CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FOUR – THE SWORD OF JUSTICE

The following day, it was Gordon's turn on the witness stand. Jasmine watched, riveted, as the private investigator she'd started to know so well transformed into an assertive, meticulous witness under oath. He was utterly composed, recounting details and presenting evidence with a consummate professionalism that reminded Jasmine of just how skilled he was. His cross-examination by the defense was a masterclass in unflinching integrity as he batted away every attempted discrepancy. By the time Gordon stepped down, Jasmine couldn't resist giving him an admiring grin and a slightly giddy wave from the gallery. He rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her antics, but the tips of his ears tinged red. Finally, after six long days of harrowing testimony from both sides, it was over. Jasmine and Gordon emerged squinting into the bright sunshine, loosening their ties and unbuttoning collar tops as they shrugged off the formality of the courtroom. "Well, that was a damn circus," Gordon grouse