FINAL ARGUMENTS START ON MONDAY AFTERNOON AND run through Tuesday at noon. Clocking in at forty minutes, the State’s closing is short, terse, and a body blow for Billy. Anderson restates the most critical evidence and reintroduces each exhibit. He retells Diana’s story in chilling detail, reminding us, incident by incident, how Billy’s rage sparked, escalated, and culminated in rape. My relationship with Lawrence casts a shadow over the proceedings, which the DA uses to his advantage.

“The defendant was raised in a toxic home. You heard the testimony. You saw the evidence. You know the truth. A predator raised a predator. One married into great wealth, the other was born to it. Brimming with every privilege—race, gender, socioeconomic, you name it—these men are indifferent to the basic tenets of human decency. They ignored their responsibilities to each other, to women, to society. They believed they were above the law. But I’m standing here today to tell you that no one is above the law. These men must be held accountable. You, ladies and gentlemen of the jury, have a moral imperative to get justice for Diana Holly. For all women who are mentally, physically, and emotionally diminished, whose lives are destroyed by soulless men.”

DeFiore’s argument is equally persuasive. “We can never know what really happened inside the Quinn home, but our knowledge of this family’s struggles has no bearing on the charges against my client. It has no bearing on how you, members of the jury, should vote. What does bear on your vote, however, is the accuser’s integrity. Diana Holly is untruthful. We have seen this over and over. She is untruthful, relentless—and vengeful.”

DeFiore finishes by reminding the jury that the burden of proof lies with the State. They must prove without a shadow of doubt what happened between Billy and Diana on March 24. It seems like a tall order for any prosecutor, not just Anderson. I mean, how can any of us say for sure what happens between two people?

By the time both sides rest, it’s impossible to tell which way the jury will lean. For me, I know, unequivocally, what Billy is and what he isn’t. Billy is a rapist. Billy is my brother. Both statements are true.

* * *

The jury deliberates for twenty-four hours. On Wednesday at noon, Eleanor checks her watch. “Peter, you said a not-guilty would come fast.” She gives him a murderous look. “What’s the holdup?”

“Give it time, Ellie.” DeFiore is unfazed. The verdict will come when it comes. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. He has relatives visiting from Florida. He’s looking forward to turkey and all the trimmings, soccer with his girls, and a spate of new clients. He’s already told us we should hire a fresh set of eyes if there’s an appeal. Once the verdict is read, Peter DeFiore, Esquire, is finished with the Lawrence Quinns.