Chapitre 24: Chapter 24: Victory Celebration?

When court reconvened, Michael called Daryl Whittaker to the witness stand.  He walked the bouncer through the events of the evening in question, and the man verified what he’d previously stated in his deposition.  Rowdy was talking to some fans at a table on the far side of the establishment, far away from the bar where the fight began.  At the exact moment the victim was punched, the tennis star had posed for a selfie with Whittaker.  The photo with the time stamp was introduced into evidence.  The prosecution wasn’t happy, but Whittaker had been on the witness list all along.  They hadn’t bothered to call him because he didn’t help their case.

At 3:15 the jury began their deliberations and at 4:50 they returned a verdict of acquittal.  John and Ellen left immediately after Rowdy was released.  On the courthouse steps, Michael and Rowdy paused to address the reporters gathered there hoping for a sound bite in time for the six o’clock news.  Michael didn’t disappoint.