Chapter 6 - The Deposition and the Interrogation
Two weeks later, the formal civil and criminal depositions were conducted in a sterile, windowless conference room at the downtown municipal courthouse.
The room smelled of stale coffee and industrial carpet cleaner. At the head of the long conference table sat the assistant district attorney, flanked by Arthur Vance and two federal investigators. Across the table sat Vanessa and her newly appointed public defender—a tired-looking man named Henderson who looked like he wanted to be anywhere else on earth.
I sat quietly in the observer’s chair near the back of the room, alongside Elena, who had insisted on attending to ensure her testimony was officially entered into the permanent record.
“Let’s review Exhibit C-4,” the assistant district attorney announced, placing a high-definition monitor at the center of the table. “Video footage recovered from the hallway cloud backup, dated October 14th.”
The screen flickered to life. The audio filled the silent room with crystal-clear precision.
“Please, Vanessa, I’m sorry... just a sip of water...” my mother’s weak voice echoed from the speakers.
“Shut up, you old parasite. If Daniel calls from Singapore, you tell him you’re sleeping. If you make a peep, I’m locking the door for two days.” Vanessa’s voice rang out, sharp and cruel, followed immediately by the sharp crack of a slap.
Vanessa covered her ears in the deposition room, sobbing hysterically. “Turn it off! Turn it off! It’s out of context!”
“There is no context in the universe that justifies striking a bedridden elderly woman, Mrs. Cross,” the assistant district attorney said coldly. “Furthermore, we have financial records proving you diverted forty thousand dollars from the household expense fund into an unregistered offshore account under your maiden name during the exact same period.”
Attorney Henderson leaned over to Vanessa, whispering urgently. She shook her head violently, her mascara running down her cheeks in black streaks.
“We have an offer from the state,” Henderson announced hesitantly, looking across the table at the prosecutor. “If Mrs. Cross enters a plea of guilty to second-degree elder abuse and financial fraud, would the state consider a reduced sentence recommendation?”
“No plea deals,” I said, standing up from my chair and stepping forward into the light of the conference room.
Every head turned toward me.
“Daniel,” Vanessa whimpered, looking up with pathetic, tear-filled eyes. “We were married for eight years... please, don't do this...”
May you like
“You didn't show mercy to my mother when she begged for water,” I said, my voice echoing through the room with absolute finality. “You didn't show mercy to Elena when you threatened her livelihood and her life. You wanted a war, Vanessa. You’re going to get a trial.”
I turned and walked out of the room, leaving her staring helplessly at the silent, glowing monitor.
