Chapter 19 - The trial begins
Amanda’s property trial began thirteen months after the canceled wedding.
The prosecution did not lead with Sophie.
Good choice.
They led with documents.
The forged authorization.
Vendor schedules.
Inventory.
Debt records.
Messages.
Then Brighton Fine Art Logistics.
Their coordinator testified:
“If we had known Daniel Mercer had not authorized removal, we would not have entered.”
Then Julian.
He testified under cooperation agreement.
Defense attacked his incentive.
Fair.
Julian said:
“Amanda represented that Daniel knew about redesign. I began doubting whether he knew about sales.”
“When?”
“When she told me not to contact his office.”
“Why continue?”
“Commission. And I convinced myself paperwork covered me.”
Ugly.
Believable.
Then Amanda’s attorney:
“You never heard her say, ‘I am stealing Daniel’s property,’ correct?”
“Correct.”
“Because she believed she had authority?”
May you like
“I can’t say what she believed.”
Good witness discipline.
