Chapter 17: Doran's POV: The Stand

Doran's POV

I have testified in court nine times, always about strangers.

This was the first time I wore my good shirt.

Claire had signed the release at my supervisor's desk that morning, so I could say what I had heard and seen on the shoulder of that road.

She sat at the front table in her black coat, with her hands folded and her eyes on the judge.

She did not look at me when I walked up to the stand.

I was grateful.

If she had, I'd have lost my place.

"State your name and occupation," the judge said.

"Doran Hartley. I'm a paramedic with the city fire department."

"You were the first medic on scene at the crash on Christmas Eve?"

"Yes, Your Honor."

"Go ahead, counselor."

Dean's lawyer was a smooth man with a tan.

He walked up to me slowly.

"Mr. Hartley, you've visited Ms. Gruber's daughter in the NICU on more than one occasion."

"Twelve times."

"On your days off."

"Yes."

"Are you romantically involved with Ms. Gruber?"

"No."

"Do you wish to be?"

"Objection," Claire's lawyer said, without standing up.

"Sustained," the judge said. "Counselor, ask something relevant."

The lawyer didn't blink.

"The affidavit before this court says that Ms. Gruber left her premature infant unsupervised overnight, in the care of an unlicensed man."

"That would be me," I said.

"Is it true?"

"No, sir."

"You've never been alone with the child?"

"Never. A NICU nurse is within ten feet of that incubator at all times. My sister works the floor, and she'd have my head."

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