“This image shows her entering her late mother’s residence wearing what appears to be a Navy service uniform.”
My stomach tightened.
I remembered that afternoon.
I had returned from an assignment, stopped at my mother’s house, and changed into my uniform for a scheduled military event.
I hadn’t realized anyone was watching.
Pike tapped the picture.
“A costume purchased online.”
My father leaned forward.
“She wore that thing around the neighborhood. Told people she was deployed overseas. Made herself sound important.”
“Did you personally see her purchase the uniform?” Judge Sloan asked.
Harold hesitated.
“No, but—”
“Then let your attorney present his evidence.”
Pike cleared his throat.
“We have witness testimony establishing that Ms. Mercer was not serving overseas during the periods she claims.”
Judge Sloan gestured toward the witness chair.
“Call your witness.”
Mrs. Nolan, our elderly former neighbor, rose from the front row.
I had known her since I was nine years old.
She used to bring my mother strawberry preserves every summer. When I was a teenager, she slipped homemade cookies into our mailbox during exam week.
Now she approached the witness stand without looking at me.
After being sworn in, she folded her hands in her lap.
Pike approached her gently.
“Mrs. Nolan, how long have you known the Mercer family?”
“More than twenty years.”
“And during that time, did you ever personally witness Julia serving in the military?”
“No.”
“Did you see her leave for an overseas deployment?”
“No.”
“Did you ever receive confirmation that she was stationed outside the United States?”
“No.”
Pike turned toward the judge.
“There you have it.”
I almost laughed.
A neighbor hadn’t watched me board a military aircraft.
Apparently, that was proof that fourteen years of service had never happened.
Pike continued.
“What did Mr. Mercer tell you about his daughter?”
Mrs. Nolan swallowed.
