Waffles at the Wake (Murder in the Mix #29) - Addison Moore Page 0,42
it. He hounded her at work, at her apartment. He threatened her very life. Last August, she had enough and decided to return a box of his things. He invited her in and told her he would accept the fact she was leaving him. Allison had hoped they had turned a corner, but what she got was another argument—one that led him to hunt her down with a knife. And when she was lucky enough to turn the tables, she was forced to defend herself. And yes, it cost Carter Cameron his life. But it was necessary to save Allison. We will show you evidence of the mental and physical abuse Allison was subjected to, and you will see that anyone would have done what she did that day in order to save their lives in that moment. She knew what he was capable of. And she knew she wanted to live. She didn’t have a choice.”
Flo makes a moaning sound through the clicks and pops of her bubblegum.
“The guy made her do it, Lot. I say this girl walks.”
I nod her way. Now that we’ve heard what Fiona has to say, it’s clear this is open and shut. She said they’ve got proof. The poor girl was probably scared out of her mind when she saw what she had done. Not that I would move a body after the fact.
Last night runs through my mind, and I quickly run it right back out.
That was different. The body essentially demanded to be moved in fear of a bad hair day.
Everett nods to Mr. Wolfe. “The prosecution may call its first witness.”
Mr. Wolfe stands. “The People call Carter Cameron’s boss, Riley Ellis.”
Riley Ellis, a tall bald man with a shiny gray suit, takes the stand and is quickly sworn in.
“Riley”—Mr. Wolfe starts—“please state how long you’ve known Carter and to what degree would you consider him a violent person?”
The bald man leans forward. “I’ve known Carter his whole life. We were best friends from the time we were four years old. And about three years ago he came to work for me at the car dealership I manage. Carter was easygoing, fun to be around, never had a cross word to say about anyone. He had a few serious relationships that all ended pretty well, in that they came away friends. We all had drinks at the bar. And nobody has ever accused him of doing anything like that woman has.” He glances to Allison Gray, and his eyes harden a moment. “It’s no wonder Carter was trying to get away from her as fast as he could.”
“Objection.” Fiona jumps to her feet. “Hearsay.”
“Sustained,” Everett says, and I won’t lie. Watching him in action like this is getting me a little hot under the collar. The baby gives a kick as if he or she were excited to see it, too.
Mr. Wolfe steps forward. “You mentioned having drinks at the bar with Carter. Has Carter ever picked a fight with anyone while the two of you were out? Did he ever display any kind of a temper toward anyone?”
“Never,” the witness is quick to say. “In fact, if anyone was hotheaded, it was me. Carter was always plucking me off some lucky fool before my fist could do its thing. He was a good friend with a good head on his shoulders. The guy volunteered at a homeless shelter, for Pete’s sake.”
Mr. Wolfe takes a breath. “And to your knowledge, what was the timeline of Carter’s relationship with Allison?”
“They met when she came to the dealership looking for a new car—a sedan which he did help her purchase as far as closing out the transaction. She was flirtatious and he was willing. The two of them went out to a fancy meal at a place called Kenicky’s Steakhouse.”
Flo raises her hand. “Oh! Oh! That’s where I want my big to-do! I want the party at Kenicky’s. It’s going to be great, Lot. Oh, you’re gonna love it. You’ll see.”
The witness nods. “I only remember this because he let me know how much he spent on dinner that night,” Riley continues. “I told him I hope she was worth it, and he said she was. He said more than once that she was the one.”
“The one to what?” Mr. Wolfe gives a manufactured grin.
“To marry.” Riley Ellis’ expression turns sour. “Until she wasn’t.”
“What does that mean?” Mr. Wolfe steps forward. “Did things go south for Carter and Allison?”