Page 141 of Precise Justice

“Isn’t it true, Detective, that of these three hundred plus complaint letters, there were thirty-one that threatened physical harm, even death, and murder of these two victims?”

“I don’t remember the exact number but thirty-one sounds about right,” Lucy said.

“Of the thirty-one who threatened harm, even death, isn’t it also true that you did not investigate any of them?”

“Well, that’s because…”

“Yes or no, please, Detective,” Marc said.

“Yes, that’s true.”

“Isn’t it also true that you did not investigate any of them because you did not see a connection between all of the victims and any of the threatening letters, even the fifteen that were signed by the complainant, the person who wrote and mailed the letter?”

Thinking that it was odd that Marc would ask a question that seemed to verify their reason for not going after the letter writers, Lucy answered, “Yes, that’s right. We did not find any such connection.”

Her answer was non-responsive, but Marc let it go. Instead, he glanced at the jury box to see their reaction. He saw a few puzzled faces.

“I have nothing further, your Honor,” Marc said.

“Does the prosecution wish to question the witness?” Foster asked.

Raines and Hughes looked at each other and shrugged their shoulders. Neither one of them had figured it out, either.

“No, your Honor,” Hughes replied.

“You may step down,” Foster told Lucy.

As Lucy was walking out, a step before she reached Marc’s table, the light came on in her head.

Oh, shit!she thought then looked at Marc’s poker face.They found someone.

Marc looked up at her from his chair as the corners of his mouth turned up in a faint smile. Lucy was looking at him with her mouth open, then Foster told Marc to call his next witness.

“The defense calls Dr. Michael Curtis, your Honor,” Jennifer said.

The deputy guarding the exit door into the hall opened the door and went out. A moment later, a heavy-set man wearing a gray suit and non-matching and out of style tie came in. He was sworn in and took the stand.

“Please state your full name and occupation,” Foster’s clerk said.

“Michael Alan Clark. I am a clinical psychologist with a PhD from Princeton specializing in children’s psychology with an emphasis on transgender affirmation and its effects.”

A quiet murmur went through the gallery when Curtis announced his specialty.

“Morning, Doctor,” Jennifer began.

“Good morning,” he replied.

After many years with the Hennepin County Attorney’s office, Jennifer could qualify a witness as an expert in her sleep. She took her time, wanting everyone in the courtroom to know this witness knew his business, especially when it came to transgender affirming and the effects on children, minors, no matter how old.

Jennifer spent a half-hour going over his curriculum vitae then submitted it into evidence. After that, she asked Judge Foster to qualify him as an expert. This is done to allow the witness to give a professional opinion on the subject of his profession.

“Objection,” Hughes stood and said.

“Overruled. The man is obviously an expert on pediatric psychology,” an annoyed Judge Foster quickly said.

“Dr. Curtis, how long have you been providing therapy to transgender patients?” Jennifer asked.

“I would say, it began about eight or nine years ago, the number of trans patients has grown to where, for the past three to four years, that’s all I do. My partner also. She is also my wife.”

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