Page 143 of Strays
The DA continues. “But unlike Johane Larsen... you didn’t have anyone to protect you, did you? No one in that yard could stop them the way they stopped Luc.”
“Objection,” Renner says sharply, already rising. “Improper argument. It’s speculation and inflammatory.”
“Sustained,” Judge Conway says without hesitation. “Jury will disregard that last statement.”
The DA lifts his hands slightly and takes a step back. “Thank you, Ms. Silvester. No further questions.”
He returns to his table.
Judge Conway looks to the defense. “Mr. Renner?”
Renner rises again.
“Ms. Silvester,” he says evenly, “how much had your boyfriend had to drink that night?”
She straightens slightly. “A few beers.”
“The toxicology report showed a blood alcohol content of 0.22. That’s nearly three times the legal limit.”
She stiffens. “He didn’t drive.”
“That wasn’t the question. You’re aware the same toxicology report came back positive for cocaine, correct?”
Kacy’s hands twist together in her lap. “Yes. He has struggled with that before. He slipped up.”
Renner’s tone stays mild. “And you were with him at the hospital when they found a bag of cocaine in his clothing?”
She nods, voice quiet. “I was.”
“So just to be clear, when you say Luc was confused that night, that confusion was alcohol and cocaine, not just ‘a few beers.’”
Kacy hesitates, then lifts her chin slightly. “He was drinking and using, yes. But he’s been trying to get clean. He’s working on it.”
Renner lets that hang. “When Shane Larsen asked you to leave, did Luc comply?”
“We were leaving,” she insists. “But then they all overreacted.”
“Did Mr. Knolson make any sexually explicit remarks about Doctor Larsen?”
She frowns. “Not... seriously. It was a joke. Maybe in poor taste, but nothingjustified what happened.”
Renner tilts his head. “According to the witnesses, Mr. Knolson said, ‘They don’t feel shame like we do; they are more like dogs.’ Are those the words of a joke, in your opinion?”
Her jaw tightens. “He was drunk. He didn’t mean it.”
“But he said it.”
She doesn’t respond.
Renner steps slightly closer. “Did he re-enter the yard after being asked to leave?”
“Yes.”
“Did he approach Doctor Larsen?”
She hesitates. “I... guess. But it wasn’t threatening. He wasn’t going to hurt her.”
Renner’s voice lowers. “And you’re certain of that, despite the fact that he had already made multiple sexual comments, was visibly intoxicated, had been told to leave, and was physically moving toward your friend?”
