This Kiss

Chapter 108

The Spencer-Rivera clan re-entered the court room and took their seats next to Mel and Doris. Ava leaning forward with a hand on Natalia's shoulder and Rafe holding tight to Olivia. Frank was brought back in and sat next to his lawyer and then the judge came in. Everyone rose as he entered and then retook their seats. The judge shuffled some papers and then looked down at the prosecution table.

"Is the prosecution ready with their first witness?"

Mel stood and straightened her jacket. "Yes your honor. The prosecution calls Mrs. Natalia Spencer-Rivera to the stand."

Natalia stood and gave Ava a sad smile. She kissed Rafe's cheek and whispered that it was all going to be okay. Olivia grabbed her hand and gave it a quick squeeze in support and then Natalia walked to the witness box and stepped inside. The bailiff came and had her swore in and had her state her name for the record. Then Mel stood before her.

Mel could tell that Natalia was nervous as she watched her fiddle with the hem of her suit jacket. And refuse to look in Frank's direction. "Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, could you explain for the court how you came to be acquainted with the defendant, Mr. Cooper."

"When I first came to Springfield I took a job at his father's restaurant, Company, and later moved into the boarding house above the restaurant with my son, after my husband, Nicky, died. Frank became a friend of mine. He was very supportive and helpful after Nicky died."

"So, he was a friend of yours? Someone you trusted and came to rely on?"

"Yes. He was. All of the Coopers were like family to me."

"And did you ever have more than a friendship with Mr. Cooper?"

"I don't think so no. We had dinner once, last January, out at my house, but nothing more came of it."

"So, you didn't have a romantic relationship with the defendant?"

"No. As I said, Frank was a friend of mine, but nothing more. Shortly after we had dinner, I told him I didn't want more then friendship from him, that I was in love with someone else."

"And how did he take that news?"

"Objection!" Mr. Carter shouted. "This line of questioning has nothing to do with the events in question."

Mel turned toward the judge and stated with confidence. "I am merely trying to paint a picture of the events that led up to that fateful night. Mr. Cooper is being charged for several incidences that happened before then and I believe the only way for the jury to be able to come to an informed decision is if we start at the beginning."

"I'll allow it. Objection overruled."

Mr. Carter sat back down with a huff. This line of questioning isn't what he was expecting and it was going to make his cross examination very difficult.

Mel cleared her throat and continued. "Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, how did Mr. Cooper react when you informed him you weren't seeking anything more than friendship form him?"

"He was upset. I told him at Company one evening. He had mistaken my wanting to speak with him to be a date and when I told him I wasn't looking for a relationship with him, he grabbed my arm and refused to let go. I eventually just yanked my arm away and walked out of the restaurant."

"Can you give us a brief walk-through of what occurred between yourself, your family, and the defendant up until the night of your wife's attack?"

Frank bristled at hearing Olivia referred to as Natalia's wife. Natalia chanced a glance at him and shuttered at the look of hatred coming from him. She took a deep breath and sought out her wife's eyes. When she found the deep green she loved so much, she relaxed a little and turned her attention to Mel, ready to continue.