“Goes to the witness’s credibility and potential bias, Your Honor.”

Melkham considers. “I’ll allow it, but tread carefully, Mr. Warren.”

Milo nods. “Mr. Rivera, I’ll ask again. Do you know Cobb Sewell?”

Danny looks like he might vomit. His eyes dart around the courtroom, landing on someone in the gallery. I follow his gaze and my blood runs cold.

Joey Vaughn, one of Cobb’s lieutenants, sits in the third row. He’s not watching Danny. He’s watching Milo, and he’s taking notes.