Chapter 10 - The Testimony of Shadows
The third day of the trial brought the crucial witness to the stand: Detective Miller.
Miller sat in the witness box, adjusted his glasses, and methodically walked the jury through the physical and digital evidence collected from the Vance estate.
"Detective Miller," Rachel Adams asked, standing near the prosecution table. "Can you explain how the micro SD card was discovered?"
"Yes," Miller testified. "It was recovered by Mr. Julian Vance from a silver backplate that broke off the victim's locket during the incident on the patio. The card was sealed in a watertight compartment inside the silver casing."
"And what was stored on that card?"
"A series of encrypted financial logs detailing offshore transfers, a text document written by the late Elena Vance, and a high-definition video recording made minutes before Mrs. Vance’s fatal crash."
Adams turned toward the judge. "Your Honor, the prosecution requests permission to play State's Exhibit 14—the video recording recovered from the micro SD card."
"Permission granted," Judge Thomas ruled.
The courtroom lights were dimmed. A large projection screen dropped down behind the witness stand.
The video played. Elena’s voice, trembling with panic, filled the quiet room. She described the altered brakes, the threats from Clara, and her desperate love for her family. Spectators in the gallery gasped aloud; two jurors covered their mouths with their hands.
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Julian kept his eyes fixed on Clara. For the first time since the trial began, a thin bead of sweat formed on Clara's forehead. Her hands, resting on the defense table, trembled slightly.
"No further questions for this witness," Adams said, turning off the projector.
