Page 70 of A Trial of the Heart
“Permission to press play, Your Honor?”
“I’d hope it was today as I do have other court cases to oversee during normal business hours.”
Before he even pressed play, an uneasy feeling took over, and I found myself looking in Rashad’s direction, but unlike before, he wasn’t looking my way. In fact, it seemed like he wasavoiding my eye contact. Swallowing hard for unknown reasons, I redirected my attention back to the TV, awaiting the evidence. The gasp that slipped from my full lips the second the video started caused everyone to look my way. It was Anita and I in the video the first day I met her.
“Objection!” William stated. “This evidence is inadmissible as we do not know the other party on the tape!”
Even I knew that was a bullshit objection, but it was no longer my case, so I sat embarrassed that I worked for and was representing such a place.
“Overruled,” Judge Fairbanks stated quickly, dismissing William.
Everyone except Arthur and William focused back to the video while the two of them glared at me in disappointment. With teary eyes, I looked Rashad’s way, and he kind of shrugged before turning his attention back to the video. I had to pinch myself as the conversation between Anita and I unfolded in the courtroom. Seconds after that video ended, Lauryn was seen on camera having a conversation with someone we couldn’t see nor truly make out their voice. Within seconds, Lauryn incriminated herself by basically saying she was a bitter ex and wanted to get Rashad back and she knew just how to do it. She did everything except confess inside the courtroom, pretty much proving Rashad’s innocence. The video concluded with me and Anita in her home. I’d been played for sure.
“Your Honor, that concludes the evidence we have.” Mr. Jackson spoke up, pressing stop on the video.
The side of my face felt like it was on fire from the holes Arthur and William were staring into the side of it. I felt so small sitting there. I didn’t want Rashad to be found guilty, but I had been put in between a rock and a hard place. It was either him or the job I desperately needed. It wasn’t my proudest moment,and I knew Rashad would hate me, and I didn’t blame him. I hadn’t liked myself much lately.
“At this time, Your Honor, with the evidence presented this morning, I am asking on behalf of my client, Mr. Kyan Carter, that the charges brought against him be dismissed. The evidence presented today proves no crime was committed… at least by my client.”
“Mr. Whitlock, is there any word from the district attorney’s office to refute the claims?”
Honestly, it wouldn’t matter what evidence we may have had. Rashad had already won his case based on Lauryn’s recorded words. With a glare of pure hate my way, William stood and adjusted his cheap suit before his eyes shifted to the judge.
“At this time, the district attorney’s office rests.” He spoke somberly.
Even if I hadn’t been on that tape, Lauryn admitted to lying and the premeditation of setting Rashad up.
“At this time I have no choice but to dismiss the charges against Mr. Carter.” Judge Fairbanks slipped his glasses back on his face before peering over the top in Rashad’s direction. “Mr. Carter, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Virginia I would like to offer a heartfelt apology for putting you through such a stressful time. I know my words won’t give back the time you lost, but I hope that you can accept the apology on my behalf.”
“Thank you, sir.” Rashad’s deep commanding voice seemed to reverberate off the walls.
“At this time, this case is dismissed. Court is adjourned.” He banged his gavel before standing like fire had been set under his ass.
“All rise!” the bailiff shouted.
We all did as we were instructed. Once Judge Fairbanks was out of the courtroom and we were free to go, Arthur and Williams hurried out without a word or look my way. Standing,I unhurriedly grabbed my things. I knew I could kiss my job goodbye,
and based on how things played out, maybe even my license. The cards surely hadn’t fell in my favor.
Chapter
Thirty-Four
Rashad:
No matter how things seemed and how defeated I may have looked in life, I’d been taught early on how to be ten steps ahead of anyone. When Lauryn started showing signs of being psychotic during our relationship I started watching and being more careful with her. My downfall had been I’d let one too many things slip through the cracks. That’s how things had gotten as far as they had.
“Congratulations, man,” Barret said, dapping me up and pulling me into a brotherly hug once the judge was out of the courtroom.
“’Preciate that, man. You did all the work, so I should be saying congratulations to you.”
“Nah, nah. This was simply set perfectly, but it couldn’t have been done without you.” He beamed, and I slightly smiled as my eyes shifted behind him to Shiloh. My smile faded while admiring her. I hadn’t meant to involve her, but truth be told, Shiloh had been in over her head, and when she found out the truth and didn’t bring it to light, she became the enemy as well. I didn’t want to believe she knew the truth, but she had no reaction to the video, so it told me what I didn’t want to admit.
Barret turned slightly to follow where my eyes had settled before he chuckled. “Handle ya business, brother. We will be outside.”
He patted me on my back before motioning to him and Chauncey, another lawyer from his firm would be outside.My response to them was a slight nod. My eyes never shifted from Shiloh. With a hung head, Shiloh headed in my direction. She was either ignoring me or not paying attention. She almost passed without a look or word.
“Got a second?” I got her attention. Before the video of Anita and Shiloh was sent to me, I didn’t realize the connection between Lauryn and Shiloh. I’d sat on having Barret use that as evidence, but when Shiloh failed to speak of my innocence, I had to do what I had to do for me.
