“I’m a river guide for people who want to take a float trip down the Colorado River.”
“How many trips do you take a summer?”
“Dozens.”
“Does this involve individuals or groups of people?”
“I take as few as four, or as many as twenty at a time.”
“Do you see anyone in this courtroom who has taken a trip down the Colorado with you?”
“Yes. My mom, my sister and the man sitting over there.” He nodded in Payne’s direction.
“Do you know his name?”
“I do now. At the time he used another name which I don’t recall. Something like Vince or Vance.”
“Vince,” Payne whispered to Drew.
“Do you remember taking a picture of him?”
“I always snap a photo of my group where we put in the river.”
“Your Honor?” Ms. Carlow interjected. “I have that picture with me and would like to enter it in evidence as Exhibit Two.”
Payne watched the bailiff hand it to the judge. He studied it for a moment.
“Mr. Bennett?” opposing counsel continued. “Did you ever discuss this man with your sister?”
“Never.”
“Did she ever bring him up to you?”
“No.”
“Did you know she was making sketches of him from memory?”
“No.”
“Have you ever read any of the romance novels with her paintings on the covers?”
“I would never read a romance novel period.”
Strike two against the male of the species.
“Thank you, Mr. Bennett. You may step down. That’s all I have to present at this time, Your Honor.”
The judge’s gaze swerved to Drew. “Mr. Wallace? Do you wish to cross-examine?”
“I do, Your Honor.”
“May I remind the witnesses you are all still under oath. Go ahead, Mr. Wallace.”
“If Ms. Wrigley will come forward again please?” As soon as the older woman took her place he said, “How many times have you visited New York City?”
“This is my first time.”
“My client is curious to know why you picked English royalty, why the East Coast, why banking?”