Angels Flight

by Michael Connelly

  I looked up at the judge.

  “Your Honor, the defense asks that the file in front of Mr. Torrance be admitted into evidence as defense exhibit one.”

  Vincent made a lack-of-foundation objection but Companioni overruled.

  “It will be admitted and we’ll let the jury decide whether Mr. Torrance has or hasn’t seen the photographs and contents of the file.”

  I was on a roll and decided to go all in.

  “Thank you,” I said. “Your Honor, now might also be a good time for the prosecutor to reacquaint his witness with the penalties for perjury.”

  It was a dramatic move made for the benefit of the jury. I was expecting I would have to continue with Torrance and eviscerate him with the blade of his own lie. But Vincent stood and asked the judge to recess the trial while he conferred with opposing counsel.

  This told me I had just saved Barnett Woodson’s life.

  “The defense has no objection,” I told the judge.