Barba's New Life

Court

"Is Sophie ready?" Olivia asked him the next day as they sat in the courtroom.

He looked at her, eyebrow arched nearly to his hairline as he told her

"She was furious. This isn't going to be pretty. I hope Stone is ready."

Truth be told, Sophie might go to jail that day. She told him last night as she stomped around the apartment she wasn't planning on answering any questions. When he suggested she answer vaguely, she put her foot down and there was no dragging her away. It was one of the things that he loved about her.

His head snapped up as the bailiff called for her. She strode out with her head held high, curls bouncing brightly against her navy blue wrap dress and single strand of freshwater pearls. He knew that look. Stone was in for a ride.

"Ms. Kennon, how are you today?" Stone asked with a pleasant smile

"Doctor Kennon" she corrected him seriously

"Forgive me. Doctor Kennon, what exactly is your doctorate in?" he questioned

"How is that relevant?" she shot back

"You insisted on being addressed as such" he paced in front of her

"Peace studies from Notre Dame" came the clipped answer

"And you've worked with immigrants and refugees for close to fifteen years, correct?"

"Yes"

"According to these files from your company, your office was processing a request to secure permanent resident status for the defendant Emilio Sandoval, is that correct?" Stone asked, passing her the file.

She looked up, catching Rafael's eye. She sat silent.

"Doctor Kennon, is that correct?" Stone repeated.

Silence. Shoulders square, jaw set. Nervous waves ran through the jury and Emilio leaned forward in his seat, knowing full well that Sophie knew him and his family.

"You have met Emilio before?" he prompted her.

Silence.

"You and your associates pushed through a request for Emilio, which was accepted but his parents requests are still on hold. Am I right?" he asked, leaning down close to her.

She rolled her eyes in indignation.

"Doctor Kennon, please answer the question" Judge Abrams told her, looking down from her seat

"Respectfully, I decline your honor" she stated, her eyes drilling into Stone

"You realize that if you do not comply, you'll be held in contempt of court" the judge advised

"I understand. I decline to answer" she sat back in her seat and waited.

"Mr. Stone, approach the bench" Judge Abrams commanded, rubbing her temple before asking

"This is your witness. Why is she refusing to answer? This is not going to bode well for you"

"Doctor Kennon has information that could possibly bring about justice for a sexual assault victim. That is why she received a subpoena" Stone explained to the judge.

Judge Abrams looked over her glasses at Sophie, as if waiting for her defense. She said nothing, hands folded in her lap.

She shook her head no.

The judge sighed

"My chambers counselors and Dr. Kennon."

Together they all walked into the richly wooded chambers surrounded by books. Judge Abrams took off her glasses, staring long and hard at Sophie before commenting