“Well, certainly, but—”
“And you’ve never observed Mr. Delaney and Mr. Lajeunesse in their home environment, correct?”
“No, but—”
“So your assessment of their relationship is based entirely on brief interactions at public events where both were on display?”
“I wouldn’t characterize it that way.”
“Please answer yes or no, Doctor. Your observations were limited to public settings, correct?”
“Yes,” Harrington admitted reluctantly.
“You mentioned Mr. Delaney called you directly when Mr. Lajeunesse was hospitalized. Isn’t it unusual for a board member to have the Chief of Surgery’s personal number?”
“Not in our case. Marcus and I have become friends over the years.”
“I see. And did you use your position to grant Mr. Delaney access to Mr. Lajeunesse against standard protocol?”
Harrington shifted uncomfortably. “I made inquiries about his condition as a courtesy.”
“Did you authorize staff to allow Mr. Delaney into Mr. Lajeunesse’s room despite the attending physician’s concerns?”
“I… suggested they reconsider, given the nature of their relationship.”
“Even though hospital policy for suspected domestic violence cases specifically prohibits such access?”
“Objection!” Blackwood stood. “Counsel is badgering the witness and assuming facts not in evidence.”
“Sustained,” Judge Patterson ruled. “Move on, Mr. Richards.”
Damian nodded. “No further questions, Your Honour.”
As Harrington stepped down, I could see his discomfort. Damian had managed to expose his bias without directly attacking his credibility.
Blackwood called his next witness. “The defence calls Sophia Kendrick.”
A stylishly dressed woman in her fifties took the stand. After being sworn in, she smiled warmly at Marcus.
“Mrs. Kendrick, how do you know Marcus Delaney?”
“Marcus and I have served together on the Arts Council board for nearly a decade. He’s been an invaluable advocate for emerging artists in our community.”
“And did you meet Alex Lajeunesse through Mr. Delaney?”
“Yes, at numerous gallery openings and fundraisers. Marcus was always trying to introduce Alex to influential people in the art world.”
“What was your impression of their relationship?”
Sophia’s expression turned sympathetic. “Marcus was incredibly supportive of Alex’s work—always promoting him, arranging introductions, securing exhibition opportunities. But Alex seemed… ungrateful, frankly. Often sullen or withdrawn at events where Marcus had worked hard to include him.”
I stared at my hands, rage building inside me. They were rewriting history, painting Marcus as my champion rather than my jailer.
“Did you ever observe any behaviour from Mr. Delaney that concerned you?”
“Never. He was unfailingly patient and kind, even when Alex was difficult.”
“And how would you describe Alex’s defence?”
