Page 88 of Grave Danger

“Uh-huh.”

Jack knew the next few questions were critical—and that they would be most difficult for his witness. “Yasmin, why is the man labeled ‘Him’ holding the scissors?”

Farid’s lawyer rose. “Judge, I have to object.”

Jack had expected as much. He was moving to the final step of the IAI method, from “identify” and “analyze” to “interpret.”

“Let’s hear the answer,” said the judge. “Yasmin, the question is, ‘Why is the man labeled ‘Him’ holding the scissors?”

Yasmin hesitated. She almost froze.

Jack asked again, more gently. “Can you tell us why, Yasmin?”

Yasmin struggled, clearly digging deep for the answer. “Because he doesn’t like her hair.”

“Is the man mad in your picture?”

“Objection, leading.”

“Overruled. Yes, it’s leading, counsel. But again, the witness is a child. Let’s keep the objections to a minimum, please. Continue, Mr. Swyteck.”

“Is the man in your picture mad?” Jack asked again.

“Uh-huh.”

“Is he mad at Mommy?”

She nodded.

Jack continued. “Is the man saying anything?”

She nodded again.

“Is his voice soft?” Jack asked. “Or is it loud?”

Yasmin’s voice tightened. “Loud. Real loud.”

“When I take a good look at the figure you labeled ‘Me,’ it looks like she has her hands over her ears. Am I right?”

“Uh-huh.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s so loud.”

“Were you afraid?” Jack asked.

“Yeah.”

“Afraid of what?”

She didn’t answer, but again she glanced nervously in Farid’s direction. Jack was concerned that she might shut down if he pushed too hard for an answer. But there was one more important point to make.

“In your drawing, the man is holding the scissors. He’s holding them high in the air, right?”

She nodded.

“Above Mommy’s head,” said Jack.