Chapter 2: The Witness

“My Nonna loved me more than anyone in the world. This is all your fault.”

“If it weren’t for you, she could have lived for years.”

The lawyer beside her stood as well.

“My client, Ms. Ferraro, had clearly warned the defendant that an elderly woman with a heart condition lived upstairs. ”

“Yet the defendant continued to make noise. ”

“This conduct, at the very least, constitutes gross negligence. ”

“We believe the court should forward this case to the prosecutor’s office to determine whether charges of negligent homicide are warranted.”

I looked at the lawyer, the absurdity of it all washing over me.

When I spoke, my voice was steady.

“I didn’t do this.”

“If you’re going to accuse me, you need to present evidence.”

Adriana immediately cut in.

“Genevieve Wells, ever since you bought that apartment, no one in this building has gotten a decent night’s sleep. ”

“Everyone has been putting up with it because they didn’t want to start a fight. ”

“But you just never stopped.”

I held her gaze.

“Then please, produce your evidence.”

“In a court of law, accusations require proof.”

She turned and pulled a man out of the gallery.

“This is Kevin. He lives in 1508. He’s been suffering from insomnia for so long he’s had to seek medical treatment.”

She handed a medical file to the judge.

The record was clear: prolonged lack of sleep had led to chronic insomnia and anxiety.

The judge motioned for Kevin to speak.

Kevin was silent for a few seconds before he finally opened his mouth.

“I swear everything I’m about to say is true.”

“There… there really has been a lot of noise in the building at night. It’s been hard to sleep.”

“Because of the sleep problems, my health has been terrible.”

I tried to meet Kevin’s eyes, but he avoided my gaze.

He kept frowning, looking genuinely exhausted. He wasn’t acting.

I addressed the judge.

“One person’s testimony doesn’t prove the noise came from my apartment.”

“And there’s no way to know if he’s been coached.”

The opposing lawyer immediately shot back.

“Mr. Kevin lives in 1508, directly beneath the defendant.”

“His diagnoses come from three different medical institutions.”

“And from what we understand, he and Ms. Ferraro have very little contact. ”

“He has no reason to lie for her.”

Then he looked at me.

“What else do you have to say?”

Murmurs rose from the gallery again.

“They have a witness and she’s still denying it.”

“Unbelievable.”

“A person is dead, and she’s still trying to get out of it?”

The voices closed in around me.

But my answer was the same.

“I didn’t do it, so I won’t admit to it.”

“If you don’t have direct evidence, I will not take responsibility for this.”