How can we know which ones will be included in that group?
We cant know for certain. Thats why he made the list so long. Try to see if the two psychologists can keep Thursday and Friday open.
Anything else?
Yes. Croghan has a psychologist on his witness list, a Dr. Upton Van Pratt. I doubt hes a red herring. Recognize the name?
Upton Van Pratt is a past president of the American Psychological Association.
Damn. That alone will give him clout in the jurys eyes. What else do you know about him?
If memory serves, I believe hes retired now. Im surprised hes willing to testify in a case like this considering his standing. Ill see what I can find out.
Thatll be helpful. Ill also need a list of any books or articles he might have written.
Kay checked her watch as she continued her trajectory down the last flight of stairs. I have to talk to Lee Nye right away. This afternoon, if possible. Tomorrow, at the latest. Can you set it up for me?
Today is probably impossible. Ill see what I can do for tomorrow. Your office?
Yes. The psychologists are important, but at the moment, Lee is our key defense witness. Youre sure hes willing to testify on your behalf?
Last time I spoke to him. I cant imagine anything that would have changed his mind.
How does he come across?
What do you mean?
I mean, do you think a jury will consider him a credible witness?
Thats hard to say.
Kay came to an abrupt stop on the stairs and whirled. She hadnt realized how closely Damian had been following her until they collided. He grabbed her shoulders to steady them both.
Kay felt the warm strength of his hands. She smelled the exciting clean scent of his after-shave. He felt good and he smelled good, and she knew the sudden breathlessness in her body had absolutely nothing to do with her rapid descent on the stairs.
They were so close, she could feel the warmth of his breath on her forehead. He was looking down at her, his thick, rich, dark brown hair haloed by the subdued overhead lights, the strong planes of his face shadowed, his eyes mere glints of green.
The blood began to beat far too loudly against her eardrums, silencing her fading thoughts. She drifted closer to him as though drawn by the insistent pull of some invisible magnet, her senses swimming with the drawing heat and scent of him.
Then, suddenly, the door to the upper floor was pushed open and voices rushed into the stairwell as the echo of several pairs of feet clattered above them, climbing to the next floor.
Kay started at the noise. The rational part of her mind came to as though it had been in a trance. She was surprised and shocked to find herself so close to her client.
She immediately leaned back, slipped her shoulders from beneath his hands and descended the next step. He did nothing to stop her retreat. Nor did he advance. He just stood there watching her with those glinting eyes.
Kay looked away and tried to collect her jumbled