Betrayal - Fern Michaels [52]
“Dr. Sheffield, did the child ever come right out and say exactly what it was that my client did to her? Did she give any details at all?”
The doctor looked toward the prosecution table. “Some, yes, but minute detail, no, she was not able to.”
“Was the child able to remember any specific times or dates that my client did these things she was unable to describe to you?”
Dr. Sheffield took the pitcher of water provided by the court, poured a small amount into a paper cup, and took several gulps before answering. “No. The child is too young to be able to recall specific dates, times.” The doctor realized her mistake the second it came out of her mouth.
“Then the child can’t possibly be a reliable witness to any of the acts she’s accused Mr. Rocket of, if she can’t remember dates and times, can she?”
“That’s not what I meant . . . She’s too young to recall anything specific . . . She doesn’t know . . .”
“The defense has no further questions, Your Honor.” James left Dr. Sheffield seated in the witness stand for round two.
“Redirect, Your Honor,” Wykowski said, for the benefit of the court reporter.
“Proceed.”
“Dr. Sheffield, the events the child said took place, when she told them to you in the safe confines of your office, no matter how little the detail, did you question her accuracy? Did you believe her to be telling the truth?”
Dr. Sheffield arched her shoulders back, raised her chin a notch. “I am one hundred percent sure the child is telling the truth. The abuse was too exact for the child not to have experienced.”
“Even though she was unable to give you dates and times?”
“Yes.”
“I have no further questions of this witness.”
Again, the bang of the gavel. “Court will take a ten-minute recess.”
Several members of the media scurried out of the courtroom, probably hoping to be the first to report to their respective networks.
James whispered something to Alex, and he laughed.
“What’s so funny?” Kate asked as she leaned over the banister.
“James seems to think Dr. Sheffield is a fruitcake.”
“I agree. Her answers were so vague, how could the jury even think anything happened to Sara if a professional was unable to provide details? This looks good, doesn’t it, James?”
“It’s not bad, but remember, the jurors are the ones who will view the video. I can promise you it does go into some detail.”
“What did she say? You can’t let us observe it the same time as the jury! Who knows what reaction we’ll have?” Kate asked James.
“That’s the exact reason I do want you to view the tape when the jury does. I want them to see you both with fresh eyes and ears. I want the jury to see the look of shock on Alex’s face, and yours as well.”
Kate smiled. “I get it. I guess that makes sense, but I can tell you, I am not looking forward to hearing what this sick little girl has to say about my husband.”
“Nor am I,” Alex added.
“Trust me, I think this will work to our advantage.” With that, James thumbed through several papers his investigator had brought in during the recess. He seemed upset at their contents.
The media returned to the courtroom with barely a minute to spare. Reports were filed, and news was made for the first half of the day.
Chapter 16
The hum in the courtroom was like a low note being held by a choir. After the recess, the judge asked all members of the media to leave her courtroom. She instructed the bailiff to observe as a technician provided by Court TV turned off the camera. She wasn’t going to tolerate any mistakes in her courtroom, especially during a trial of this magnitude.
An audiovisual technician set up a screen and the VCR for the jurors to view. The courtroom was empty except for the attorneys, the family members of the victim, and the accused.
The jurors were given pads of paper to write their notes on. They would see the video only once.
Kate held her breath as the judge instructed the bailiff to dim the lights.
“Is the court reporter ready?”
“I am, Your Honor. I have all the extra equipment you requested.”
“Thanks, Janice.”
“I’m told