Just Be True To Me

While walking back to the table, Mia saw all the faces of the people she loved—Milton, Tamara, her mother and father. She connected eyes with Clifford. She saw his belief and trust in her. Her confidence produced a golden glow around her, which halted the audience’s conversation, calling their attention as she walked by.

The judge banged his gavel. “Ms. Rosario, when you’re ready, you may start your closing statement.”

Mia was too caught up in envisioning her future after the trial to listen to a word. The images put her at ease, reinforcing the idea that no matter what happened, she’d already won. She pictured her and Clifford’s beautiful babies laughing helplessly as they chased the butterflies with Dale and Benji. She pictured waking up, only leaving the warmth of Clifford’s arms to enjoy a cup of coffee in the warmth of the sun. The images brought about questions of how long she would practice law. Though she’d never been one for traditional gender roles, Clifford’s money presented a modern take on the old arrangement.

“Ms. Bishop,” the judge said. “Ms. Bishop, are you ready?”

“Is she done already?”

The gallery laughed, her loved ones laughing the loudest.

She felt as if she was floating as she walked to stand in front of the jury box. A few of them smiled back at her. Closing her eyes, she breathed deep. Complete focus reigned supreme when she opened them again.

“If you don’t remember how this trial started, I’ll give you a quick run down.” She described how she’d called him a sleazebag and detailed all the gaps due to her not feeling so well. She reminded them of the revelation of various bits of shocking information. “I’m exhausted, so I know you all must be. I can tell you right now you deserve more than the minimum wage that you’re being paid. I’d like to take this moment to thank you for your dedication, your time, and your open mind.”

Three steps backward gave the jurors a complete look at her. Everything about Mia’s posture exuded confidence. Her gaze didn’t waver as she spoke.

“Prosecutor Rosario has done a good job of muddling what this trial is really about. I have no doubt that she’s successfully convinced many of you that my client is a murderer. Even if he was, that isn’t what this trial is about. This trial is about Mr. Knight’s handling of his company’s funds. More specifically, it’s about his character and the reputation that’s he’s so painstakingly built. From the ground up, might I add.”

“Objection,” Rosario said. “Can we keep this from dragging on please?”

“Overruled. You had your turn, Ms. Rosario, and we all sat through it.”

“I won’t be long, I promise,” Mia said, looking back at her. “What has been proven throughout this trial is how much my client, Mr. Knight, cares about the people he loves. He even tried to make a deal with Prosecutor Rosario, behind my back, to keep his mother from testifying. I, for one, am ecstatic that she didn’t take it.”

A few of the gallery agreed. Even Janet, flashing her teeth.

“In the time that I’ve spent with Mr. Knight, he’s proven himself to be nothing other than a stand up, passionate man. At the beginning of the trial, I called him a sleazebag. That was a preconception. Now I see him for what he really is. And it’s the same thing I know you all see when you look at him. And that is a man who used a tragedy that would break most of us to propel himself to a level of success that the majority of the world will never reach. All the while, he managed to continue to love the people and place that are constant reminders of that tragedy. I ask you wonderful people to see the strength and compassion that resides in this man. He didn’t hide any money. He didn’t murder anybody. But what he did do, is protect what he invested his heart and mind into. How can a man really be a man if we punish him for what he’s been called to do?”

Mia made sure to look all of the jurors in their eyes before walking back to her seat. Giddy, she forced herself to sit, pressing her thighs into the underside of the table to keep them from shaking.

The judge dismissed everyone after giving the jury their instructions.

Mia separated herself from the crowd, the full weight of her emotions hitting her, tears forcing themselves from her eyes. Her sobs gave way to laughter as she realized that she’d finished what she started. Two taps on her shoulder called for her attention.

Janet’s grey eyes bored into hers. She hugged her as soon as she stood. “Thank you so much.”

“You did most of the hard work for me.”

She held Mia’s face for a few seconds before hugging her again. The rest of the clan joined them, all of them taking turns to congratulate Mia on a job well done.

“The student has surpassed the teacher,” said Milton. He bowed three times.

The wait for the verdict seemed endless. Mia and Clifford found a spot where they could be alone. She said nothing as she rested in his arms.

“Is it wrong of me to want to take you in the bathroom,” he said.

“Yes, but only because I wouldn’t be able to be as loud as I want.”

“I’m so proud of you. Thank you for not giving up on me.” He held her tighter. “Thank you for not giving up on us.”

“Guess you made the right choice in not firing me.”

***

Mia was just waking up from a nap when a commotion began to build. After four hours, the jury was back.

The same excited tension filled the courtroom as it did when the day started. Mia and Clifford stood on the judge’s direction.

“On the count of money laundering and tax evasion, how do you find?”

“We the jury, find the defendant, Clifford Knight…not guilty on all counts.”

The room broke into an uproarious applause. Clifford lost all composure, grabbing Mia’s face and pulling her in for a long sloppy kiss. The gavel bangs were barely able to cut through the clapping and cheering, the judge threatening contempt. The celebration flowed into the hallway as court cleared out..

Rosario managed to catch Mia before she walked out. She offered her hand. “You did a great job.”

“I’ll be seeing you again.” Mia brushed past her, leaving her standing there with narrowed eyes and her mouth agape.

Clifford’s face glowed with pride as he held Mia’s hand. Per their usual routine, the press was ready with questions when they walked out of the building.

Ms. Bishop, was the case ever in doubt?

Ms. Bishop, that was an inspired closing remark, did your relationship have something to do with that?

Mr. Knight, was there ever any doubt that Ms. Bishop would get the job done?

Mr. Knight, will we be seeing more of you and your mother together?

He showed his command, silencing them by raising his hand. Clifford wrapped an arm around Mia’s waist, pulling her closer. “As you can guess, I’m more than happy with the outcome. And yes, I knew that Ms. Bishop and I would come out victorious. I have an announcement that I’d like to make.” He took both of her hands in his. “Mia, you have seen me through one of the hardest times in my life. You’ve rebuilt my ability to trust. To say the least, my life wouldn’t be the same without you.” He removed a small box from his pocket. “I’ve been secretive, which has almost ruined us, but it was for a good reason.”

Mia covered her mouth as he dropped to one knee. The sudden moisture burned her eyes and distorted her vision.

“I love you Mia Bishop and I want the world to know. Will you marry me?”

She nodded multiple times before her voice returned. “Yes.” Her legs flailed like Benji’s when he spun her around. Flashbulbs appeared all around them as they kissed.

“Mr. Knight, you’ve been exonerated and now you’re newly engaged,” a reporter asked. “What’s next?”

“It doesn’t matter as long as I have her.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her to the car. Inside, a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses were waiting for them. Pouring the glasses, he handed her one. “To us.”

“To forever.”

They shared a drink and kiss, the past fading into the rearview, the sun shining bright on the future ahead.

The end.