"The same way your grandfather did," Marcus replied. "One piece at a time. What are they trying to hide with all this rushed evidence?"
Simone straightened, her mind starting to clear. "You're right. They're trying to bury something. But what?" She pulled out her phone, texting Ashley: Need help. Can you check something?
The response came quickly: Break room in 10 mins. Bring coffee.
Simone found Ashley in the courthouse breakroom, nervously checking over her shoulder. "I could lose my job for this," the clerk whispered, sliding a folder across the table.
"I know. Thank you." Simone opened the folder to find copying records. "When did the prosecution request duplicates of their submitted evidence?"
"Last night, around midnight. They took the originals and left copies in the file." Ashley fidgeted with her coffee cup. "But get this: I overheard Hale on the phone earlier. Something about 'replacing the inconsistencies before someone named Thompson could review them.'"
Simone's pulse quickened. "Thompson? Robert Thompson, the forensic accountant?"
Ashley nodded. "Sounds like they found out he was consulting for you guys."
Simone had reached out to her grandfather's old friend days ago, but hadn't heard back; now she knew why. "They're covering their tracks. The original evidence had flaws that Thompson would have found, so they're replacing it all."
"Miss Johnson?" A uniformed officer approached their table. "Judge Kessler wants to see you in his chambers immediately."
Simone gathered her materials, squeezing Ashley's hand in thanks before following the officer. Her parents waited anxiously in the hallway as she entered Kessler's chambers. The judge sat behind his massive desk, Victoria Hale standing beside him.
"Miss Johnson, Miss Hale has brought some concerns to my attention. There are allegations that you've been attempting to tamper with evidence."
"What?" Simone's exhaustion vanished in a surge of anger. "That's completely false!"
"A courthouse employee reports you attempting to access original documents without proper authorization," Hale said smoothly. "Given your unusual status as counsel, this raises serious ethical concerns."
"I was reviewing copies, which I have every right to do," Simone fought to keep her voice level. "And if we're discussing ethical concerns, perhaps we should address the prosecution's midnight evidence swap."