“I warned you it wouldn’t be easy. Cases like this never are. But trust me—we’ll get through it. Please.”

“…Fine.”

“Mr. Garza, would you like to question the defendant?”

"No, Your Honor," Matteo repeats, his refusal prompting the Lefebvres’ attorney to shoot us a smug, condescending look—probably convinced we don’t stand a chance at winning this case. A look that’s starting to make sense even to me.

"Counselors, please approach," the judge orders.

Matteo and Oliver's ...