They Don't Know {Sequel}

Chapter 40 - MAYA

December 26, 2022
New York County Supreme Court
11:30 AM

"Since the Supreme Court has expedited this trial, they've allowed for certain motions to be accepted. Witnesses are allowed but only one per council. We ask that you follow these guidelines accordingly."

The judge cleared his throat. "Thank you Bailiff. Does the prosecution have a witness to call forth?"

The heavy-set man that sat on the other side of the isle stood prideful in his stance, smiling.

"Yes Your Honor. I'd like to call Hailey Edmond to the stand."

Me and the guys watched as a petite brown-skin woman strolled over to the witness stand and was sworn in by the bailiff.

"Fuck," D5 mumbled.

I furrowed my eyebrows as he shook his head. "You good?"

"Hell no. That's Rushawn's ole lady. The one that dropped lo' for us off the perc."

"For real?"

"Yeah. That's how we knew where he'd be."

"You don't sound excited to see her here."

D5 leaned down to keep our conversation quiet, "If she's on the witness stand, that means the feds got to her. And if they got to her-"

"That means she confessed." Rafael, who sat on the other side of me, interrupted with a smug look. "Javi was right. Lonnie screwed up."

The prosecutor moved to the front of the court, pacing back and forth with a piece of paper in his hand.

"State your full name for the record."

"Hailey Omani Edmond."

"Thank you. Miss Edmond, how are you doing today?"

".....Could be better but I'm fine."

"That's good. I'm sorry we have to bring you here under such circumstances but, well, you know the story of this case I'm sure." The woman nodded. "Good. Let's start off simple, do you know why I've called you in to testify today?"

Again, she nodded.

"Let the record reflect Miss Edmond answered yes. Now, are you aware of the night of questioning that led to the death of sixteen gang affiliated men in a nearby neighborhood? The same night that led to the death of your boyfriend, Rushawn Brown?"

"I am."

"Are you aware that his body wasn't at the scene of the initial crime and was moved to another home where one other male was found dead?"

"I- no. I wasn't aware."

"You seem rather calm about this Miss Edmond. Is it because you happen to know the men who committed these crime-"

"Objection Your Honor." Our lawyer blurted, earning a look of curiosity from the judge.

"On what grounds Washington?"

"Speculation. The prosecution is inferring that my clients are the murderers when the witness in fact cannot be in the knowing of such information."

"And why not?" The prosecutor asked. "Who's to say she doesn't know who did it? We've got our suspects right here. Is that not enough for you?"

"It'd be enough if the pathologist and ballistics analyst found a direct answer as to whom caused the unfortunate demise of Mr. Brown and many others. As you already know, they found no link between my clients and the murders that occurred that night."