Damn. I see why the Wrights hired her. As a talking head on TV, Hardy can sometimes seem a bit glib. But here, in person, she’s a force of nature.

She walks to the lectern for the first time and picks up a glass of water from a shelf in the back of it. She takes a long, slow sip like she’s got all the time in the world. Then she puts the glass down and goes on.

“Now, I’m sure most of you are thinking, Why would the State bring such a weak case against the First Gentleman? For what purpose? Is it for justice?” She turns toward the prosecution table with raised eyebrows, then turns back to the jury box. “Or could it be something else? Let’s think about it. Earlier, Mr. Bastinelli referred to New Hampshire’s traditional position as the first-in-the-nation primary state.” She points to the jurors one by one. “In fact, all of you probably know more about politics than most people in this country. Every four years, you see it happen on your front porches, in your living rooms, in your neighborhood diners.

“Now, I don’t know what your personal politics are, and I don’t care. But you all know that President Wright barely won this state in the general election three years ago. That’s not a partisan statement—it’s a statistical fact. And you all know that the next election isn’t far off. The timing of this trial is no coincidence.”

She points back at Cole Wright.

“My client played NFL football for three years. He has the battle scars to prove it. And I believe he would tell you that it was nothing compared to the blood sport of national politics, where people will do anything and everything to gain an advantage over the competition. Like rehashing old rumors. Trolling for coincidences. Playing on sympathies for a beautiful young woman who died too soon. Somebody has to pay, right?

“Ladies and gentlemen, ask yourselves—would a case this flimsy be brought in any other state? Is it any mystery why it was brought here in New Hampshire, where President Wright will once again be in fierce competition for votes?”

Hardy folds her hands in front of her skirt.

“Members of the jury, the simple fact is, New Hampshire is a political state. And this is a political trial. You can think whatever you want about President Madeline Wright. Vote for her or not. But you must find her husband—the First Gentleman—not guilty.”

CHAPTER
91

What is this to you—a joke?”

Cole Wright and his attorneys are spending the recess in a small conference room. The defendant is furious. He can feel his jaw tightening. Cole paces around the table, clenching and unclenching his fists.