Chapter 146: Incriminating Evidence (2/2)
”Your honor, please look at—” More courtroom jargon ensued, but I could see the spark of interest in the judge's eyes. I then realized that he had believed the prosecution wouldn't be able to pin the crime down on McCain. This was a game-changer.
The video of him getting out of his house, the clothes he was wearing, and how they matched up was laid in front of the courtroom for all to see.
”And how did you bring him to admit that he had indeed gone to see her?”
”We gave him an out during the interview and made it clear to him with bits of information that only he would know. We saw his movement through traffic cameras and the like. That kind of questions let him know that we had video evidence against him.”
”And what was his response?” This was critical. I had to frame it properly.
”He was asking for more information. We knew when he came in that he was fishing for information to see how far he could get.” This was the truth. He acted all high and mighty like he was the one in power. And we had put him in his place.
”Did you know that he was searching for updates on the case on the internet?” the prosecutor asked. I blinked in confusion.
”No, we did not. I assumed that he was kept informed, though,” I said truthfully. I didn't think my implication was caught by anyone but the police officers who sat at the foot of the courtroom with looks of delight.
It seemed that the department had taken time to come see her first courtroom interview.
”Would you have used it against him?”
”It might have been helpful, but we were focused on setting up the story. We wanted to set up a timeline that he couldn't dispute.” Nash had told me that explaining causes for interrogative methods gave us more points and led to fewer questions, so I went in that direction.
”And did you get any incriminating information from him?”
”He admitted to going to her house and leaving in a few minutes, but we had video evidence that he had stayed over an hour. We also saw him discard the murder weapon in a residential area,” I admitted. ”We had footage that he was not in his house like he had claimed, either. But met with these, he refused to go along with the questioning and left.”
That was the truth.
Now, that was incriminating.
”And you believe, beyond doubt that Mr. McCain killed Maya?”
”Yes, Mr. McCain killed the victim.”
Silence prevailed.
”Defence can now cross-examine.”
The lawyer shuffled to his feet and approached Ellis.
”Miss Lewis, you spoke about your credentials at the beginning of your testimony. May I ask why you migrated from Language studies to crime-solving and detective work?”
Strange line of questioning, but I was prepared for it. They would try to rip apart my credibility. And no objection from the prosecutor would stop it.
”As I mentioned, my studies were one interactive language and pain studies. I believed my talents for languages and expression would be a critical tool in solving crimes,” I admitted.
”But what brought the idea to you?”
”I have always wanted to be in the police force. I took another route, but ended up in the same place.” I shrugged.
”And why did you want to be in the police?” I pressed my lips together. So, this was where they wanted it to head.
”My father was a detective and I grew up under his tutelage.”
”Your father was Charlie Lewis, correct?”
”Correct,” I said without hesitation.
”Yes, he solved hundreds of cases and was held in high regard. I believe he was killed by Alicia Williams, the serial killer.” I didn't answer because he hadn't asked me a question. He waited for something and then recognized where he had gone wrong. ”Were you kidnapped and kept captive by Alicia Williams?”
”Objection. Not related to the case!” the prosecutor interjected.
”Sustained.” But the information was already out. Not that I cared.
”Apologies for bringing back bad memories. Miss Lewis, you survived a terrible trauma. How has that impacted your life, both personal and professional?”