Chapter 9 - The Race Against Time.
My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird.
They had gotten to Mr. Thomas.
My mother grabbed my hand under the table, her skin cold as ice.
"Your Honor, without a witness to authenticate these supposedly stolen documents, they are nothing more than hearsay," Latham argued forcefully.
"I move for an immediate dismissal of this case with prejudice."
Judge Vance looked at the documents on his desk, visibly conflicted.
"Ms. Moore," the judge said, looking directly at me, "do you have any other witnesses who can corroborate this evidence today?"
I looked at the gallery, scanning the faces for anyone from the school who might stand up.
Everyone looked away.
"I need twenty-four hours, Your Honor," I pleaded.
"If I don't produce undeniable, physical proof by tomorrow morning, you can throw the case out."
Latham immediately objected, but Judge Vance raised his hand.
"Given the severity of the allegations, I am granting a recess until 9:00 AM tomorrow," the judge declared, striking his gavel.
"But I warn you, young lady, if this is a game, the consequences for your mother will be severe."
May you like
As we packed up our table, I noticed a man in a gray suit near the back of the room staring directly at me.
He wasn't a reporter, and he wasn't smiling.
