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“It’s a bill for pool water. My... in-laws had their pool emptied and then refilled with fresh water.”
Battle was handed another piece of paper from his associate, who also passed a copy to Jack.
Battle handed it to Ambrose and said, “Motion to move Commonwealth’s Exhibit Thirty-Two into evidence, Your Honor, once authenticated by the witness.”
Ambrose looked at the paper and said, “Commonwealth Exhibit Thirty-Two to be moved into evidence once validated by the witness.” He handed it to Hanover.
After looking at the document Jack glanced curiously at DuBose. Her dour expression showed she now knew exactly what the attorney general was doing.
Battle said, “Can you identify that document for the jury?”
“It’s another bill for pool water that I had paid.”
“What is the date on that, sir?”
“May twenty-fourth of this year.”
“And what is the date of the first document I handed you, Exhibit Thirty-One?”
“Um... June eighth.”
Battle assumed a confused expression. “So let me get this straight. On May twenty-fourth they filled the pool with fresh, clean water, I suppose, for the start of the summer season, correct?”
“Yes, that was around the time when they usually did so.”
“And yet on June eighth they had water that was only two weeks old replaced? That wasn’t cheap, I imagine.”
“No, but it was what they wanted.”
“Did you ever ask them why they did that?”
“No, I didn’t.”
“Was it normal for them to replace the water twice?”
“No.”
“And when exactly did you see the defendant and his family at the Randolphs’?”
Hanover fidgeted.
“Mr. Hanover, do I need to refresh your recollection?”
“They... we saw them there on June first.”
“So one week after the defendants and their family used the Randolphs’ pool, the Randolphs had the pool completely emptied and refilled with clean water, is that correct?”
Hanover looked out over the courtroom and found his wife once more. His expression was forlorn, thought DuBose, who was watching him carefully.
“Mr. Hanover?” prompted Battle.
“Uh, yes, yes, that’s right,” he said curtly, his mouth curving in displeasure.
“And you have no idea why they would have changed the water after this Negro family swam in their pool?”
DuBose, her face burning with indignation, rose to her feet. “Objection, counsel is leading the witness.”
Before Ambrose could rule Battle said, “Withdraw the question. Thank you, Mr. Hanover. Nothing further.”
