The necklace vanished.
The defense countered that there was no stolen property, no sale record, no financial transaction, no witness, no camera footage, and no physical evidence connecting Clara to the necklace.
Margaret testified on the second day.
She spoke with effortless confidence.
“Mrs. Hamilton,” Maya asked, “did you personally see Ms. Mendoza remove the necklace?”
“No.”
“Did anyone?”
“Not that I am aware.”
“Was the necklace found in her home?”
“No.”
“Was it found among her possessions?”
“No.”
“Did Ms. Mendoza attempt to flee?”
“No.”
“Then why were you immediately certain she stole it?”
Margaret’s mouth tightened.
“She was the only person with both access and financial motive.”
Maya looked at her notes.
“Your son had access.”
“That is absurd.”
“Your grandson had access.”
“He is a child.”
