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Jack put a restraining hand on Jerome as Ambrose scowled down at him.
Battle turned back to Hanover and said, “So your father-in-law was going to fire the defendant for stealing?”
“Um... apparently.”
“You were there the day that the defendant and his family were at your in-laws’?”
“Yes,” answered Hanover.
“Now, did your conversation with Mr. Randolph happen before or after the Washington family was at the Randolphs?”
“It was... after.”
“And on that day everything seemed fine to you, too, as your wife testified?”
“Yes.”
“But apparently your father-in-law’s opinion changed since, after that time, he told you he was going to fire the defendant, isn’t that right?” noted Battle.
“Calls for speculation,” said DuBose.
“Sustained,” said Ambrose.
Battle continued. “Do you believe that your father-in-law told the defendant that he was going to fire him or might have already done so?”
“Objection,” said DuBose. “Speculation!”
Battle said, “Once more I am relying on res gestae.”
“And once more I am pointing out that you have woefully failed to lay the proper foundation to invoke it,” she retorted.
Ambrose said, “Miss DuBose, you know I’ve already ruled on that. Please respect this court’s decision. Objection denied. Answer the question.”
“Yes, I do believe he told Mr. Washington that he would be terminated.”
Battle went back to his table, where his associate handed him a piece of paper. “Your Honor, after Mr. Hanover identifies this document, I would like to move it into evidence as Commonwealth’s Exhibit Number Thirty-One.” He passed it to Ambrose.
Jack got to his feet. “Objection. We have not seen this exhibit, nor was it listed on the schedule.”
Battle turned to him. “Under Virginia law we do not have to show you every scrap of evidence we collect, Mr. Lee. Indeed, we provided to you far more than the law says we have to, so you have no standing or reason to object.” He motioned to his associate, who handed a copy to Jack.
The judge looked at the piece of paper and said, “Commonwealth’s Exhibit Thirty-One will be accepted into evidence once it is authenticated by the witness.”
Jack ran his gaze down the paper while DuBose, sitting next to him, did the same.
Battle handed the paper to Gordon Hanover. “Do you recognize this, sir?”
Hanover looked at the paper. “I do.”
“Can you tell the jury, please?”
“It’s a bill for a water delivery at my in-laws’ home.”
“You had this bill paid?”
“Yes.”
“What sort of water was it?”
