The Diamond Syndicate

“No more questions, Your Honor.”

Kyle jumped to his feet before he was even given permission to question the witness. “Mr. Dupree, what are you? Some kind of revolutionary?”

“You could say that. I am an activist who speaks out against hate crimes and police brutality,” he said, looking over at the court officer who stood off to the side.

“OK, so you are a public speaker for which organization?” Kyle was having a hard time remaining calm.

“Me, Myself, and I, young brother.”

“I’m not your brother.”

“We are all brothers, my brother.”

“Yeah, OK. Black power to the people. What are you currently incarcerated for?”

“Public disorderly conduct.”

“So you created a disturbance and were arrested?’

“Yes.”

“How many times have you been arrested?”

“Brother, I have been ridiculed and disrespected by the man for many years.”

“Answer the question please.”

“I’ve been imprisoned at least twenty-five times during the course of my life.”

“Twenty-five times? You’ve gone to jail twenty-five different times for breaking the law, and you come here in court and tell lies on my client and expect the court to believe you?”

“Objection, Your Honor. Mr. Dupree is not on trial here.”

“Sustained.”

Kyle was pissed. “Mr. Dupree, how is it possible for you to know who actually killed Dr. Ricci if you were not present?”

“My brother, I told you that Dante was not present, but your client was.” Preacher sat back and crossed his legs.

“How could you know such a thing? Did Dante Reed tell you this? That makes no sense.”

“It’s like I said. Diamond brainwashed the young brother into being her personal slave. She taught him to obey her every command.”

“That’s your opinion, Mr. Dupree, and your opinion holds no weight in this courtroom. You are a criminal and have been for most of your life, and you expect the jury to believe that you have information on a murder that you know nothing about.”

“I beg to differ, young brother.”

“How can two people kill one person?”

“Well, as I was told, they did, and Dante Reed was not there.”

“Who told you that?” Kyle was ready to strangle the black man.

“I am not at liberty to say,” Preacher simply told him.

“Then your testimony means nothing here, unless you reveal your sources, so they too can be questioned.”

“Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be possible. Just let the powers that be handle this, my brother.”