The Diamond Syndicate

“Objection! Not relevant to the case, Your Honor,” Prosecutor Swartz said.

“Your Honor, the questions I’m asking are necessary to lead up to my point.”

“Overruled,” Judge Fritz said. “Answer the question, young lady.”

Shakeeda lowered her head. “No, I don’t have a boyfriend.”

“So when Diamond came into the office to see you, it was exciting to hear all of the stories about her and the men she dated, right?”

“Yes.”

“Would you say the defendant was an easy person to talk to?”

“Yes.”

“Has she ever given you advice before?”

“Yes.”

“What about tips on how to get a man?” Kyle leaned on the witness stand.

“Objection!”

“Sustained.”

“Have you and the defendant gone out together?”

“Huh?” Shakeeda was puzzled by the question. In her mind she was thinking Kyle meant some type of lesbian activity.

“Have you and the defendant gone out to party together?”

“Well, not really partying.”

Kyle continued to stare into Shakeeda’s eyes. “Well, what would you call it?”

“Well, sometimes when I would go out, I would see her, and we would talk,” she lied.

“So the defendant frequented the same establishments you went to?”

“Yes, sometimes.”

“Would you and the defendant have a few drinks together and talk like you do when she came into the office?”

“Yeah.”

“Would you say that Diamond was a woman who had it going on?”

“Yes.”

“Did you wish you could be like her?”

“Sometimes.”

“So when she told you that the new man of the month was a doctor named Michael, you were in fact thrilled to hear about the stories because you thought about having a Prince Charming as well, correct?”

Prosecutor Swartz stood. “Objection, Your Honor!”

“Overruled.” Judge Fritz eyed her.