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“Let the record show that that First Virginia Bank branch is only one-quarter mile from the Randolphs’ home,” said Battle. “And the pay phone used to call the police was nearby. Anybody else get on other than her?”
“No, just her.”
“And did you notice anything unusual about her?”
“Well, she looked nervous. And she was carrying a large duffel bag. When she sat down she was almost right across from me.”
“Did you see anything else?”
“She opened the duffel and I saw a big old shoe in it. Looked like a man’s shoe. You know, a workingman, not a businessman.”
“Did you notice anything on the shoe?”
“Yes, it had what looked to be blood on it.”
The folks in the courtroom started murmuring.
“And did she get off the bus before you?” asked Battle.
“Oh no. My stop was Cavalier Street, just two stops after she got on.”
Battle said, “Let the record reflect that the defendant would need to get on two more buses to go to her home in the far east end.” He turned to Drucker. “Thank you for your testimony. Nothing further, Judge.”
“Defense?” said Ambrose in a hushed tone.
Jack rose and walked over to Drucker. “How did you come to be here today?”
“I don’t understand.”
“Did someone tell you to come or did you call somebody or what?”
She pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Oh, I see. I was following the trial in the papers and on the TV. And when I saw a picture of that gal over there”—she paused and gave Pearl a withering look—“I knew I recognized her. So I called up the police and told them what I had seen. They asked me to come in and give a statement and then I met Mr. Battle over there and told him.”
“I see. What stores did you shop in?”
“Excuse me?”
“You said you shopped that day in the west end. What stores?”
“I went into the Belk department store to look for a dress.” She tucked her hair behind her ear and looked down at her drab clothes. “I wanted to get something... a little more fun.”
“Anyone see you, talk to you? Did you try on any dresses?”
“Your Honor,” complained Battle. “Where is this going?”
“I have every right to probe this witness’s recollection and the truthfulness of her testimony,” pointed out Jack. “She remembers times and faces and duffel bags and bloody shoes and bus stops real well. You’d think she’d remember where she shopped that day. Otherwise, it seems fishy.”
Drucker said stiffly, “I went to Belk. I didn’t find anything I liked. I got on the bus and saw her.”
“You remember the bus driver?”
“I do actually. He was a white man in his fifties. I think his name was Barry, but I can’t be sure. I glanced at his name tag when I got on.”
“This friend you were meeting? What’s her name?”
“Bella Andrews. You can talk to her. She’ll verify it.”
“So, you’re saying a woman resembling the defendant—”
