“I am his counsel.”
A man’s voice came from the gallery.
Everyone turned.
A gray-haired man in a dark suit stood near the back of the courtroom.
Denise’s attorney looked stunned.
Howard looked worse.
The gray-haired man continued.
“I represented Mr. Parker in a business matter last year. Given the direction this hearing has taken, I would advise him not to make any statements.”
The judge’s expression hardened.
“This is a guardianship proceeding, not a criminal trial. But I agree that we appear to have moved into territory that may require law enforcement.”
Whispers spread again.
The bailiff ordered everyone to remain quiet.
I barely heard him.
I leaned toward Daniel.
“Where did you get that photograph?”
“Later.”
“You never told me about it.”
“Michael.”
His voice was barely above a whisper.
“Trust me.”
The same words he had used yesterday.
But suddenly they didn’t comfort me.
Across the room, Denise grabbed Howard’s sleeve.
