A Time For Mercy

Content Warning: This section contains depictions of child abuse, rape, and domestic violence.

Jake’s team eats dinner at his office in Clanton, preparing for a late night working on the case. They discuss the first day of the trial and the jurors’ reactions. Jake then walks Josie and Kiera through their testimonies so they are fully prepared for tomorrow.

A storm at dawn knocks out power to the courthouse. Noose calls the power company, and the lights come back on. The trial resumes at 9am, and Noose welcomes everyone back, apologizing for the hot courtroom. The jury enters, and the bailiff gives them cardboard fans to help them stay cool. Jake begins his opening remarks, admitting there’s no doubt Drew pulled the trigger but that there’s more to the story than what the State depicted yesterday. He describes how Josie and Stuart met, that the Gambles moved in with Stuart, and how the violence began. He ends by saying he will prove Drew didn’t commit premeditated murder but justifiably protected his family.

Jake calls Josie to the stand. She talks about her background, taking responsibility for her mistakes. Jake then asks about the two incidents when Josie called 911 because Stuart hit her.