Harvest Moon (Borrowed Brides 2)

Tessa squirmed in her chair. David shifted his weight, deliberately sitting on her skirt to keep her still.

“One last question, Miss Brennan. Did you ever see Miss Roarke in conversation with Arnie Mason?”

Here it comes, David thought. Let her get too confident. Let her make a mistake.

“As a matter of fact, I did.” Myra sat straight in her chair, smiling at the jury, enjoying her moment in the sun.

“Will you tell us about it?”

“I once saw her arguing with Arnie about the boy. I saw her talking to him on numerous occasions.”

“When did the argument take place?” Jeremy was practically licking his lips in anticipation.

Tessa kicked David under the table, hard enough to

leave a bruise on the side of his leg. “She’s lying!” Tessa whispered.

“I know,” David replied. “Now, shhh!” He nudged her foot with his.

“A day or so before the murder,” Myra replied. “I don’t remember for sure.”

“But you did see the defendant in conversation with the victim?”

“Well, yes,” Myra told him. “I distinctly remember seeing her hand Arnie Mason a note a few hours before she killed him.”

Tessa kicked David again. “Aren’t you going to stand up and object again?” Tessa’s angry whisper was barely audible.

“No,” David whispered. “Let’s give her enough rope to hang herself. Be still!” He closed a hand over Tessa’s. “Listen.”

Jeremy Cook, sensing victory, asked a final question. “Do you know what the note said?”

“No, I don’t.” Myra smiled at Tessa. “She got quiet when I passed by, but I’m sure I heard her say something like ‘Don’t be late.’”

“You’re positive?”

“Absolutely.” Myra gazed at David Alexander, then very slowly placed a fingertip against her lips and kissed it.

“Clever,” David muttered, “but not clever enough.”

“Thank you, Miss Brennan.” Jeremy Cook turned to David and inclined his head. “I’ve finished with this witness.”

Judge Emory spoke to David. “Any questions for Miss Brennan, Mr. Alexander?”

“Not at the moment,” David answered.

“What?” Tessa gasped.

“But I’d like to reserve my right to cross-examine Miss Brennan at a later date.” David ignored Tessa’s outburst.

Judge Emory did not. “As we’ve been at this for quite a while, I suggest we recess for a late dinner.” He checked his watch. “We’ll reconvene at two o’clock.” He fixed his eagle-eyed gaze on Tessa. “And, Mr. Alexander, I suggest you speak to your client about courtroom etiquette.” He stood up.

The people in the courtroom all rose.

“David,” Tessa demanded before Sheriff Bradley made his way across the room, “you aren’t going to let her get away with saying those things, are you?”

David took her by the shoulders and turned her to face him. “Tessa, listen to me. Listen carefully. I know what I’m doing.” She started to speak. “No, don’t say anything yet. Just nod or shake your head, yes or no. I know Myra was lying, but right now I can’t do anything about it,” he explained. “I’m stalling for time. I don’t want to put Coalie on the stand any more than you want me to, but I may not have a choice. Do you understand?”

Tessa shook her head.