Sterling turned pale. He looked at my father with horror.
“My mother testified I have no income,” I continued. “My tax returns are in that folder. I make a comfortable living. I had no financial motive to coerce my grandmother. My parents, however…”
I walked back to my table and picked up a piece of paper I hadn’t submitted yet.
“I petition the court to allow me to cross-examine the plaintiff, Robert Vance, now that his credibility has been impeached.”
Judge Halloway nodded, a hint of a smile on her lips. “Permission granted. Mr. Vance, take the stand.”
My father walked to the witness stand like a man walking to the gallows. He wouldn’t look at me. He looked at his lawyer, but Sterling was busy rifling through his messy briefcase, looking for an exit strategy.
“Mr. Vance,” I said, standing in the middle of the room. I didn’t need notes. “You testified earlier that you wanted to overturn this will to ‘protect the family legacy.’ Is that correct?”
