He closed his case, looked at Sam. Mr. Cole, your testimony is critical and also the most vulnerable point in our case. Why? Because Wade's entire secondary argument behind the instability claim is that you are not a neutral rescuer, but a man with a personal interest in Martha Briggs. That you manufactured or exaggerated circumstances to create a situation where she would depend on you.
That the rope burns were pre-existing, minor, and that you embellished their severity. He held Sam's gaze. He's going to suggest, in front of a judge who doesn't know you, that you are a lonely man who saw an opportunity. The cabin was very quiet. "That's what he's going with."
Sam said. "That is what he is going with." Garrett's voice was even, without apology. The voice of a man delivering intelligence, rather than opinion. "He filed an affidavit from two men in Leadville, former colleagues of yours, stating that you had a reputation for becoming inappropriately attached to women in difficult circumstances.
A woman named Clara Hennessey, who was your fiance. Something went through Sam's face so fast it was almost invisible. Almost. Martha looked at him. He didn't look back at her.
"Clara Hennessey ended our engagement." Sam said. "11 years ago. She found someone with better financial prospects. That is the complete and accurate account of that situation."
"I know." Garrett said. "Which is why he's using it. There's nothing actionable in it. A broken engagement is not a character flaw.
But in front of a judge who doesn't know the full story, beside the image of a widow and a child in your cabin, it creates a suggestion." He paused. "The best counter is simple and consistent testimony. You found her. You helped her.
You are continuing to help her, because what was done to her was wrong. And you are a man who does not walk away from wrong. Nothing more complicated than that." "That's the truth." Sam said.
"Good. The truth is always easier to keep straight." Garrett stood. "I need to speak to Holt this afternoon and review the land office copy with Agnes. Tomorrow, I need everyone at the courthouse by 9:30."