He removed a sheet of paper.
Brenda’s face changed instantly.
Small.
Almost invisible.
But I saw it.
So did Judge Morland.
Mr. Avery continued.
“Ms. Brenda Hamilton, did you contact the law firm of Mercer, Vale & Bishop six weeks ago?”
My breath caught.
Brenda stared at him.
My firm.
She said nothing.
“Ms. Hamilton?”
“I may have.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to verify my sister worked there.”
“Did you?”
Brenda’s mouth tightened.
“Yes.”
Mr. Avery looked down.
“According to an affidavit from the firm’s managing partner, you were informed that your sister was a senior trial attorney.”
My mother turned toward Brenda.
“What?”
My sister went pale.
The room changed.
Mr. Avery continued.
“You were also directed to Ms. Hamilton’s public professional biography, which listed her education, bar admission, representative cases, awards, and speaking engagements.”
My father’s head turned slowly.
“Brenda?”
She stared straight ahead.
