“Yes, sir.”
“You go to people’s houses, and you tell them how to work out, get them in shape. Is that what you do?”
“Yes, sir.”
“You must be pretty good at it because we had the darnest time getting together with you. You must have a lot of clients?”
“I do alright,” Wade said humbly.
“Do you have a client by the name of Martha Townson?”
Wade paused for a second and then an uncomfortable look came over his face. He looked at Panthea. Marcus looked at Wade and then to Panthea.
“Is that one of your clients, Mr. Long?” Paxson pressed for an answer.
“Yes, she’s one of my clients.”
“You see her every Tuesday and Thursday night. Is that correct?”
“Yes,” Wade said softly.
Paxson wandered casually to the jury box and leaned against the rail. “I didn’t hear what you said, Mr. Long.”
“Yes,” he said louder.
“Now on the night in question, did you keep your appointment with Mrs. Townson?”
“Yes.”
“What time did you leave Mrs. Townson’s house that night?”
“’Bout seven-thirty, eight o'clock,” Wade said quickly.
“Now this is important, Mr. Long. Which was it, seven-thirty or was it eight o'clock?”
“It was closer to eight.”
“Mr. Long, didn’t you in fact leave Mrs. Townson’s house at eight-thirty that night?”
The look on Wade Long’s face told Marcus the answer without him having to say it.
“Mr. Long, you have to answer the question,” the judge instructed.
“I left there at eight-thirty,” Wade finally said.
Marcus dropped his head. The optimism he was feeling earlier had left the room. He glanced over at Panthea, her expression hadn’t changed. It was as if none of this held any meaning for her.
“You told this court that Mrs. Daniels arrived at your house at eight-thirty. Were you in two places at once?”
“No, sir,” Wade said, now seemingly unable to even glance in Panthea’s direction.
“What time did Mrs. Daniels get to your house?”
“She got there at nine thirty.”
Paxson turned around and looked at Marcus. “I believe he is your witness now Mr. Douglas.”
“Your honor,” Marcus said and stood up slowly. “I would like to request a recess to discuss these developments with my client?”