Just Be True To Me

“Damaged people damage others. I want the jury to see the cause of the defendant’s behavior. He takes advantage, in this case, of the state because he was taken advantage of.” She returned her attention to Randall. “Mr. May, do you know why Mr. Knight left.”

He gulped. “It probably had something to do with what happened to his dad.”

“Probably or did?”

“I can’t speak on another man’s motives for doing what he does.”

“Tell me what you know about what happened to Mr. Knight’s father.”

“He died,” May said.

“How did he die?”

“In a fire. He was drunk and knocked over a candle while he was sleeping.”

Rosario chuckled. “That’s the official story. I don’t believe you, Mr. May. I don’t believe that you and Mr. Knight have been out of contact. I think he’s been paying you to keep quiet about what really happened to his father.” She presented a document to the judge. She then handed it to Randall. “What are those?”

“Looks like my checks.”

“Unemployment checks. Please read off the amounts.” She waited for him to finish before saying, “I looked up your mortgage payment. Those checks don’t cover it. So, Mr. May, please do tell us why you haven’t been kicked out of your house yet.”

“I—”

“Is it because Mr. Knight is taking care of your bills in exchange for your silence? Is it because he’s paying to keep spreading the false narrative that makes him look like a saint? Is it true that Mr. Knight is paying you to lie for him?”

Mia bolted to her feet. “Objection, You Honor. She’s badgering him.”

“Sustained. Watch your tone Ms. Rosario. And let the witness answer the question before you pose another.”

She flashed her palms as she back-pedaled. Rosario then positioned herself in the center of the jury box. Her eyes remained on them as she asked, “Mr. May, is it true that the defendant, Mr. Clifford Knight, is responsible for his father’s death?”

The courtroom became silent.

She made her way back in front of the witness stand. She then repeated the question. “You’re under oath Mr. May. Lying right now could land you up to five years in prison. So be very careful about your next statement.”

His head dropped. “Yes.”

“Could you speak into the microphone?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, what?”

“It’s true that the defendant is responsible for his father’s death.”

“And what’s the defendant’s name,” she asked.

“Clifford Knight.”

“Point him out please.”

His hand shook, unable to straighten fully as it drew all eyes in Clifford’s direction. “That’s him.”

Rosario wore a satisfied grin as she walked back to her table. “No more questions Your Honor.” She looked squarely into Mia’s eyes. “Your witness.”

***

Clifford had to jog to catch up with Mia. He managed to grab her arm before she reached the doors. His explanation started before they found privacy. Once alone, she yanked her arm away. Her anger was such that she couldn’t even look at him. All his words were the same, excuses for why he didn’t tell her. She pushed past him. Her name flying off his lips resembled daggers, which lodged themselves into her back.

Stepping out of the courtroom, she was bombarded by a mob of microphones, phones, and cameras.

Ms. Bishop, you seemed caught off guard by the witness, were you?

Ms. Bishop, do you think your romantic relationship is getting in the way of your defense of Mr. Knight?

Ms. Bishop, how did you not know about this?

Ms. Bishop, were you hiding this information to protect Mr. Knight? Are you covering for him?

Ms. Bishop, how do you feel knowing you’ve been dating a murderer?

Saliva began to flood her mouth. The barrage of flashes disrupted her equilibrium, causing her to stumble as she descended the stairs. The questions were in hot pursuit. The reporters continued following her as she raced toward her car. Reaching it, her fingers scraped against the bottom of her purse in an effort to find her keys.

***

Clifford sprinted towards the wall of people. He was fighting his way to the center when they suddenly began to spread. In the gaps, he was able to see that she was hunched over, making him more aggressive in his pushes. His anger grew upon hearing people referring to him as a murderer. Finally reaching her, he stepped around the puddle of orange.

Weak, her pushes did nothing. She slapped his hands away. “I’m fine. I just got dizzy.”

“You’re not fine. I’m taking you to the hospital.”

“Leave me alone.”

Scooping her in his arms, he hadn’t made it far when his town car pulled next to the curb.

***

Mia’s eyes stung after she opened them. Clifford awoke after she tipped the cup over. “I can get it, go back to sleep.”

He poured the water and handed it to her. “How are you feeling?”

“Misled.” She let her head fall into the pillows after drinking. “I’m tired.”

“You passed out on the way here. Why didn’t you tell me you weren’t feeling well? I could’ve talked to the judge.”

“Why didn’t you tell me about your dad.” She looked at him after he went silent. “You said you told me everything.” Though she recognized the pain on his face, she couldn’t bring herself to feel sorry for him. “I’m your lawyer, you’re supposed to tell me sh*t like that. There’s no telling what else you left out.” She slapped the bed. “Where’s my purse? I need my phone.”

“You need to rest.”

“Don’t you dare tell me what I need to do.”

“Mia, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you but—”

“You chose to lie. You’re probably lying about the money too.” She paused for a moment after pulling herself into a seated position. Her glare was more than enough warning to keep his hands to himself. She shuffled across the room, her purse falling to the floor after she pulled out her phone.