Page 69 of A Trial of the Heart
In a swift motion, Judge Fairbanks picked up his gavel and smacked it against the wood on the podium “Mr. Whitlock, you have been a counselor in my courtroom before and know I will not tolerate any outbursts of any sort. You will have your chance to speak, and now is not the time,” He reprimanded.
The judge wasn’t even speaking to me, yet I felt the need to adjust in my seat and press my lips together so that not even my breathing would be heard.
Like a child having a tantrum, Arthur flopped back into his seat while mumbling things that even I didn’t understand being that I was so close, so I was sure no one else did either.
“Mr. Jackson, please continue.”
Feeling someone looking my way, I automatically assumed it was Rashad, which prompted me to look his way. As expected, Rashad’s eyes were on me. He didn’t speak, and a blank expression covered his features, yet his intriguing, dark brown eyes glimmered. Offering Rashad a smile, I looked away to focus back on his defense attorney.
“Thank you, Your Honor,” Mr. Jackson said. Amusement laced his tone. He looked over his shoulder at us with a smirk on his face before turning back to face Judge Fairbanks. “As I had previously stated before I had been interrupted, Your Honor, we’re requesting a dismissal.”
“What are the reasons for the request? And it better be good since it was stated that it was such an urgent matter.”
“Your Honor, if I may present to the court exhibit A of a signed and notarized letter from an undisclosed witness that my client was wrongfully charged. In fact, said witness stated that the charges were fabricated.”
“Objection!” William shouted as he stood just as roughly as his father had. I guess it was like father, like son.
I sat quietly, not because I didn’t have a say, but because I was shocked so many lies were attached to this case. I had never really concluded with what I’d do with the information Anita had given me, but it was clear I didn’t have to make any moves.
“Mr. Jackson, allow me to review the evidence before I can decide if I will allow it.” Judge Fairbanks seemed extremely over the circus that was unfolding in his courtroom.
“Permission to approach?” Jackson asked.
Instead of a response, Judge Fairbanks waved his arms in annoyance, giving him the go head to approach the bench.
The courtroom was as quiet as a catholic church during mass as we awaited Judge Fairbanks denial or approval. Finally looking up, Judge Fairbanks pulled his glasses from his face. “I’ll allow it.”
Rashad’s team seemed to cheer in happiness while William and Arthur both groaned, expressing how unhappy they were with the decision. The commotion from both sides subsided simply from Judge Fairbanks’ expression.
“Your Honor, I would like to give the plaintiffs a copy of said evidence.” Mr. Jackson was already headed our way. William nor Arthur moved in to take the document, so I took it. I didn’t even need to read over it because, though I hadn’t spoken up, I had a good idea what the paper said and who the witness was.
“Your Honor, in addition to the undisclosed witness’ testimony I would now like to present to the court exhibit B, which is a video of an unknown woman saying how she would have my client framed.”
“Objection!” William and Arthur both shouted in unison.
“Your Honor, at this point, I feel as though the defendant and his team are wasting the court’s time and could possibly be utilizing said witnesses from their own team to get out of a trial.”
“Your Honor, by no means would myself or my team jeopardize our licenses to fabricate anything. Any evidence we’re presenting this morning is valid and was given to us under oath,” Mr. Jackson spoke in a calm tone.
“You better not be wasting time with some fabricated evidence.”
Judge Fairbanks didn’t speak right away. Instead, he seemed to be pondering on what to do. “I’ll allow it. However, Mr. Jackson, tread lightly. If I feel as though this video evidence is a waste of the court’s time, you will regret ever requesting to see me before hours.”
“Your Honor, I object the viewing of the video. Mr. Jackson is presenting evidence that we haven’t been made aware of, and as you stated, how do we know it’s from a creditable source? At this point, it seems as if Mr. Jackson is trying to discredit my team and their work by bringing in evidence from an unknown source,” Arthur spoke.
It was almost comical watching Arthur in action; I’d never seen him so adamant about any case and surely not one that I sat in on. It was obvious he knew he was about to be exposed, and he wasn’t going down without a fight.
“Have a seat.”
“Your Honor!”
Judge Fairbanks raised his gavel, banging it harder than needed. “Arthur Whitlock, I advise you to have a seat, or else I will hold you in contempt and the evidence being presented will be the least of your worries.” He spoke firmly.
Arthur’s pale skin took on a deep hue of red, and his beady eyes bounced around the courtroom. Huffing, Arthur once again took his seat. This time, he sat back so forcefully that he almost caused his chair to tip back. He was surely in rare form.
“Today, Mr. Jackson.” Judge Fairbanks redirected his attention back to him.
With a smile and extra pep in his step, Mr. Jackson walked toward the small TV and wheeled it toward the front so everyone could see. Sitting there watching him was so nostalgic it felt like I was in grade school, and my teacher was wheeling the TV to the front of the class for us to watch a movie.
