But Richardson surprised everyone. His first witness was a forensic accountant who testified that the ledgers could have been altered. His second was a former DEA agent who'd been fired for misconduct who claimed Arthur had a history of manufacturing evidence. This is nonsense, Arthur muttered from the gallery. That guy lost his badge for stealing from evidence lockups.
His third witness was Vernon. Caleb's stomach dropped when his uncle walked into the courtroom looking uncomfortable in a suit that didn't fit quite right.
Mr. Vernon Hayes, you're the defendant's nephew's uncle, correct? Yeah, I raised Caleb after his parents died. And you were present when Sheriff Dalton visited your auto shop. I was.
Can you tell the jury what happened during that visit? Vernon's eyes flicked to Caleb, guilty and apologetic. Dalton asked Caleb some questions about the accident. Caleb said he didn't know nothing. Then Dalton left.
Did Sheriff Dalton threaten Mr. Hayes in any way? Not that I heard. Caleb felt like he'd been punched. Vernon was lying.
Why was Vernon lying? Richardson smiled. No threats, no intimidation, just a sheriff doing his job investigating an accident. That's what it seemed like to me. Thank you, Mr.
Hayes. No further questions.
Linda stood for cross-examination. Mr. Hayes, where were you during this conversation between Sheriff Dalton and your nephew? Inside the shop. How far away?
Maybe 50 ft. Could you hear everything that was said? Vernon hesitated. Most of it. Most of it.
So, it's possible Sheriff Dalton said things you didn't hear? I guess. And after this visit, you asked your nephew to leave town, didn't you? I asked him to take a vacation. For his safety.
Because you were afraid of what Sheriff Dalton might do. Objection, leading. Sustained. Linda tried a different angle. Did Sheriff Dalton ever come back to your shop after that day?
No. Did he contact you? Once. And what did he say during that call? Objection, hearsay.
Your honor, this goes to witness credibility. I'll allow it. Answer the question, Mr. Hayes. Vernon looked at Dalton, then at Caleb then down at his hands.