The security guard looked significantly less confident as he retook the stand. Unlike his previous testimony, his uniform was slightly rumpled, his expression wary.
"Mr. Morrison," Simone began, "you previously testified about security protocols at the warehouse. I'd like to revisit those procedures in light of new information." She placed a document on the projector. "This is the security log from September 15th, showing your checkpoint scans throughout the night. Could you explain why there's a forty-minute gap in your rounds precisely when the fire started?"
Morrison's face paled. "I... there must be some mistake."
"No mistake. But I have another document that might explain it." She produced one of Peterson's memos. "This is an internal email instructing security personnel to avoid certain areas of the warehouse that night. Did you receive this instruction?"
"Objection!" Hale shot to her feet. "These documents weren't properly—"
"—were submitted to my office last night and reviewed for authenticity," Judge Williams finished. "Objection overruled. The witness will answer."
Morrison looked desperately toward the prosecution table, where Richard Bancroft sat, whispering furiously to his legal team. "I... I was told it was a system test."
"A system test?" Simone nodded thoughtfully. "Like the system test that disabled the sprinklers in Sections 3, 7, and 9—exactly where the fire started?"
The gallery erupted in murmurs. Morrison's composure cracked entirely. "They said nobody would get hurt! It was just supposed to be a small fire for the insurance!"
"Objection!" Hale practically shouted. "This witness is clearly confused!"
"The witness is clearly confessing," Judge Williams corrected. "Mr. Morrison, you are reminded that you are under oath. Continue, Miss Johnson."
Simone pressed on, methodically exposing the carefully orchestrated plan. Morrison broke down completely, admitting to his role in the insurance fraud scheme. As he was led away by deputies, Simone called her next witness.
"The defense recalls Margaret Whitman."
Bancroft's CFO approached the stand with visible reluctance. Her designer suit and perfect makeup couldn't hide her nervous tension.
"Miss Whitman," Simone began, "you previously testified about my family's financial records. I'd like to discuss how those records were obtained." She produced more of Peterson's documents. "These internal emails show systematic cyberattacks on my family's bank accounts, initiated from Bancroft Developments' servers. Were you aware of these attacks?"