Checkmate

43

"The ample amount of evidence gathered as we dove into this case supports Mr. Everett's accounts of the events that led to his brother's death. My client acted in self-defense. Regardless of whether his brother was having a manic episode at the time of the attack doesn't change the facts. A sick man remains a man, very capable of harming others. It's a shame that their dispute ended this way, but my client had no choice. Felix Everett was the one who violated the restraining order. He was the one who brought with him a concealed hunting knife and wheeled it around as he attacked my client in his residence. Brother or not, what would you have done?"

   Awaiting a verdict was always the most agonizing wait. In the past three weeks, I got to know Carton Everett, a forty-three-year-old businessman who was being persecuted for the murder of his younger brother, Felix Everett. With a long history of favoritism and bad blood between them, at the knowledge of his death, the family was convinced it was premeditated.

I, along with everyone else, however, believed otherwise.

   For the majority of the hearing, they played on Felix's mental instability. He'd been diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age thirteen and had at least eight manic episodes since then. This tactic could've worked if it wasn't for Carlton showing the complete opposite of what they painted him to be.

   The quarrels over their father's affection caused them to see each other more as competition rather than siblings. Eventually, Carlton noticed this and backed out of the family business to start his own company. Once he gained success, his decision was seen as a betrayal, and ever since, he's been at odds with the family.

"Ugh, what's taking them so long?" Akira whined as she paced back and forth before me.

"Any time now," I said confidently as I checked my watch.

   My attention soon went to my client and his girlfriend. They both seemed nervous. How could they not be? Carlton was scrutinized by his family for years and although it hurt and was very difficult, I doubt he ever believed it'd get this bad.

That's why familial bad blood makes me sick.

   I remember feeling so relieved when I found out Celine was childless. I never knew what it was like to be unconditionally loved then. Only to gain just an ounce of it, just a sample of affection, I had to present the best version of myself. If I couldn't, I'd rather not entertain the thought.

   Thinking of those early days, I smiled to myself. Celine had patience like no other. Jarred comes as a close second. I was still amazed by how much he put up with. I had my walls erected so high for so long, that I forgot I was just cruising through life, afraid to let anyone new see the cracks I failed to fill on my own.

"They have a verdict."

   Micky's words brought me out of my head. I stood and glanced at my client. I walked up to him and gave him a sympathetic smile. His red-rimmed eyes were dull. He looked so much older than he was. On the other side of him, his girlfriend linked their arms together. Then we entered the courtroom.

Mr. Everett and I stood right beside each other, him anxious for us both as a member of the jury opened the envelope.

My heartbeat was like a rhythmic banging in my ears, so loud that I almost didn't hear the words that came out of the young lady's mouth.

"... not guilty."

I smiled to myself, and then to my client.

With a weight off his shoulders, Mr. Everett crumpled to his seat. His girlfriend wrapped an arm around his neck, crying tears of joy. I gave his hand a firm squeeze when he looked at me.