Chapter 10
Natalie washed her face in the sink of the courthouse's ladies room, the knowledge that she'd been out maneuvered clear in her mind. Even a long conversation with Emily and a short chat with Richard hadn't been able to alleviate her growing unease.
Nora had rested the prosecution's case and the only witness that Evangeline had produced was Antonio, whom half way through testifying had to be declared hostile, as he had made her out to be conniving and allowed for Nora to bring up arguments that were supposedly the reasons she couldn't testify on her own behalf.
Her only hope there was the obvious signs of Antonio's emotional instability, but she knew even that wouldn't be enough since she hadn't taken the stand in her own defense.
Sighing, she wiped her face with a paper towel as Roxy walked in, "it's not that bad kid," she said as she came to stand next to her, slapping her purse onto the counter.
"Right Roxy," Natalie sighed as she grabbed for a couple of paper towels.
"Oh, come on! You got people on your side."
"Do I?"
"You must. I mean, Tweetle Dumb and Dee aren't around."
"Who?"
"You know who, or didn't she bother going to see you after insulting me and my business last night?"
Natalie turned slightly and leaned against the sink: "who would've come by, Rox?"
"No one. Just thinking of something else," Roxy answered with a smirk. "You know me. Mind all over the place. So. . . it's just a waiting game now, huh? Then party hardy because you didn't do it."
"You seem awfully sure of that."
"Yeah, well. . ."
"What do you know that you haven't told, Rox?"
"Nothing, I swear!"
"Right. This is my life. I swear, Roxy, if you are withholding information that could get me out of this. . ." she threatened as the door opened and Jessica stepped in, a stricken look on her face.
"They're back already, aren't they?" Natalie asked her twin, a touch of panic in her voice.
"It doesn't have to be bad," Jessica tried to reassure half-heartedly.
"Right."
"Nat. . ."
"Don't Jess. I know what the outcome will probably be. It's not that hard to read the writing on the wall, even for me," she replied as she pushed pass her sister and into the hall.