"The defense can give their opening statement or they can save it, Mr. Whitmore," Isaiah interrupted, his voice carrying a rich, booming authority that commanded the room. "But under the Georgia Civil Practice Act, I am entirely within my rights to reserve my opening remarks or waive them to expedite this trial—unless the defense is afraid of what my witness has to say."
Caldwell banged his gavel, his face reddening. "Careful, Mr. Crawford. Mr. Whitmore, you may give your opening, or we can proceed."
"Let's get this over with. We will save our opening, Your Honor," Whitmore snapped, eager to crush Isaiah on the stand. "Let the boy call his witness."
"The plaintiff calls Dr. Arthur Penhaligon," Isaiah announced.
Whitmore froze. Penhaligon was Oakhaven Development's chief environmental expert—the man who wrote the soil contamination report that condemned Evelyn Porter's neighborhood. He wasn't supposed to be called until the defense presented their case.
Dr. Penhaligon, a nervous, balding man with thick glasses, was escorted into the courtroom. He took the stand, swearing on the Bible, his eyes darting frantically to Whitmore.
Isaiah approached the podium. He didn't bring any notes.
"Dr. Penhaligon," Isaiah began, his tone conversational. "You are the lead environmental surveyor for Apex Soil & Water, correct?"
"That is correct," Penhaligon squeaked.
"And you authored the report on April 12th declaring the soil in the historic West End district irreparably contaminated with heavy metals, rendering it unfit for residential zoning?"
"I did. The data was conclusive."
Isaiah paced slowly in front of the jury box. "Conclusive. That's a strong word. Tell me, Doctor, what specific testing methodology did you use to detect the presence of hexavalent chromium in the soil?"