Private Lives

“Why wasn’t Mr. Leggett Gina’s birthing coach?”

“He said he didn’t have time.”

“Where was he when Jesse was born?”

“In Europe. On one of the many excursions he took without Gina,” she added dryly.

“How would you characterize Gina? In a few words.”

“She’s loving, smart, honest, impulsive, funny. Jesse adores her. She’s everything a sister and best friend should be. My life would not be nearly as rich without Gina.”

“Thank you, Elizabeth.”

The moment she feared was upon her. She tried to blank the apprehension from her mind. And the utterly irrelevant thoughts she’d had about Ryan Paxton as he’d questioned Gina. It was her turn now and Jesse’s life was in the balance.

Ryan was speaking as he got up from his chair. “You’ve been very supportive to Gina for many years, haven’t you, Ms. Walker?”

“What do you mean?”

“You’ve bailed her out of trouble countless times.”

“She’s never been in serious trouble.”

“Did you co-sign for her to get a credit card when she couldn’t get one on her own?”

“Yes, but that was years ago.”

“Did you pay her tuition when she trained to become a paralegal?”

“Yes.”

“Were you her tutor in high school when she almost didn’t qualify to graduate?”

“She…she had some unpleasant experiences while we were in foster care.”

“Did you have some unpleasant experiences, too?”

“Foster care isn’t an ideal situation for anybody,” Elizabeth answered dryly.

“And yet you didn’t require a tutor?”

“Well…”

“And you weren’t in trouble with school authorities?”

“I—”

“Yes or no, please, Ms. Walker,” Ryan said.

“No.”

“Tell us more about yourself today, Ms. Walker. You’re an author?”

“Yes. I write books for children.”

“And very successfully, too, according to the recent article in the Chronicle.”

“I’ve been lucky.”

“I actually read one of your books last night, the award-winning book. I wouldn’t say it was luck that won you the Newbery, Ms. Walker. That book was very clever, whimsical and fun while delivering a very solid message.”

“A moral message. I try to do that in each of my books.”

“It was about a little girl’s difficulties with her school friends—what was her name?”

“Jasmine.”

“Jasmine. Because her mother had chosen an…ah, alternate lifestyle. The other kids found that odd and weren’t shy about saying so.”

“Children can be hurtful.”

“The main character—Sophia, was it?—befriended Jasmine. Came to her defense at school. Sort of fixed everything for Jasmine, but got in some hot water herself for doing it.”

“I tried to show how courageous behavior can be rewarding, but you may have to pay a price.”

“What price will you have to pay for your courage in defending your friend Gina today?”

“Price?” Elizabeth frowned. “I don’t understand.”

“The article about you in the Chronicle made clear your aversion to publicity, Ms. Walker. You’re almost a recluse. A hearing such as this is bound to stir up more unwelcome interest in you.”

“With all due respect, Mr. Paxton, I don’t think the media can have much interest in me.”

“I did a bit of research into your background after reading that article.”

Elizabeth felt her heart bump into a faster rhythm. Maude rose. “Objection, Your Honor. Ms. Walker isn’t on trial here today. If Mr. Paxton has a question, let him ask it.”

With eyes locked on Elizabeth’s, Ryan said, “No one’s on trial here today, Your Honor. I’m within safe legal grounds to question the credibility of Gina D’Angelo’s character witnesses.”

“Overruled,” the judge said. “But ask a question, counselor.”

“Are you comfortable knowing the media is in the courtroom, Ms. D’Angelo?”

Elizabeth glanced beyond him to the sparse gathering of people seated in the spectator area. Several onlookers met her eyes, three women and half a dozen men were scattered here and there. A group of twentysomethings looked on with interest, possibly law school students. “I have no interest in the media,” Elizabeth said quietly.

“Not even if someone were to question your lifestyle?”

“Question my lifestyle?” She frowned. “In what way?”