Page 102 of Matlock
What the hell are they talking about?
My heart was pounding. I wanted to walk over there and demand to know what was going on, but something held me back.
Tony’s shoulders were tense, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. He looked like he wanted to argue, to refuse whatever she was asking.
But then his eyes closed, his shoulders loosened and he nodded.
It was a reluctant nod, his expression still angry, but he nodded.
Sadie’s shoulders sagged with relief. She said something else, thank you, maybe, and then stepped back.
The bailiff appeared in the doorway of the courtroom. “Court is back in session. Everyone inside, please.”
People started moving, filing back into the courtroom. Tony turned and walked toward the doors, his expression unreadable.
Sadie stood there for a moment, her hands trembling slightly, before Keys appeared at her side and guided her back toward the courtroom.
I caught Tony’s eye as he passed me, but he didn’t stop. He didn’t say anything. He just walked past, his face a mask of controlled fury.
What the fuck just happened?
I followed everyone back inside, my mind racing.
What did Sadie ask him? Why does he look so angry? Why did he agree to something he clearly doesn’t want to do?
The courtroom settled. People took their seats. The jury filed back in, their faces still reflecting the impact of Savannah’s testimony.
Uncle Alex took his place at the bench. “Mr. Gallagher, you may call your next witness.”
Tony stood, buttoning his jacket with sharp, controlled movements.
“The defense calls Mercedes Nelson to the stand.”
The words hit me like a punch to the gut.
What?
My head snapped toward Tony, my eyes wide with shock.
Sadie? He’s calling Sadie?
I hadn’t been told about this. We hadn’t discussed this. This wasn’t part of the plan.
Why the fuck would he put her on the stand without telling me?
Anger surged through me, hot and sharp. I wanted to stand up, to demand an explanation, but I couldn’t move. I was frozen in my seat, my hands gripping the edge of the table.
Sadie stood slowly, her face pale. She walked toward the witness stand, her steps hesitant, her hands trembling.
Keys watched her go, his expression tight with concern.
She was sworn in, her voice barely audible as she repeated the oath. She sat down, her hands folded tightly in her lap.
I could see her shaking.
She’s terrified.
Tony approached the stand, his expression gentle now, the anger from the hallway gone. He looked at her with something that might have been compassion.
