Page 65 of Everywhere You Look

Samantha Harris: No, sir. It was a closed adoption. He wouldn’t have been able to find him.

Mr. Dennon: No further questions.

{Opposing Counsel Lori Mason has requested a cross-examination}

Ms. Mason: Samantha, you said that Dean McKenna left you when you found out you were pregnant, correct?

Samantha Harris: That is correct.

Ms. Mason: And that he wanted nothing to do with you or the baby?

Samantha Harris: Correct.

Ms. Mason: And that baby was Dean’s child, correct? There were no other men at the time?

Samantha Harris: I…I don’t believe I ever said that.

Ms. Mason: No, of course not. Because that would be a lie. Your honor if you would take a look at the evidence presented to you, you’ll see from months of communication that while Samantha andDean were in a relationship around the time of conception, the child was not Dean’s, as confirmed by a paternity test performed in the twentieth week of pregnancy. You’ll also find photographic evidence of Dean and Samantha together and looking quite in love well into her pregnancy, as well as written documentation that Dean was aware of the child’s paternity and was happy and willing to be a part of both baby and mother’s lives. Even as far as to continue to try to reach out to Samantha to provide financial compensation for months while she ignored him.

Samantha Harris: That’s not…I don’t…that’s not how I remember…

Ms. Mason: No further questions, Your Honor.

DIRECT EXAMINATION

BY Mr. Dennon

Mr. Dennon: Andrew, you were a friend of Luke’s as a child growing up. Is that correct?

Andrew Olsen: Friends is a generous term. He and I are the same age, and my family attends Joseph Connelly’s church. I was familiar with Levi—Luke, whatever—but we weren’t friends.

Mr. Dennon: Was there any particular reason you’re so reluctant to call Luke a friend?

Andrew Olsen: He was a dark child. Even back in grade school, there was something off about him. We could all tell. He was always…leering at us. The other boys. It was sickening.

Mr. Dennon: Did anything ever happen between you and Luke?

Andrew Olsen: He got a little too close once. I could smell the sin on him. Could feel him trying to lure me into his web. I called him out on it. Tried to get away, threatened to tell the teacher. But he wasn’t happy about that. He punched me, square in the jaw.

Mr. Dennon: Luke was violent?

Andrew Olsen: Violent as all get-out. He probably could’ve broken my bones if I wasn’t so tough. I thank my work in the potato fields for that.

Mr. Dennon: Were you scared of Luke?

Andrew Olsen: Of course, I was scared. We were all scared of him. Even then, we knew he nothing but a dirty, filthy fa?—

Mr. Dennon: No further questions.

Mr. Dennon:Mrs. Connelly, can I offer you a handkerchief?

Rebecca Connelly: Thank you. I’m sorry. This is all just so overwhelming.

Mr. Dennon: I can’t even imagine what you’re going through.

Rebecca Connelly: My husband and I have lost so much. We just want our grandchildren to be safe with us and with God.

Mr. Dennon: Judge Martinez, may I request a recess? I believe Mrs. Connelly could benefit from some time. It’s been a very emotional day.

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