“Objected to as incompetent, irrelevant and immaterial,” Sampson sputtered. “It doesn’t connect up with the present case in anyway.”
“I expect to connect it up,” Mason said.
“I don’t see just what you have in mind,” Judge Barnes remarked.
Mason said, “If the Court please, this is rather an unusual case. Ordinarily, it is incumbent upon the Prosecution to prove the defendant guilty beyond all reasonable doubt. It is not incumbent upon the defendant to prove himself or herself innocent. However, in this case, since the Prosecution has really proved how the murder could not have happened, the Defense is going to show how the murder could have been perpetrated.”
“And you expect to connect this evidence up?” Judge Barnes asked dubiously.
Mason said, “I do, Your Honor.”
“I’ll permit it,” Judge Barnes said, “at least for the present. But it will be subject to a motion on the part of the Prosecution to strike out in the event it isn’t connected in a way which the Court deems pertinent and relevant.”
“That is quite satisfactory,” Mason said. “Answer the question, Mr. Drake.”
Drake said, “Yes.”
“You shadowed this woman?”