Chapter 10 - The Video Speaks
The courtroom monitors illuminated the silent room with high-definition clarity. The date and timestamp stamped in the corner matched the exact night of the attack six months ago.
On screen, my past self stood by the kitchen counter, pushing the deed papers back across the marble. I could hear my own voice echoing softly through the courtroom speakers: *‘No.’*
Then Julian moved.
The video captured every sickening detail in brutal, unflinching fidelity. Julian’s violent shove between my shoulder blades. My body crashing against the enormous stockpot. My left arm plunging into boiling liquid. The bloodcurdling scream of agony that filled the audio channels.
Then came Diane’s voice, chillingly calm and distinct: *‘Get the papers.’*
On screen, Julian snatched the deed packet while ignoring my collapsed, convulsing body on the tile floor. Then he looked up, spotted the little black camera lens above the pantry door, ripped it from the wall, and smashed it beneath his shoe, thinking he had eradicated all proof of his crime.
In the gallery, several spectators covered their mouths in horror. A collective gasp of disgust filled the room as people stared at Julian with revulsion.
Judge Harris watched the monitor intently, her expression darkening into a mask of pure fury. When the video finally looped and went black, the courtroom remained dead silent for five agonizing seconds.
“Mr. Vance,” Judge Harris said softly, her voice dangerously quiet as she looked directly at Julian. “Is that you on that screen?”
Julian swallowed hard, his throat working convulsively. He looked like a man standing on the edge of an active volcano. “Your Honor... that video... it’s... it was manipulated using deepfake software! It’s a fabrication by my disgruntled wife to steal my company!”
A murmur of disbelief rippled through the gallery at his pathetic, desperate lie.
“Deepfake software,” Judge Harris repeated flatly, raising an eyebrow. “Involving cryptographic Zurich-node server verification authenticated by federal cyber-forensics experts?”
Julian’s defense attorney buried his face in his hands, realizing his client had just perjured himself in front of the harshest judge in the state.
May you like
“Detective Miller,” Judge Harris called out. “Take the stand.”
==================================================
