The little girl hadn’t spoken since the night her mother was found on the kitchen floor! Then the court dog lowered his head-and she whispered one sentence toward the defense table…

“Mr. Pierce, sit down.”

“I will not sit here while this—”

“Sit down.”

Graham sat. His hands flattened on the table.

Ava kept her eyes on Lily. “Do you know that man’s name?”

Lily shook her head.

“Have you seen him anywhere besides court?”

The child nodded. “Kitchen.”

Graham laughed once, sharp and ugly. “Your Honor—”

Judge Whitcomb’s voice cut through him.continue reading …