Chapter 23 - BRENT’S TESTIMONY
Brent testified that he loved Lauren.
I believed him.
That was not the issue.
He admitted grabbing her arms.
Denied intentionally shoving her into the island.
Said she stumbled during resistance.
Admitted taking her phone.
“To calm things down.”
Admitted accessing her portal.
“She asked me to.”
Admitted sending the message.
“With her permission.”
Admitted telling the clinic she was sleeping.
“Because she was.”
The prosecutor asked:
“Why not wake her when a medical professional asked?”
“She needed rest.”
“More than evaluation after abdominal trauma?”
“I didn’t think it was serious.”
“You prepared a list titled ‘What to say if hospital asks.’”
“I was afraid she would accuse me.”
“You recorded medical facts or legal talking points?”
“Both.”
Then the Thursday audio played.
Tomorrow you smile. We do the shower. Everybody sees you’re fine.
The prosecutor paused.
May you like
“Fine for whom?”
Brent did not answer.
