Page 84 of Matlock
“Yes, that could be a triggering circumstance for some individuals.”
“In your professional experience, how do individuals typically respond psychologically when they perceive an immediate threat to a close family member?”
Dr. Webb nodded slowly. “There can be a range of responses, including heightened arousal, fear, anger, and sometimes impulsive or reactive behavior.”
“Would that kind of perceived threat sometimes result in immediate, unplanned intervention?”
“Yes, it can.”
Tony walked closer to the stand.
“And in those situations, the individual’s actions are often driven by the perception of danger in the moment, rather than careful reflection?”
“That is often the case, yes.”
“Now, Dr. Webb, you are not a forensic pathologist, correct?”
Dr. Webb met his eyes. “Correct.”
“So your evaluation does not involve determining wound patterns, blood transfer, or the physical mechanics of the incident?”
“No, it does not.”
“And based on that, a scenario in which a person perceives a violent attack on a sibling could be consistent with a reactive or defensive psychological response?”
Dr. Webb hesitated only briefly. “Yes, that would be consistent with such a response.”
“And that type of response could include immediate, emotionally driven actions taken in the moment?”
“Yes,” Dr. Webb admitted. “That scenario is consistent with all of the evidence presented.”
“Thank you. No further questions.”
“We’ll adjourn for the day,” Uncle Alex announced. “Court will reconvene tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM, and the prosecution will continue presenting its case.”
The gavel came down.
I sat frozen as the courtroom began to empty. Tony gathered his files, his movements steady, but I could see the tension in his shoulders, the way his jaw was set. He’d just eviscerated the prosecution’s case, and I’d watched every second of it.
My parents stood, and Mom leaned down to kiss my cheek. “We’ll see you tomorrow, sweetheart.”
Dad squeezed my shoulder. “You’re doing great, son.”
Sadie hugged me briefly, her arms tight around my neck. “Thank you,” she whispered.
And then they were gone.
The Silver Shadows filed out. Grace gave me a small smile as she passed. King nodded at Tony. And then it was just us, Tony and me, alone in the courtroom. He looked at me, and something passed between us. Something electric. Something desperate. “Let’s go,” he said quietly.
We walked through the courthouse hallways in silence, past reporters shouting questions, past people staring, past all of it. Tony’s hand was on the small of my back the whole way, guiding me, protecting me. We reached his SUV, and he unlocked it without a word. We climbed in. He started the engine.And we drove.
I couldn’t sit still. My hands were shaking. My pulse was racing. I watched Tony drive. Watched his hands on the wheel, the way his fingers gripped the leather. Watched the line of his jaw, the way his throat moved when he swallowed. I watched the way his eyes stayed focused on the road, but I could see the tension in every line of his body.
He fought for me today. He’d stood in front of a courtroom full of people and fought for me with everything he had. And I wanted him so badly I thought I might come apart. “Tony,” I whispered.
His hands tightened on the wheel. “Not yet.”
“Tony—”
