Chapter 30: The Final Piece

DeSean sat in his office, his tie loosened, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. The weight of the case was pressing down on him, but for the first time, he felt like they were on the verge of a breakthrough. Marco Herrera’s testimony was huge, but he still needed something more—something that would seal Claire’s fate and clear Mercedes once and for all.

Gary entered, tossing a folder onto the desk. “Got something.”

DeSean arched a brow and picked it up. “What am I looking at?”

“Bank statements. Claire withdrew ten grand in cash two days before the club incident,” Gary said, leaning against the desk. “She claimed she lost her credit card and needed emergency cash. But get this—the money was taken out from a branch near Marco’s apartment.”

DeSean’s eyes darkened. “That’s our link.”

Gary nodded. “If Marco testifies that he was paid in cash, and we connect that withdrawal to Claire, it’s over.”