Gasps and murmurs broke out in the courtroom. With Zoey pleading guilty, the law would consider her remorseful and would lessen her sentence…moreover, she didn't commit serious crimes - kidnapping and assault, which she didn't order. The most she could be sentenced after pleading guilty could be probation, or even, if her lawyer was good, he'd beg for pardon and she'd be made to pay a fine.
How crafty was Zoey?!
Mrs. Wright smiled, giving Witt a subtle look of gratitude. He had brought Zoey's lawyer. The lawyer had instructed Zoey to plead guilty so her sentence would be lessened.
If only they knew that Zoey's lawyer was on Valerie's payroll.
"Order in court!" The Bailiff's voice boomed.
After the whispers and murmurs died down, Valerie's lawyer rose from his seat, his voice confident and clear. "My Lord, with the accused pleading guilty, new developments warrant consideration. May I present additional evidence?"
