The Perfect VictimChapter Archive

The Key She Already Had

The next morning, through the noon recess

Sera admitted she had taken Quill’s brass key months before seeing the unidentified hand, and that she had kept it hidden in her room; she could not date the sighting or place the key in her hand at the door. The magistrate preserved that evidentiary limit while allowing the prosecution to press Sera’s credibility, then granted permission to recall Imogen to explain her notes the next morning.

The Blank Date

The next morning, through the close of the prosecution’s case

Recalled to explain her interview notes, Imogen established that Sera described the ring’s orientation before Quill’s inquiry became known in court, while conceding that the notes cannot date the sighting, identify the hand, or establish where Sera’s key was. The prosecution closed its case with the blank date made visible to the jury; Sera, still unwilling to take comfort from Imogen’s limits, challenged her for refusing to say whether she believed her.