The first witness to take the stand was an older, refined looking gentleman, just on the cusp of middle-aged. He wore an expensive looking, tailored suit, and definitely looked the part of a guy who sold luxury cars for a living. Neil Winslow - not unknown in the community - started by answering the boilerplate questions from the prosecutor, as Sam looked on at the defendant. He seemed way too relaxed for this kind of situation.
"And Mr. Winslow, tell us what happened on June 8th," the prosecutor said, getting to the meat of his questioning.
"Ah yes, it was a beautiful day, if I recall. But a bit quiet. I was filing some sales reports, when a man walked in wearing some baggy jeans and a t-shirt. Not exactly the normal attire for our customers."
"Anything else strange about him?"
"His demeanor was... odd. He ignored everyone who tried to speak to him, then walked straight past me and to the locker where the keys were kept."
"Then what did he do?"
"He took one of the keys, and drove off the lot in a brand new 458 Italia. It had just been delivered two days prior."
"You said these keys were in a locker?"
"Yes. And only employees have the code. I don't know how he got to the key, but I saw it with my own eyes. And so did the cameras."
"Yes Mr. Winslow," the prosecutor continued. "I was just getting to that. If the bailiff could dim the lights, please."
As he did, the prosecutor powered up a monitor on the wall of the courtroom, installed for just these sorts of things. He began playing the video from the dealership's security cameras, and the jury watched on.
Sam was impressed, these were some of the clearest images he'd ever seen from a security camera - way better than the grainy stuff on those cop shows. But it made sense for a place selling top-of-the-line cars to have top-of-the-line security.
Which made what he saw in the video even more confusing. Just as Winslow had said, the man he described walked in, took a set of keys, and drove off in a bright red convertible. Winslow and others could be seen yelling at the man to stop, but he completely ignored them. In all the camera angles, the man was clearly visible. Sam could see his face. It was, without a doubt, Lucien Hall. He was even wearing the exact same outfit! This really did seem like an open-and-shut case.
The lights came back up, and the prosecutor folded his arms. "No further questions," he said proudly, returning to his seat. The judge looked stunned, then sighed. "All right, Mr. Hall. Your witness. If you feel it's worth it."
Suddenly, and with a surprising amount of bravado, the defendant leapt to his feet. "Oh this is totally going to be worth it." He looked to the prosecutor as he approached the witness. "That was a nice little show, Jimmy. Can I call you Jimmy?"
"It's James," the lawyer said.
"Right, sorry Jimmy." He then faced Winslow, and slowly shook his head.
"Neil, Neil Neil. Don't you know it's wrong to lie?"
"What are you talking about? Everyone here just saw what you did."
"Need I remind you that you're under oath?"
"What are you implying?"
"I'm not implying anything. I'm saying you're full of shit!"
-BANG!- the judge's gavel rang out. "Mr. Hall, this is a court of law! Such language is well below the standard decorum for these proceedings. If you don't watch you're language I will hold you in contempt."
"Yeesh, all right. I'll... keep that in mind," he seemed to pause in thought for a moment. "Let's have another look at that video, shall we?"
The lights went down and the video played again. Sam and the other jurors weren't sure what they were supposed to be looking for. It was clear as day the first time they saw it: Hall walking in, swiping the keys, then the car. He paused the video.
"There. Right there," he said, walking up and pointing to the screen, to Neil Winslow. He was sitting at his desk, amid all the chaos, staring at his computer screen. Sam was confused. Didn't it play out differently the last time? Maybe he wasn't paying attention.
"I thought you said you tried to stop me... I mean him."
"I did! I yelled at you to stop immediately, then I called police!" He looked nervous, unsure of his answer.
"We all know that's not true Neil. We can see it on the video. Here you are, getting robbed, but all you can do is stare at a computer screen. What was so important, Neil?"
"I... I..." he was stammering, like he was trying to figure out the right answer.
"It's OK Neil, you can tell us the truth. No one's going to be mad."
"I... I was shopping," He said, suddenly confident and reassured by his answer.
"Shopping? For what?"
"Lingerie of course! Victoria's Secret was having a sale and I just couldn't wait until later. I got the cutest, lacy, peach-colored bra. And matching panties, not to mention a few garter belts and stockings."
"Sounds like you like to pamper yourself, Mr. Winslow."
"Who doesn't? Pretty things make life so much better!" The man's demeanor seemed completely different than before. Instead of nervous, he was downright cheerful!
"Right. So you don't remember anyone walking in and stealing a car right under your nose?"
"Gosh, no! Is that what happened? I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help."
"That's quite all right. Did you wear those pretty things today?" Hall asked.
"Oh absolutely! I knew today would be special and I just had to." Without a second thought he began to loosen his tie and unbutton his shirt. He pulled the shirt open, and sure enough - there was the lacy, silky bra he'd just described.
"You wanna see the panties too? It's a cute set!" He began to reach for his belt.
"No, not right now, my dear." Lucien Hall said calmly. "Remember what the judge said about decorum in the courtroom?" Neil giggled and blushed. "But I am done with you. For now."
The judge nodded, and dismissed the witness, seemingly unconcerned by what had just happened. Sam was thoroughly confused though. Hadn't he seen something completely different in the video the first time around? He looked at his fellow jurors - some were jotting down some notes, others were looking on calmly. Was it just him? It had seemed like Neil Winslow just... changed, all of a sudden.
But that was a cute bra he'd bought. Sam was starting to wish he'd seen the panties too.
