Chapter 14 - The Trial That Divided EveryoneRourke’s court proceedings drew national attention.
His attorneys attacked Lena.
They attacked Pierce.
They attacked Ruiz.
They attacked Hale.
They argued the witnesses were angry, compromised, ambitious or dishonest.
Then prosecutors played Pierce’s recordings.
Rourke’s own voice filled the courtroom.
Fear is cheaper than discipline.
No attorney could cross-examine a recording into silence.
Ruiz testified about the vehicle accident.
Pierce testified about pretending to be Vaughn’s friend.
Hale admitted allowing the mess hall operation to continue too long.
Then Lena took the stand.
Rourke’s attorney approached her.
“You wanted Specialist Vaughn to confront you, correct?”
“I expected him to.”
“You prepared the complaint beforehand.”
“Yes.”
“You wanted a spectacle.”
“No.”
“Then what did you want?”
Lena looked toward Rourke.
“A record that couldn't disappear.”
The courtroom became silent.
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Months earlier, silence had protected Rourke.
Now silence belonged to Lena.
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