Chapter 13 - Luke Takes the ChairLuke Harris testified during the civil protection hearing.
Denise’s attorney attacked his credibility.
“You remained employed by Mr. Mercer?”
“Yes.”
“He pays you?”
“Yes.”
“You expect the farm to continue employing you?”
“I hope.”
“So you benefit from supporting his position.”
Luke nodded.
“I also benefited from staying quiet before.”
The attorney paused.
Luke continued.
“Denise controlled payroll and housing.”
“Did she threaten you?”
“No.”
“Then why didn’t you speak?”
“Because I was a coward.”
The courtroom went silent.
Clayton looked at him.
Luke kept going.
“I saw things that felt wrong. Not crimes. Not injuries. Things.”
“What things?”
“Wyatt sitting outside during dinner. Extra chores. Denise telling Mason he didn’t need to share with Wyatt because ‘Wyatt already had a farm.’”
Denise’s face tightened.
Luke added:
“I told myself family discipline was none of my business.”
“Until?”
“Until I saw the barn video.”
The attorney asked:
“Did Mrs. Mercer physically injure Wyatt in that video?”
“No.”
“Did any cow touch him?”
“No.”
“Was the barn structurally dangerous?”
“No.”
“Then what exactly changed your mind?”
Luke looked toward Denise.
“She knew he was terrified.”
Silence.
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“And she used that on purpose.”
That sentence carried more weight than any dramatic accusation.
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