Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 247,869 times)

[André DiMera]

Wonder what’s going on with Marlena. Hopefully she chose the right prescription.

Jennifer gave J.J. and Paige good advice. Wonder who the source that needs to talk to J.J. is.

Probably not the best idea to mention that to Chloe. Glad Ari said she’d look out for Charley.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera and Kpatch for your comments this week.

I'm so excited about the camp storyline and Marlena's next step, plus there's more courtroom drama to come. Here's a sneak peek at some of what's happening.

Coming Up on Breaking Ties...
JJ meets with an anonymous source who claims to be concerned enough about Nat's recent behavior to risk her life to tell him about it. His skepticism turns out to be well founded, however, as the "source" is setting a trap in the hopes of forcing a mistrial, and his attempt to get corroboration is part of the plan. She thinks her idea is foolproof, but when she interrupts the proceedings, will the judge listen to her?

Meanwhile, Hannah has to put up with a brutal cross-examination as Saxon pulls out all the stops to paint her as an unrepentant criminal who is blaming Nat for her own bad choices and behavior.

Elsewhere, Marlena is more distraught than she lets on about her recent issues and turns to someone she trusts for help determining her next step.

Finally, the kids arrive at camp, where Ari is disappointed in Parker's reaction to her attempts to get his attention and a familiar face turns out to be in charge of Charley's cabin.

[André DiMera]

Wonder who this source is. Hopefully she isn’t successful!

Saxon is so annoying!

Curious who Marlena turns to.

Excited for the kids to be at camp! Wonder who’s in charge of Charley’s cabin.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 502 - 1
JJ sat down in the courtroom cafeteria and texted his source: I’m here.

A couple of minutes later, a girl slipped into the seat next to him. She was wearing sunglasses and a hoodie. “I can’t be seen talking to the press,” she whispered. “I’d be seen as disloyal and then…” She rolled up her sleeve, showing JJ her Fire Lion tattoo.

JJ frowned. “You’re saying you’re a Fire Lion wanting to talk to me? How do I know this isn’t a hit piece?”

The girl shook her head. “I heard what I heard.” She lowered her voice. “Nat’s gone too far and once this comes out she’ll be out of commission a while.”

JJ crossed his arms. “How about we cut the theatrics and get to the point? And while we’re at it, take off those sunglasses. I wanna see your eyes.”

“W-what for?” the girl stammered.

“So I know you’re not freakin’ high,” JJ said. “Whatever you tell me, I’m gonna have to corroborate anyway, and that’s twice as true if I can’t trust you’re sober enough to know what you’re talking about.”

The girl scowled. “I can’t let anyone see my real identity. Not even you. Course, if you don’t want the scoop, there’s other reporters in town.”

JJ’s jaw tightened. “I don’t like being played,” he said. “Either you got something to say or you don’t.”

“Okay, fine.” The girl lowered her sunglasses for half a second so that JJ could see big brown eyes, then pushed them back up. He thought those eyes were clear, but he wasn’t sure. She fidgeted and said, “Happy?”

“Best we’re gonna do, I guess,” JJ said. “What is it you wanted to tell me?”

“I was in court when Hannah Martin was testifying this morning,” the girl said. She wriggled and JJ wasn’t sure whether it was nerves or she was on something. Maybe both.

“And?” he said impatiently.

“And,” the girl said, “she got this recess to talk to her lawyer, right, and I heard her tell him she wanted a phone cause…” She wriggled more. “S-she wants to put out a hit on the DA.”

JJ’s eyes widened. “There’s nothing she won’t do, is there?”

The girl shrugged. “She’s a Fire Lion. And when a Fire Lion’s hurt or scared, we strike back.” She wriggled some more. “What are you gonna do with this info?”

“Like I said,” JJ said, “I gotta corroborate it, so I guess my first step’s to talk to ADA Rubin.” He pushed out his chair.

THe girl pouted. “Aren’t you gonna thank me?”

JJ’s eyes narrowed. “Thanks for the tip.” He turned and walked away.

The girl waited til he was gone, then she smirked. “He fell for it, hook, line, and sinker,” she said to herself. “Step 1 complete and if I play my cards right, pretty soon Nat’ll get a mistrial and we just have to make sure that DA doesn’t try to reopen the case.”


Dr. Lewis was in his office, finishing up the paperwork after his last patient, when the doorbell rang to tell him his next patient was here.

He reached for the intercom. “This is Dr. Lewis.”

Marlena’s voice came loud and clear through the intercom. “It’s Marlena Evans. Thanks for seeing me on such short notice. Do you mind buzzing me through instead of coming into the waiting room?”

Dr. Lewis sighed but he said, “Not a problem.” He pressed the button to buzz Marlena in.

A second later, she came into his office. He noticed that even though she was otherwise as put together as usual, she had dark circles under her eyes and her hair was tied back in a loose, messy half-ponytail.

“Dr. Evans,” he said softly. “What seems to be the matter?”

Marlena sighed deeply as she sank down into the couch across from him. “I don’t know quite where to begin,” she said. “I have been your mentor for years and I refer patients to you because I trust you implicitly.”

“I am aware of that,” Dr. Lewis said, “and I am also aware that it is difficult for you to put yourself in the position where you are the one asking for help. Whatever you tell me is, of course, as confidential as it would be with any other patient, and I will not judge you. So please… what’s going on?”

Marlena blinked back tears. “As I said, I trust you implicitly. That’s why I thought…” She sighed again. “I’ve been having problems with my energy levels and my ability to concentrate. They could be signs of a chemical imbalance in my brain that’s leaving me depressed for no good reason, of course, but it also…” She swallowed hard. “I’m aware I’m past the normal retirement age and still taking on twice the recommended caseload. And as I said, I trust your opinion so…” She leaned forward. “Dr. Lewis, do you think that these symptoms are signs that I need to retire?”

[André DiMera]

Of course the “source” was playing J.J. Hopefully he’ll realize this sooner or later.

Glad Marlena’s asking someone about this, especially since that someone is Dr. Lewis. Wonder what he’ll say.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Lewis can't tell Marlena if she needs to retire but if she's showing signs of dementia, he can probably diagnose that.

That girl was making herself more suspicious by wearing sunglasses and a hoodie. LOL.

[heroicmuse]

Week 502 - 2
Dr. Lewis leaned back in his chair. “I think you know me well enough to know I will not attempt to make that decision for you,” he said, speaking slowly and choosing his words carefully. “What I can do is exactly what you taught me to do all those years ago, and that is to listen carefully and ask questions to help you understand what is going on and make an informed decision. Now, what I am hearing from you is pain and fear. You’re worried that your difficulties with energy level and ccincentration are signs that your age is such that it precludes the possibility of continuing to work. I have a hard time believing that all of this was triggered by one bad day, since after all, anyone can have a bad day. So tell me, Dr. Evans, what is the real source of the fear?”

Marlena smiled ruefully. “You are good,” she said/ Her smile faded. “But I’m also sure that you won’t let me off the hook that easily.”

“You know it,” Dr. Lewis said. “But seriously, what triggered all this?”

Marlena sighed. “John’s been wanting me to retire for a few years now. He’s always telling me that I’m doing too much, and then this morning when I seemed to be having trouble waking up, Kayla suggested the same thing. So I suppose… I don’t want it to be true, but what if it is?”

“What if?” Dr. Lewis leaned forward. “What would that mean?”

“Oh, you are good.” Marlena crossed her arms. “It would mean I’m one step closer to death, I suppose.”

“I see.” Dr. Lewis wrote something down on his pad. “You know, Dr. Evans, retirement doesn’t have to be depressing. However, let’s not put the cart before the horse. There are many options we can explore if you decide you don’t want to take this excessive caseload anymore. But what is still a mystery to me is what has triggered all this. I’d like you to think back to when these symptoms first began and let’s see if we can figure out together what is going on.”



ADA Rubin leaned her phone on her ear. “I’m not afraid of her,” she said, “but since she did make a threat against me, I do think we should take it seriously. The judge’ll be back in about two minutes so I can’t give you a statement now, but I will as soon as we’re finished here. Yes, if this threat is at all credible, I will be asking my office to add additional charges. Thanks.” She hung up and turned to go back into the courtroom.

JJ came jogging around the corner. “ADA Rubin!”

She turned. “Mr. Deveraux,” she said, her lips thin. “If you’re here about this case, unfortunately I can’t tell you anything about how it is going or whether your cousin has testified yet.”


“No, I get that,” JJ said. “It’s just… I talked to this source, okay , and she’s super sketchy, but she was making a lot of noise about Natalie Simmons coming after you.”

Rubin’s jaw tightened. “I’m aware.” She crossed her arms. “I can’t say anything on the record about the case, including this development.”

“So you’re confirming without confirming that this is true?”

“I’m confirming that I can’t talk to the press. Now if you’ll excuse me, I can’t be late. The last thing I need is Ms. Simmons’ lawyer trying to get the trial thrown out because I was 30 seconds late. And unfortunately for you, the courtroom is closed, so you’ll have to wait to get your big story.”

Rubin walked away, leaving JJ standing there looking frustrated.

The girl he had spoken to before was hiding behind a potted plant. She looked at her phone, where she’d taken a photo of JJ and Rubin talking. “There,” she said to herself. “Now with some selective editing and help from AI, I’ve got all the proof I need to get this trial thrown out.”



The bus had just gotten to the camp and all the kids were getting off. Kids were going every which way, not sure where they were supposed to go, while the counselors were announcing, “Girls to the right, boys to the left.”

“I guess this is so long,” Ari said to Parker, giving him her best smile.

“Yeah,” Parker said distractedly. “Um, go with Ari, Charley.” He giggled. “Your names rhyme.”

Charley rolled her eyes but said nothing. Ari said, “Come on. Hopefully we’ll be in the same cabin even though I’m going into sixth grade and you’re only gonna be in fourth.”

Sydney came up to them. She was wearing a camp t-shirt and a green hat. “Hey, guys!” she said brightly. “Nice to see some familiar faces.”

Charley stared at her, her eyes wide. “I thought you’re too big to go to this camp.”

“I am,” Sydney said, “but now that I’m fifteen, I’m old enough to be a junior counselor.” She checked a list on her tablet. “And you guys are both in my cabin. Come with me so I can help you get settled.”

[André DiMera]

So glad Dr. Lewis is helping Marlena figure this out!

Ugh! Of course that girl is gonna try to make it look like something’s going on between Rubin and J.J.

Nice that Sydney is a camp counselor and in the same cabin as Ari and Charley!

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

I hope this is a good experience for Charley and that it's comforting to have so many other Salemites at camp.

Marlena needs to stop judging Lewis. It's condescending for her to keep telling him how good he is.

[heroicmuse]

Week 502 - 3

As they settled back in, Nat said to Saxon, “I’m looking forward to you cross examining that lying bitch. Too bad it’s not in person.”

“Watch your language in the courtroom,” Saxon said, his voice tired. “You’ve already made an enemy out of the ADA with all that stupid bravissimo earlier. Now she’s never going to agree to a plea deal,”

“Who cares? We ain’t taking a plea. I’m getting off one way or the other. That’s what I hired you to do, not get all weak in the knees and agree that I’m guilty when we know i’m so not.”

“Of course,” Saxon said. “What was I thinking?” I should never have agreed to this case, he thought to himself. Now I’m good and stuck.

Rubin turned the monitor back on and made sure Hannah was logged in, then nodded to the bailiff, who announced the judge’s presence. Everyone stood and Judge Hilldebrand took the bench.

After they’d all sat down, she said to Saxon, “I see the witness has returned. Are you ready to begin your cross-examination?”

“Yes, your Honor,” Saxon said. He straightened his tie. “I assume I can speak directly to the monitor and she’ll hear me?”

“That’s how Ms. Rubin did it, is it not?” the judge said. “Please do not waste the court’s time.”

“Sorry, your Honor.” Saxon turned toward the monitor. “Good afternoon, Ms. Martin. This morning we heard you tell us a lot of stories about how my client ruined your life. But you chose to break the law by giving her money for drugs every few days, did you not?”

Hannah’s eyes narrowed. “I was fourteen.”

“Yes or no, Ms. Martin. Did you or didn’t you choose to give my client money whenever she asked for it, as long as she allowed her brother to have sex with you?”

Hannah played with her necklace. “Yes,” she admitted.

“And this went on for years, did it not?”

Rubin stood. “Objection. The witness already testified to that during direct examination.”

“I’m making a point,” Saxon said.

“Make it without forcing the witness to repeat testimony she’s already given,” the judge said.

“Yes, your honor. Apologies again.” Saxon came closer to the monitor. “Ms. Martin, you testified earlier that once you began driving, you often felt afraid you would be arrested or shot when you were waiting in bad neighborhoods for my client. My question to you is, why did you keep going into those neighborhoods with her?”

Hannah pushed her hair behind her ear. She had been prepped for this possibility but it still threw her a little anyway. “By then I was in too deep. I guess you could say I was as addicted to Marcel as he was to drugs.”

“Addicted to Marcel. Sounds like another excuse to me.”

“Objection!” Rubin said.

“Withdrawn.” Saxon crossed his arms. “Let’s be honest here, though, Ms. Martin. My client didn’t force you to give her rides, did she?”

Hannah narrowed. “She was in a gang. What do you think would have happened if I said no?”

“Are you telling me she held a gun to your head?”

Hannah twisted her necklace. “No.”

“Did she blackmail you, threaten to ruin your life if you didn’t cooperate?”

“Not then,” Hannah said, her voice hard. “But — “

“So in short, what you’re telling me is that for four years, you voluntarily put yourself in a situation where you were giving her money and later rides to get drugs in exchange for sex with her brother, and that it only stopped when you were arrested. Now, let’s talk about that arrest. You pled guilty to possession of an open container, correct?”

“Yes, cause — “

“So, let’s get this straight. You chose to break the law over and over, and that was fine with you as long as you got to have sex. Eventually, you were arrested for possession of an open container and spent a year in jail and two years on probation, which means that you took responsibility for those choices. Yet today, your testimony is that your criminal record and the fear you felt while providing rides and money for illegal drugs is all my client’s fault while you were her innocent victim. Is that what you’re saying, Ms. Martin?”

Rubin started to stand. The judge said, “I’ll save you the trouble. Watch your tone in the future, Mr. Saxon, but the witness may answer the question.”
Rubin’s eyes were narrow as she sat down. Hannah said, “I don’t blame her for everything. But –”

“Glad to hear it. So what percentage is she responsible for your choices?”

Rubin said, “Your Honor, he’s badgering the witness.”

“Agreed,” the judge said. “You made your point, Mr. Saxon.”

“Nothing further,” Mr. Saxon said and sat down, triumphantly.

The judge said, “Redirect, Ms. Rubin?”

Rubin stood and said, “Were you looking for drugs or sex before you met Natalie Simmons?”

“No, ma’am.” Hannah let her breath out slowly and relaxed a little in her chair.

“Wer eyou aware of what was happening the first time you gave her money for drugs?”

“No. She said she needed to borrow some cash for feminine products.”

“And what about the first time she took you into the hood to get drugs?”

“She said she needed a ride to visit a friend.”

Rubin nodded. “So to summarize, your testimony is that you were not looking for drugs or sex until she brought it up, she lied to you about what she needed money for, and she lied to you about what she needed a ride for.”

“That’s right,” Hannah said, trying to sound forceful even though she was feeling defeated.

“And remind me one more time, how much older than you is she?”

“Three years.”

“Three years. So she was seventeen, you were fourteen, and she was pressuring you to get her money for drugs?”

“Yes.” Hannah stared down at the ground, shame bubbling up from deep inside her.

“Nothing further,” Rubin said.

“The witness may step down… um, log off,” the judge said. “Is the next witness ready?”

“Give me two minutes to get her logged in,” Rubin said.

A few minutes later, Chanel’s face appeared on the monitor. As Rubin asked her, “Ms. Dupree, please explain how you first got involved with the defendant,” the courtroom door suddenly burst open.

The girl who had met with JJ came running in. “Stop the trial!” she said.

“What is the meaning of this disruption?” the judge demanded. “Bailiff, remove her.”

“Sorry to interrupt!” the girl said. “I wouldn’t if it wasn’t for a good cause.” She held up her phone. “I have proof that the district attorney lady was talking to the press about the case. That’s a mistrial, isn’t it?”

[André DiMera]

I don’t feel at all bad for Saxon. He’s a creep who took a bad case. Glad the judge hasn’t put up with any of his nonsense. She better not listen to this girl.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 502 - 4
Everyone in the courtroom started talking at once. Rubin was protesting that this wasn’t true and that in any case, they couldn’t let this girl, whoever she was, disrupt the trial, while Saxon was trying to demand… something. Rubin couldn’t tell if he wanted a mistrial, charges dismissed, or something else ludicrous over all the noise, and it wasn’t just them shouting either -- all the spectators were talking.

Judge Hildebrand banged her gavel. “Either I will have it quiet or the bailiff will be very busy dragging people out of this courtroom in handcuffs,” she said loudly, cutting through the noise. Everyone shut up at once.

“Thank you,” Judge Hildebrand said. “Now, I will not have this type of disruption to the proceedings. Bailiff, place this intruder in handcuffs.”

“But I got proof!” the girl said. “I saw her talking to a reporter and I filmed it.”

Hildebrand hesitated, but she said, “This was not the way to lodge a complaint. Bailiff, confiscate her phone or wherever it is she has the alleged proof and take the young lady to lockup.” She leaned forward. “You are going to spend some time in a holding cell, and you will not be released until I see fit. But I am going to give you one chance to redeem yourself. If you have faked evidence to try to interfere with this trial, that is a very serious crime that you will be held accountable for. However, if you confess to any such crime, I will merely hold you in contempt until such time as I think you have had the opportunity to think over your life choices.”

The girl hesitated. “I…” Nat turned and stared at her and she swallowed hard. “I’ll take my chances.”

“Hmm,” Judge Hildebrand said. “Well, you’ve made your bed, so the bailiff will take you to your bunk. In the meantime, I am going to review this evidence and then I will want to see attorneys in chambers.” She glanced up at the screen. “Ms. Dupree, I offer you my sincere apologies. We will have to postpone your testimony and I will make sure to let you know when we need you.”

“I understand,” Chanel said. “Please don’t let Nat get away with messing up her trial.” Her voice shook.

The judge said, her voice soft but firm, “I will handle this situation with utmost fairness. Guards, take the defendant to lockup as well. She can await the outcome of this incident from behind bars.”

Nat’s smirk disappeared and she scowled. “If you waste too much time my lawyer’ll get you kicked off the case.”

“I am aware of how the law works,” the judge said. “I don’t usually offer advice to defendants, but I suggest that once you are in holding, you listen to his explanation of the strategic missteps you have been taking since this trial began.” She nodded at one of the bailiffs. “Take her away.”

A bailiff cuffed Nat’s hands behind her back. Her eyes spit fire but she said nothing as she was dragged away.

When Nat and the other girl had been removed, the judge dismissed the jury for the time being, and they were escorted to the jury room. Saxon came up to Rubin and said, “So? If she declares a mistrial are you really going to put that witness of yours through hell a second time?”

“As opposed to letting Natalie Simmons get away with blowing up her own trial?” Rubin’s eyes were narrow. “This trick isn’t going to work. There isn’t going to be any mistrial and if for some reason there is, that is far from the end of Ms. Simmons’ legal troubles.”

“I guess we’ll see,” Saxon said.

The bailiff came up to them. “Ms. Rubin,” he said. “The judge wants to talk to you. Come with me, please.”

Rubin’s jaw tightened but she held her head up high as she followed the bailiff.


Sydney watched as the girls in her cabin unpacked their things. Charley, Ari, and another girl none of them knew: A Chinese girl who was tall and had her hair tied back in a ponytail.

A full counselor called Sydney over. Ari and Charley both turned their heads to see what was going on.

Jaiyi came up to them. “Can you hear anything?” she asked. “I can’t from way over there.” As the other girls shook their heads, she held out her hand and said, “I’m Jaiyi, by the way.” She pronounced her name J-EYE-YEE, but she looked away and said shyly, “If it’s too hard, you can call me Jenny. That’s what it is in English.”

“Nope,” Ari said. “That’s not your real name. Jaiyi, right?”

Jaiyi smiled gratefully. Ari introduced herself while Charley hung back shyly. Ari poked her and said, “This is Charley who is busy being shy for no reason.”

Charley reddened. Jaiyi said, “That’s cool. It can be intimidating, being around strangers.”

Sydney and the full counselor came back in the room. There was another child with them. The new girl was wearing a wig that had been fashioned into braids and had a square jaw.

“That looks like a boy,” Charley whispered to Ari, who put her finger on her lips.

“Guys,” Sydney said. “This is Izzy. She’s going to be bunking with us this summer.”

The other counselor added, “To clear up any confusion, Izzy is transgender. That means she was born with a boy’s body but she’s a girl. We expect everyone in this cabin to treat her the same way they would any other girl they might bunk with.”

[André DiMera]

You know, talking to the judge like that is a great way to lose your trial, Nat. I really hope the judge doesn’t declare a mistrial because of the interruption!

Hopefully the other girls will be nice to Izzy. Glad the counselors explained in a way they’d understand.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Charley must be on sensory overload. So much for a little girl to process all at once.

[heroicmuse]

Week 502 - 5

Marlena sighed deeply. “It hasn’t been as pronounced until today, but I must admit that ever since Doug Williams’ death, I have not been my usual energetic self. I had thought perhaps it was grief, but it hasn’t improved despite everything I know to do to take care of such issues.”

“It’s possible it is grief, anyway,” Dr. Lewis said. “As you well know, Dr. Evans, grief can manifest in many forms and does not resolve itself in a matter of weeks or months. Were you close with Doug Williams?”

Marlena nodded slightly. “He was a fixture in the community and the husband of a dear friend.”

“In that case, it is no wonder that you are grieving.” Dr. Lewis’ voice was soft. “You mentioned a lack of energy. What other symptoms have you experienced?”

“Lack of concentration, missing small details that I normally would be on top of,” Marlena said.

Dr. Lewis nodded. “Those are concerning symptoms, especially since as long as I have known you, you have had an excellent memory and were very focused. I hate to say it, but I think our first line of defense is to get you a physical examination. We need to rule out any physical illness, minor or major.”

“Are you thinking…” Marlena began.
0
“0I am not thinking anything,” Dr. Lewis said. “I’m merely ruling out some possibilities. If it is a physical issue, that must be dealt with first before any psychiatric treatment wi0ll be appropriate, never mind effective. I would like you to see a neurologist as well as your GP, and would be happy to make the referral.”

“Right. Of course.” Marlena’s voice was flat. “I’d like your recommendation as to a general practitioner as well.”

Dr. Lewis frowned. “I assumed you had one.”

“I do but…” Marlena fidgeted, moving her hands toward her stomach, then away. “She is also a personal friend and a colleague. I’d prefer for obvious reasons that the Chief of Staff at the hospital I work at does not have reason to suspect I am no longer competent to do my job.”

“I understand your concerns. I wonder, though, is this about job security… or is it about not wanting to look weak or ill in the eyes of a friend?”

Marlena’s eyes narrowed as she thought about it.


In chambers, Judge Hildebrand’s face was stern as she told Rubin to have a seat.

“I have reviewed the video this young woman has chosen to share,” Judge Hildebrand said. As Rubin opened her mouth, the judge held up her hand and said, “I am not accusing you of anything, at least not yet. Please view the video with me before you respond.”

“Yes, your Honor,” Rubin said, “but for the record, I never speak to press during a case and I did not this time.”

Hildebrand nodded, but she said, “Let’s see what you say after this video.” She hit play.

The video showed Rubin and JJ in the hallway outside the courtroom, but the dialogue had been altered. It sounded like their voices, but it had Rubin saying, “This case will be over soon. Natalie Simmons has made fatal errors already that have sunk it, and we can get her life in prison. It’ll feel so good to get vengeance for all the times she made the police look stupid. Wait… you are going to list me as an anonymous source, right? Because I can’t speak to the press during a trial.”

JJ’s voice had been altered to say, “Of course. Long as you give me an exclusive, I’ll never tell anyone who you are.”

After it finished, Rubin rolled her eyes. “My first reaction is that this is a pathetic attempt at a deepfake. It’s not as if I am a brand new ADA. I’ve tried cases in front of you for many years, and I’d like to think that you know I would never speak like that about a defendant.”

“I’m aware,” Judge Hilldebrand said. “The problem is that I am obliged to show this nonsense to the defense team, and I would prefer to have proof that it is fake before I do so. Otherwise, they will insist on a mistrial and on me removing you as the prosecutor on the case and I cannot deny that motion based on my gut feeling that this is phony.”

“I’m one step ahead of you.” Rubin pulled out her phone. “I always record conversations with the press in case someone tries to make a stupid accusation like this. I didn’t expect one this amateurish, but I did know that desperate defendants try to play dirty tricks.” She pressed PLAY on her phone so that the judge could hear the real conversation.

“So that’s that,” the judge said. “We have our proof that the defendant, or at least this person who was trying to help the defendant, created a fake video to try to force a mistrial when one is not warranted. Obviously, I am not going to grant any such thing. But the question is, will your office be willing to press charges against this young woman for attempting to interfere with a criminal trial?”