Chapter 18 - Belladonna testifies
Belladonna took the stand.
Risky.
She said:
“I believed Valerian’s daughter was in danger.”
True.
“He ignored risks because he believed his reputation frightened everyone.”
Also partly true.
“I created simulations to demonstrate vulnerabilities.”
True.
“Did you disclose they were simulations afterward?”
“No.”
“Why?”
“Because then he would dismiss them.”
There.
Then Eira.
“Why lock her in dining room?”
“To teach shelter behavior.”
“Why deny fresh dinner?”
“I did not deny dinner. She had food.”
“Burned food?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Consequences.”
“What does hunger teach a four-year-old about security?”
Belladonna paused.
“Compliance.”
That answer hurt her.
Then Price Haven.
“Did you want Eira living in your property?”
“Yes.”
“Did you want Valerian to appoint you emergency caregiver?”
“Yes.”
“Did you financially benefit?”
“Potentially from rent.”
“Did you disclose that?”
“In drafts.”
Somewhat.
Then the most important defense point.
“Did you ever intend Eira to be kidnapped?”
“No.”
“Did you arrange a real kidnapping attempt?”
“No.”
“Did any contractor touch Eira?”
“No.”
“Did you tell anyone to frighten her physically outside the home?”
“No.”
Good.
No exaggeration.
Then prosecutor:
“You didn’t need anyone outside the home to frighten her, did you?”
Objection.
Sustained.
May you like
Courts are not scripts.
Still, jury had heard the evidence.
