My curiosity about the testimony of (former Qwest CFO) Robin Szeliga sent me scurrying down to the courthouse. Also, greedily, I hoped to glean some insider information from her account for my new book on women and white-collar crime. What is that old cliché about curiosity and cats?

After two hours of a mind-numbing question-and-answer session between Szeliga and the prosecutor, I'd had enough. Clearly, the prosecutor had a goal and was determined to wade through the risks, revenues, and budget projections to accomplish her mission, but, I'd bet money that the incredibly tedious testimony left jurors wondering how much more do we need to hear.

I could walk out; unfortunately for the jurors, they lack that option.

Regrettably, I missed (late Monday) what has been reported as a more lively exchange between (defense attorney Herbert) Stern and Szeliga. Who wouldn't believe that Szeliga received a better plea bargain if she agreed to testify for the prosecution? And what's shocking about a CEO who places targeted revenue as the priority for a company?

In the business world, anything less would be seen as a passive approach that undermines the profit goal. (Joe) Nacchio expected nothing less than huge financial gain for Qwest. His future and financial objectives were clear in the company video clips played (Monday) during Szeliga's testimony.

Win or lose, the bottom line, according to Nacchio's video spiel, is "you're going to get whacked" no matter what.

Read more of Mary's take on the trial at NacchioOnTrial.com