Page 137 of Precise Justice

“Really? If you weren’t here doing this, what else would you be doing with that same time that would pay you five thousand dollars over and above your professor’s salary?”

“It’s um hard to say. There could be, you know, several options,” MacArthur almost babbled.

Marc started to say something to question that then said, “I’ll let that go.”

Marc picked up three copies of an 8 x 11 photo, stood and asked, “May I approach the witness, your Honor?”

“You may.”

On his way to the witness stand he handed a copy to Hughes and one to Judge Foster. The third he handed to MacArthur. When MacArthur saw what it was his eyes widened and he glanced around the courtroom.

“Professor MacArthur I’m showing you a photo marked for identification as defense exhibit one,” Marc said. At the same time, using her laptop, Jennifer displayed the photo on the TV monitors.

“Do you recognize it?”

“Yes, um, it appears to be a copy of my wedding photograph.”

“That’s you next to the bride, is it not?”

“Yes.”

“You’ve been married to Melinda, your wife in the photo, thirty-two years?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“She was a beautiful bride, didn’t you think?”

“Still is.”

“Good, I’m happy for her. The man standing next to you, in the tuxedo, he was your best man?”

“Yes, my younger brother, Gilbert.”

“And the man standing next to your brother, the first groomsman. Who is he?”

“Let’s see, um, I’m trying to remember.”

“It’s Phillip Friedman, professor. An old friend and classmate of yours, isn’t it?”

“Well, I’m not sure I’d call him an old friend…”

“He’s your first groomsman, where did you get the other five? Out of a homeless camp?”

“Your Honor, objection…”

While suppressing a smile, Judge Foster said, “Tone it down and watch the sarcasm, Mr. Kadella.”

“My apologies your Honor,” Marc said.

“Professor Phillip Friedman one of the victims of this trial was a long-time, very good friend of yours, wasn’t he? Yes or no?”

“Yes.”

“In fact, your youngest son is named Phillip, yes or no?”

“Yes,” MacArthur answered.

“Move to admit defense one,” Marc said handing this to the clerk.