THE BLACK WIDOW

CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

The Rogers' case became the latest hot news, and it found expression in diverse fields: legal, corporate, gossip columns and tabloids... it was eaten up like wildfire, and Sonia's face became even more famous. Many painted her as the victim who married into the wrong family. Several Christian talk shows and blogs on relationships and marriage used Sonia's story to illustrate what it means to marry right, God's will in marriage, as well as in-law issues. However, some labeled her as 'bad luck' and accused her of ruining the happy empire. Pictures of the entire family, including that of the late Michael was dug up and were used to market newspapers, blogs and generate viewership.

Mrs. Rogers' trial started in November 2015, and the journalists were waiting to get the full gist from the court room. The case became even more interesting when Jakes Olumide and his men were brought in as State witnesses to Mrs. Rogers' numerous atrocities. Sonia was to take the stand on the next court date, and while the Moses' family were having family devotion one evening, Margaret visited them. Sonia took her to the kitchen so they could talk. They sat down comfortably on the dining chair set in the kitchen. Sonia got her a cup of apple juice, and Margaret collected it with gratitude.

Sonia sighed as she waited for her to finish her drink. Margaret looked slimmer and pale. Her cheerful personality was gone, and her eyes were sad. Her curly hair was in a neat bun, and her smile was almost none existent. She looked very much in control of her emotions, but Sonia knew it was all a façade. The young girl was breaking inside. After she was done, she looked at Sonia and busted into tears. Sonia had to hold her for almost five minutes because she was wailing loudly. When she was ready to talk, she managed a smile, and started questioning Sonia.

"Do you love my family?" She asked in a small voice.

"What a question! You know I love you." Sonia replied confidently.

Margaret smiled again.

"Then, don't testify against mother."

Sonia was thrown off. This cannot be happening.

"Maggie, you know I can't do that." Sonia replied.

"You can't or you won't?" Margaret challenged.

Sonia sighed heavily, "Your aunt killed your brother Maggie, and your mother almost killed me, and kidnapped JR. Your mother sent men to rape and kill me; sent men to assault Caroline, and set my fire's store on fire."

"I know all that," Margaret thundered. This outburst shocked Sonia, but she remained calm.

"I can't lose my mum Sonia! Michael is gone, and dad is suffering."

"And all of that is your mother's doing Maggie," Sonia replied softly. "This is a State case sis. This is a lost battle. You and I know your mum was going to reap all she sowed."

Margaret got up suddenly, moved to the kitchen cabinet and grabbed a knife, and pointed it at Sonia. Her eyes were fierce, and she meant business.

Sonia got up, and stepped back,

"What are you doing?" she gulped.

"If you die, there would be no witness for your case, and mum will go free. She's evil... but she is still my mother! Dad is a mere shadow of himself and that can change."

"I get that, but drop that knife Maggie. Your mother would still go to prison even without my testimony." Sonia pleaded with her.

"No!" Margaret screamed.

Right then, the door of the kitchen opened and Mr. Rogers came in with his sister Beverly.

"What are you doing?" He shouted.