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“Oh, please spare me the power-to-the-people crap. You have no proof and no evidence against my client. Your Honor, I am done with this witness. They have not proven anything!” Kyle marched back to his seat, pouting like a child.
Kendall stood. “Mr. Dupree, what else did my client, Dante Reed, tell you about his mother, Diamond Reed?”
“That she abused him physically and mentally for as far back into childhood as he could remember. The boy is scarred, counselor, and he has not thought or made decisions for himself his whole life.”
Prosecutor Swartz interrupted. “Objection! This sounds like hearsay Your Honor.” Although the testimony hurt Diamond, it was also giving Dante a defense and Prosecutor Swartz didn’t like that at all.
Preacher looked up at the judge.
“Overruled,” Judge Fritz said, looking down at Preacher.
“What do you know?” Kendall asked.
“I shared a cell with that young brother, and he told me about things that were done to him that I wouldn’t do to a dog. His mother abused him physically and mentally for so many years that he doesn’t know if he is coming or going. She has threatened his life to get him to do what she wanted him to do once he became a teen. I can assure you that I’ve been on this earth for long enough to know a scarred person, and that kid is damaged.”
Kyle was so exhausted with anger, he didn’t even make an attempt to object. It was like he was throwing in the towel.
Kendall nodded and said, “Mr. Dupree, thank you. No more questions, Your Honor.”
Preacher was then escorted out of the witness stand. When he walked past the defense table, he locked eyes with Dante and held up his fist. “Stay strong, young brother,” he said as he was escorted out of the courtroom.
Judge Fritz released the courtroom for recess so the attorney
s could prepare their closing arguments. It was time to hand this case over to the jury.
THIRTY-FIVE
Closing Arguments
“Counselor for the prosecution, are you ready to make your closing argument?” Judge Fritz asked.
“Yes, Your Honor, we are.” Prosecutor Swartz stood and took one last glance at her papers. She walked over to the jury and stood in front of them. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, it has been a very intense and exhausting trial. You have been kept from your families and the outside world because of this case. I know you all want to get back to your families and your normal lives.
“My team and I have presented to you the actual facts on this case, and I hope that you will look at the facts presented to you to help you come to a guilty verdict against the defendants. You have heard from credible witnesses who have revealed to you that Diamond and Dante Reed committed horrible crimes. Don’t let these criminals get away with murder, extortion, and fraud. Do the right thing and put them away for life,” she said and walked back over to her seat.
Kyle stood and straightened his tie. “Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, you heard from the prosecution and its witnesses. However, I’ve sat here with you in the same courtroom and have heard the witnesses’ testimony. I have to be honest with you. I didn’t hear anything that would suggest that my client actually murdered Dr. Ricci. I also have not heard solid evidence that my client committed insurance fraud or welfare fraud. All that has been said in the last two months has been hearsay, speculation, or accusations against my client, Diamond Reed. Yes, she had an outburst in court; however, if someone was trying to frame you or tell untruths about you, wouldn’t you get frustrated as well? I apologize for her behavior, and so does she. But my point to you, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, is that there was no hard evidence presented during this trial to convict my client. I have confidence in you and know that you will make the best and right decision based on the lack of evidence presented during the trial by finding Diamond Reed not guilty.” Kyle walked back over to his table and sat down.
Finally Kendall stood and faced his brother. Kyle stood and they shook hands before Kendall made his way over to the jury.
“Ladies and gentleman of the jury, my closing argument will be brief. I know you want to get to your deliberations. My client, Dante Reed, has been accused of being guilty by association. He is the son of Diamond Reed, so naturally, he would be pulled into this matter. My client is innocent of all the charges brought against him. He was raised by his mother and brainwashed. Diamond Reed raised him to respect her as well as worship her. She constantly put into his head that he owed her for having to give up her life because she gave birth to him.
“There is no police evidence, and there were no witnesses that could testify against my client. Please make the right decision. You and I both know Dante Reed is innocent.” Kendall took his seat next to Dante and gave him a pat on the back.
Judge Fritz removed his glasses and turned to face the jury. “I want each of you to go into deliberations and take as long as you like to make your decision. I want you to study the facts and only the facts on this case. I know you will make the right decision.” He looked over at the jury. Judge Fritz banged his gavel and dismissed the jurors and the courtroom.
Everyone began to file out, talking amongst themselves.
Prosecutor Swartz walked over to the defense attorneys and extended her hand for a shake. “I think you guys did a great job. You gave me a hell of a run.” She smiled at them as if she had already won.
Kyle chuckled as he shook her hand. “Don’t count your chickens before the eggs have hatched.”
Kendall simply shook her hand and prepared his briefcase to leave.
***
“So what do you think?” Kyle asked Kendall once they were in the car.
Kendall looked over at him in shock. “You talking to me?”
