In the courtroom, the gallery is filled, but the jury hasn’t been called in yet. For the next hour, the defense, prosecution, and judge engage in a complicated and testy exchange. From his seat next to Eleanor, the Bowtie explains what’s happening. DeFiore is asking to recall Diana because she misspoke about the texts she got from Billy. This bears on their relationship generally, and the events of March 24 specifically. “In other words,” the Bowtie says, “Diana’s untruths will illustrate to the jury that Billy isn’t guilty of the crimes he’s being tried for.”

“Why don’t you just call them ‘lies’?” I whisper.

Eleanor shushes me. “I can’t hear.”

DeFiore is speaking. “Your Honor, on page 142 in the record, Ms. Holly testified upon direct examination—I’m paraphrasing—that the text communication my client sent to her was motivated by his wanting to continue their relationship. When in fact it was something else.”

“Counselor, you had a full and fair opportunity to explore this issue when you cross-examined Ms. Holly the first time.”

“Yes, Your Honor. However, the defense believes that Ms. Holly misstated the truth upon direct examination by the State with respect to the State’s Exhibit A-21.”

“If this is a stunt, Mr. DeFiore, you will personally pay in the form of a censure. But I will allow it.”

Anderson is pissed. “The Defense had the chance to cross-examine her. This is merely an attempt to cast the accuser in a bad light.” Clearly out of options, he finishes with, “Let the record reflect my objection.”

“Objection noted. Does either side want to bring anything else up?”

They do not. The jury is called in and seated. Diana approaches the stand with apprehension. Today, she’s wearing a Kelly green dress and a lighter green scarf. Her cheeks and lips have a bit of color, which makes her look less washed out.

DeFiore stands up. “Your Honor, permission to show Exhibit A-21.”

Permission granted; he situates one of the State’s posters near the witness box. It’s a screenshot of the texts Billy sent to Diana after their breakup. DeFiore asks her to read each text aloud.

We’re not finished.

You can’t tell anyone.

Do not do this, Diana. I WILL NOT LET YOU.

You’ll ruin our lives.

It’s not true. Nothing you’re saying is true.

DeFiore turns to her. “Before I ask about these texts, I want to review statements you made under direct examination. Is that okay with you?”

Diana’s voice is shaky. “Yes, that’s fine.”

“Previously, you stated Billy has a secret. He is addicted to pornography. You also stated that during the party on March 24, he became angry, even enraged, because, quote, he was afraid I would tell people, unquote. Why was he angry?”

“He couldn’t maintain an erection.”

“So, he was angry at himself, correct? Not angry at you?”

“I have no idea. Both, probably.”