The Prosecution's Witness — Dan Decker

It comes down to the trial. Everything criminal defense attorney Mitch Turner has done to resolve the murder charge against his client has failed, so now he must fight it out in court. He has no viable alternative suspect. All evidence points to his client. The courtroom is in shock when Mitch declines to question the prosecution's expert witness, frustrating his own client who wants Mitch to fight tooth and nail. The prosecution calls its next witness. Mitch gears up for his cross-examination. Everything hinges on this. If you like legal thrillers, this short story is for you. Mitch Turner is a fast-talking lawyer who takes risks where others might not. Fans of John Grisham, Michael Connelly, and Scott Turrow will enjoy this story. Pick up your copy today!Sneak PeekI studied Sandra Johnson before I stood and addressed the court. I have no questions for this witness.A murmur ran through the crowded courtroom as I sat down. I could feel my client Mason cringing beside me, furious that I had not tried to impeach this witness.In his opinion, if I didn't take every potential opportunity to protest his innocence, I wasn't doing my job.He did not understand that it was better to be selective in what you did, especially in front of a jury. The wrong word at the wrong time could sink a case. Doctor Sandra Johnson's credentials were impeccable. Her presentation was well done, and she came off as smart and informed. I also could not disagree with her assessment of my client's state of mind at the time because our own expert agreed with her.My client had been of sound mind at the time of the murder.He had just been higher than a kite.When I glanced over at Mason, he was visibly frustrated.Timing is everything, I wanted to say to him, but instead, after a glance at the victim's parents, I faced forward and kept my emotion from leaking through.Both mother and stepfather had sat right beside each other during the two-day trial. My heart always went out to the victims and their loved ones, even when I was called upon to represent a guilty client. I could not help but wonder what they thought of this whole thing.Other defense attorneys might criticize me for my empathy, but it was essential to remain in touch with one's humanity.You have to do more- Mason started to say.Quiet, I said to him without looking over, wishing Mason would maintain some sense of composure.I did not like the way the courtroom had responded to my refusal to ask a question, but it had been a gamble either way.This might, unfortunately, have an indirect effect on the jury but the truth was Mason had been in his right mind that night. There had been no evidence that he was crazy. I wasn't going to waste time and effort on a losing proposition.I had floated the idea to Frank early on in negotiations that we might use the insanity defense, but I had decided in my final preparations to not bring it into the courtroom because it was a losing argument.I don't like how you're handling things, Mason said to me in more of a whisper this time. I think I might have to fire you.I shook my head slightly. The court would never let me out at this point. Not unless you can find compelling evidence that I'm not doing my job. Trust me, the last thing you want me to do right now is try to impeach that psychologist in front of a jury that just hung on her every word. It won't work.You better think of something.