Page 51 of Shelter for Shay
He’d been a tech consultant. Respected. Wealthy. Polished. Although she’d never heard of him before the murder. She didn’t follow such things. She’d always been more interested in the outdoors than technology. She didn’t use social media, which her mother had appreciated. Instead, they would share photo albums through a private app. That way, her mom could see all the pictures she took during her adventures.
God, she missed her mom, but at the same time, she was angry.
No, frustrated.
Shay stole another glance at Blake Edmonds, accused of murdering his own assistant in a parking garage stairwell. She tried to quickly tear her gaze away, but it was impossible. He commanded attention and seemed to bask in it, even though he was on trial for murder.
Jacob rose and stepped forward.
“Ms. Whitaker?”
Shay cleared her throat. “Yes?”
“I have just a few questions,” he said gently, with a small smile that felt too kind for the setting. “First, I wanted to express my condolences regarding your mother’s passing. I’m sorry for your loss.”
Shay blinked, caught off guard. “Thank you.”
Jacob’s gaze lingered for a beat longer, as if measuring the truth of her answer. “You’ve lived in Lake George most of your life. Is that correct?”
“Born and raised.”
“Any familiarity with the defendant?”
“No.”
“The victim?” Jacob asked.
“No, sir.”
He nodded. “Have you followed the case in the media?”
“I watch the news,” Shay admitted. “It’s hard to miss.”
“Can you set aside what you’ve seen or heard and focus only on what’s presented in this courtroom?”
“I believe so.”
Jacob inched closer, leaning against the jury box. “Ms. Whitaker. Do you know who I am? And I don’t mean because you’ve seen me give statements on television before. I mean… have we met before? Have we ever spoken to each other? Do youknow my wife on a personal level? Met my kids? That kind of thing.”
“We’ve met,” she said. “I wouldn’t say we know each other well, but it’s a small town, and our paths have crossed a few times.”
“And my wife? What’s your relationship with her?”
Shay swallowed her breath. “I’ve retained her services before, but again, I don’t know her personally all that well.”
“Would you say you have a positive opinion of me? Of my wife?”
“Yes,” Shay said.
“Do you think your personal opinions of us might taint your ability to see this case with an unbiased eye?”
“No,” she said, wishing she could’ve lied.
“It’s also been brought to my attention that you went to high school at the same time as Patrick Dunn, the defendant’s attorney,” Jacob said. “Do you have positive or negative feelings toward him?”
“He’s a nice man,” Shay said.
“Would you say you were friendly in school? Still friendly?” Jacob asked.
