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I sigh. “Your honor, it will be proven to be relevant if given the chance.”

The judge thinks for a second then nods. “Objection, overruled.”

My lip twitches as I look at Chris. He sits back down and crosses his arms. If I could stick my tongue out at him, I would. But that would be unprofessional.

“I’ll repeat the question, Mr. Gomez. Do you enjoy being a reaper?”

He smiles at the audience and judge before he answers. “Yeah, I do. I’ve loved it since the day I got here. I wouldn’t mind working this job for eternity.”

I nod my head at his reply. “How long have you been friends with Aiden?”

He tilts his head in thought then replies, “About five years.”

I point to Aiden and glance at him. His gaze is fixed on me, eyes not wavering once since I’ve been standing here. “Would you say he is good at his job?”

“Yes, he was amazing at his job. Truly passionate about his role as a Collection reaper.” Was. Past tense.

“How does one become a supervisor?”

“The director of the department has to select you.”

“Is there a minimum time you have to work as a reaper before you are selected?”

He shakes his head. “No. But it’s usually five years.”

I cross my arms. “Wouldn’t you say that Aiden got promoted fairly quickly then? I mean c’mon. He was a baby reaper. You were already two years in.”

“Yeah, but he worked hard. Harder than most.”

I look at him confused. “Do you not work hard? Seven years has gone by, and you haven’t been promoted. Oh! My bad. I mean seven years has gone by and you finally have been promoted.”

Chris interjects. “Is there a question coming or is the attorney testifying?”

I smile and raise my hands. “My apologies. Let me ask a question.” Now, it’s time to get into the meat and potatoes of questioning. I cross my arms and ask, “You felt jealous that Aiden got promoted before you, correct?”

His eye twitches, just as Chris once again stands up causing his chair to fall back.

“Objection, your honor! Argumentative.” Now, he’s just throwing out objections.

I sigh. “Your honor, if he would just give me a chance, it will be proven to be relevant.”

The judge replies, “Objection overruled.” He gives me a pointed look. “Please get to the relevancy.”

I turn back to the witness, arching my eyebrow. “Please answer the last question.”

Joey’s incredulous smile falters a little bit. Interesting. “I did not feel jealous of Aiden. He deserved that promotion.”

“You’ve taken over the role as supervisor since Aiden’s on desk duty?”

“I didn’t take it,” he emphasizes. “I was assigned it while Aiden went through trial.”

I move to the defense table where Aiden is sitting. I don’t look at him as I retrieve a paper showing an email to Director Taevian from three years ago. I provide the opposing counsel a copy, and also to the judge. I slide the copy in front of the witness. He creases his brows as he examines the paper. Then, his face slackens, going pale.

“Do you recognize what’s in front of you?” I ask.

He hesitates. “Yes.”

“Is it accurate and true? Meaning that it hasn’t been altered in any way.”