The gavel came down.
“We need to talk,” Tony said, leaning toward me. “Not here. Let’s go.”
What happened in there? What did they see?
But Tony was already moving, guiding me toward the exitwith a hand on my lower back. My parents followed, and Sadie walked beside the bailiff, her eyes downcast.
As we stepped into the hallway, I finally found my voice.
“Tony, what—”
“Not here,” he said again, his tone firm. “David, Susan, meet us at Simon’s. And bring Sadie. Then I’ll explain everything.”
I nodded, but the knot in my stomach only tightened.
Everything just changed.
I could feel it.
But I didn’t know yet if it had changed for better or worse.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Matlock
Previously, in the judge’s chambers...
The door to Judge Markham’s chambers closed behind us with a heavy click that echoed in the sudden silence.
I stood near the mahogany desk, my hands in my pockets to keep them from shaking. Rosalind was across from me, her expression tight and controlled, but I could see the fury simmering beneath. Sadie sat in one of the leather chairs, her hands resting in her lap, her eyes downcast. The court reporter sat poised to record our every word. The bailiff stood by the door, silent and watchful.
Judge Markham moved behind his desk but didn’t sit. He looked at Sadie first, then at me.
“Ms. Nelson,” he said, his voice measured. “You stated in open court that you have proof. A recording.”
Sadie nodded, her fingers tightening around each other.
“I do, Your Honor.”
I stepped forward, my jaw tight. “Your Honor, I need to state for the record that I had no knowledge of this recording prior to Ms. Nelson’s testimony. She did not inform me of its existence, and I did not advise her to make that statement in court.”
Judge Markham’s gaze shifted to me, sharp and assessing. “You’re saying this was a surprise to you as well, Mr. Gallagher?”
“Yes, Your Honor.” I looked at Sadie, my voice hardening. “Sadie, did you tell me about this recording?”
She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “No.”
“Did I advise you to confess on the stand?”
“No.”
“Did I know you were going to say what you said out there?”
“No.” Her eyes finally lifted to meet mine, and I saw the guilt there. “I’m sorry, Tony. I just... I couldn’t let Simon go to prison for me. Not when I have proof.”
I exhaled slowly, forcing myself to stay calm. “Your Honor, I want it clear that this was not a calculated defense strategy. My client’s sister acted independently.”
“Noted,” Judge Markham said. He turned to Sadie. “Ms. Nelson, do you have this recording with you?”