“That’s really all I have the strength for, Henry. It seems strange to me that it’s a white man coming after all these years to dig up the truth. I wish it was a black man, I won’t lie. But maybe that says something about the future. I don’t really understand the world anymore. But maybe there’s some faint hope that the good people on both sides can come together. I appreciate all you’ve done. When things get hard for you, try to be strong, as I have, and don’t be afraid to lean on the Lord. I believe He sent you here for a purpose, Henry. You’ve done good work coming this far, but it won’t mean a thing if you don’t go the rest of the way. I wish I could walk it with you. God bless you and keep you.”

Viola holds up the remote, and then the screen goes black.

When the courtroom lights come up, with a harsh glare, the hush is like that in a cathedral during the funeral of a martyr. When Rusty pokes me in the side, I want to slap him. A smart-ass comment from the eternal cynic is the last thing I want to hear. But when his moist breath touches my ear, Rusty says, “If Shad stands up and says a word against that woman, the jury will rise as one and beat him to the floor.”

“Mr. Johnson,” says Judge Elder, “do you have any questions or points to make?”

“Your Honor, is there any word from the FBI on whether the Dumpster tape has been similarly restored?”

“Agent Kaiser?” Judge Elder prompts.

“Not yet, Your Honor. As the Sony engineers reported, Exhibit S-16 appears to have been much more thoroughly erased than the first. But if they make a breakthrough, clearance has been given to transmit an encrypted version of the tape to me, and I will be able to play it for the court.”

“Thank you. Mr. Johnson?”

“Your Honor, I would like to recall Dr. Cage to continue my cross-examination.”

Joe Elder glances at his watch. “Very well.”

Chapter 66