“And do professional cheerleaders typically criticize opposing teams?”

“No, not usually,” says Cole. “But in Lucy’s case, maybe because she was related to the owner, she engaged in a lot of trash talk.”

“And was the whole team aware of Ms. Carson’s comments?”

“Definitely. We all talked about it during practice that day. It gave us an extra… incentive.”

“And what happened after practice, when you went to the training area of Gillette Stadium?”

“The first thing we saw was Timmy dressed up in a cheerleader outfit and a wig. You can’t see it, but there’s a big Falcons logo taped to his chest.”

“What was your reaction?”

“Everyone thought it was hysterical.”

“Did you know who Mr. Gervin was trying to portray?”

“Yes. I assumed that he’d overheard us talking about Lucy Carson, so he dressed up as a Falcons cheerleader to make fun of her.”

“And what did you do next, Mr. Wright?”

“I walked over and made a show of putting my hands around Timmy’s neck, just to make the other guys laugh.”

“Did you say anything?”

“I can’t remember exactly, but I think I made a joke like ‘Who’s choking now?’”

A murmur from the gallery. Dow shoots a look that way but doesn’t bang his gavel.

“Were you angry at Mr. Gervin?” asks Hardy.

“Of course not. We were just messing around.”

“And were you actually choking him?”

“No. I was barely touching him. It lasted for about two seconds. And, unfortunately, that’s when Mr. Donovan snapped the picture.”

“Mr. Wright, what are your thoughts as you look at that photograph today?”

Cole sighs heavily. “I’m embarrassed by it. It’s sexist. It’s disrespectful. It’s inappropriate. I wish it hadn’t happened.”

“No further questions.”

As a lawyer, I take my hat off to Tess Hardy. I’m staring at Cole Wright, the man who I’m convinced has done terrible things, and she’s almost making me like the guy.

CHAPTER
121

During recess, in the conference room at the back of the courthouse, Cole Wright is pumped. The young associates are too.

“I just heard from Maddy,” says Cole. “She thinks it went really well.”

“So do I,” says Tess. “You were solid on the stand. Likable even.”

Cole smiles. He feels like he used to feel during a big play, when he’d see an opening in the backfield and blow right through it. Cole can’t wait to get back into the courtroom, tell the rest of his story, convince the jurors of his innocence.

He looks across the table at Tess. “So when do I go back in?”

Tess stares back. “Never,” she says. “You’re benched.”

Cole cocks his head. “What do you mean? We’re just getting started!”

Tess glances at the other attorneys around the table. “Give us a minute.”

Cole asks his Secret Service detail for the same.