Private Vegas (Private 9)
Page 57
Caine was on his feet with an objection. “The prosecution is badgering the witness, Your Honor.”
“Sustained.” Judge Johnson looked at Lewis, said, “Don’t do that, Mr. Lewis. Treat the witness with respect. This is a warning.”
“Sorry, Your Honor.”
“Ask your next question, Mr. Lewis.”
“Mr. Morgan, did I understand you to say that you overheard Mr. Del Rio promise to be with Corporal Young’s wife when she gave birth to her child?”
“That’s right.”
“Did he? Go to Lubbock, Texas, to be with Mrs. Young?”
“I…don’t know.”
“Well, I know, Mr. Morgan. And I believe you do too. Sheila Young gave birth to a daughter on March twenty-ninth of 2003. Danielle. Do you remember where Mr. Del Rio was at that time?”
“Yes.”
“Speak up, Mr. Morgan.”
“Yes. I know where he was.”
“Please share that information with the jury.”
Caine was on his feet again. “Relevance, Your Honor?”
“Overruled, Mr. Caine. Your witness opened the door. Go ahead, Mr. Morgan. Answer the question.”
“Rick was at Chino.”
“Why was Mr. Del Rio in prison, if you can remember?”
“He robbed a liquor store.”
“Let’s see. Mr. Del Rio was convicted on three counts,” Lewis said, as if he were reading notes written on his palm. “Breaking and entering. Armed robbery. Larceny. Guilty, guilty, guilty.
“I believe you spoke for Mr. Del Rio at that trial too, didn’t you, Mr. Morgan? Played the hero card? Helped get him a break on his sentence?”
I didn’t answer.
“Please answer, Mr. Morgan. Did you give testimony as to Mr. Del Rio’s heroic acts in Afghanistan at his trial?”
“Yes.”
“Thank you. So, not to rub it in, Mr. Morgan, just to state the facts: Mr. Del Rio is an ex-con, isn’t he?”
“Objection,” Caine shouted.
“I withdraw the question. Are you and Mr. Del Rio still close friends?”
“Yes.”
“Did Mr. Del Rio ever say anything to you about wanting to get back at Victoria Carmody for dumping him?”
“No.”
“Did he spy on her, Mr. Morgan? Did he use any of Private’s famous space-age spyware on Ms. Carmody? Did he follow her around? Did he stalk her?”