Tolbert looked surprised. "Was this witness disclosed?"
"No, sir, but he's relevant. I can explain."
Tolbert sighed. "Make it quick."
Elijah turned to Travis. "Can you tell the court your relationship to Officer Haskins?"
Travis shifted, looked at the officer. "He's my cousin."
"And did he talk to you the night Isaiah Carrington was arrested?"
"Yes."
"What did he say?"
"Objection," Lindholm stood. "Hearsay."
"Goes to motive, Your Honor," Elijah argued. "Let me finish."
Tolbert motioned forward. "I'll allow it for now."
Travis cleared his throat. "He said he finally got him. Said he was tired of seeing those Carrington boys walking around like they owned the place. Said Isaiah thought he was slick with the system, but wasn't smart enough to beat a uniform."
Gasps—audible, sharp. Tolbert's expression darkened. Lindholm scribbled furiously in her notes.
Elijah stepped closer to the witness stand, his voice quieter now. "Did he say anything about setting him up?"
Travis swallowed. "He said, 'One anonymous call is all it takes in this town. Who they going to believe? Me, or some kid with a smart mouth?'"
Isaiah closed his eyes slowly. The courtroom went still.
Elijah turned back to the judge. "Your Honor, I believe this demonstrates not just a pattern of misconduct, but a personal bias that directly affected the arrest and investigation."
Tolbert leaned back. His face said he wanted to argue, but the words weren't coming.
Elijah continued, "If we're calling this justice, then we need to stop pretending it starts with the uniform. It should start with the truth. My brother is not perfect, but he didn't do what they're accusing him of, and everything presented today proves that."
Tolbert looked at Lindholm. "Do you have any rebuttal?"
She hesitated. "I... I'll need time to verify these new statements and evidence."