Chapter 16 - The Ghost of Seattle
Before the prosecution rested, we delivered the final, devastating blow.
The DA called a surprise witness to the stand: Detective Miller from the Seattle Police Department, the man who had originally investigated the death of Mark's first wife, Chloe.
Vance objected fiercely, claiming it was highly prejudicial and unrelated, but the judge allowed it to establish a pattern of behavior under strict evidentiary rules.
"Detective," the DA asked, "what did you conclude about the death of Chloe Sterling?"
"At the time, we ruled it an accidental drowning," the detective stated grimly. "However, upon reviewing the toxicological reports submitted in this current trial, we found a perfect, identical match. The exact same lethal cocktail of sedatives used to incapacitate Sarah Davis was found in Chloe Sterling's blood ten years ago."
A collective gasp echoed through the gallery.
"Mark Davis didn't invent this crime," the DA said, turning to the jury. "He perfected it. He murdered his first wife for her insurance payout, and when he found himself in debt a decade later, he simply dusted off his old playbook. He is a serial predator."
Mark completely lost his temper. He slammed his fists on the defense table, knocking over a pitcher of water, screaming at his lawyer, screaming at the judge.
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"She's lying! They're all lying! It's a setup!" he roared, his face purple with rage.
Bailiffs rushed forward, pinning him to the table. The judge slammed his gavel repeatedly, threatening to hold him in contempt. In that singular moment of violent rage, Mark proved to the jury exactly who he was.
