Home Is With You

43 • Wolf in Sheep Clothing

Jeremy's pov

To say I was a ball of nerves was a understatement. But I tried to remain stoic as Homer glared around the room in scrutiny. I watched as the bailifs strides to the front of the courtroom.

"All rise. Court is now in session. The honorable Judge Mackins presiding. Case number 10638 - AZ, Gorman verses Simmons" He said loudly as we waited for the judge to take a seat. She was a older woman, well into her 60's, but her face was devoid of emotions.

"Mr. Simmons you are being charged with multiple counts of rape, bribery, harassment and going AWOL. How do you plead?" She asks. "I plead the fifth, your honor." He says from across the room sending chills down my back.

"You all may be seated. Give your opening statements." She says looking to his lawyer first. The clicking of heels resonated around the room as his lawyer walked to the jury.

"Ladies and gentlemen of this jury. Rape is a sexual act done without consent. But I will prove today no act of rape was done. Not years ago, not yesterday, not today. My client is a innocent man, who served his country. This man should be praised
a war hero. Not a rapist. This man comes from a well off family. A good home. Lets make sure we don't condemn a innocent man." She said as she gestured to him. Glancing over at Homer, his face is set in stone but his hands remained clenched around his pen.

"Everyone of the jury please take a look to the right side of the courtroom. Mr. Simmons looks very put together. That's a fresh pressed suit, shiny shoes, expensive watch. He looks like a exemplary person, a excellent friend, a great son, a wonderful brother. A amazing partner. What if I told you that Mr. Simmons was nothing but a wolf in sheep clothing? During this trial I will show you everything that this man has tried to hide from public eye. He used his name and daddy's money to weasel his way out of every problem. Today he would be held responsible and accountable for his past and current actions." Max said as paced the courtroom before sitting down.

"Call your first witness Ms. Varges."

"Your honor, I call Richard Simmons to the stand."

Watching as he get sweared in I can't help but have this boiling rage in the pit of my stomach. He looked like he put aoy of work into his appearance. 

"Mr. Simmons do you know the defendant?" Ms. Vargas asked gesturing to me. "Yes. That's Jeremy Gorman. We were roommates back in the air force academy. But then we became partners. " He said glancing at me to which I looked down shamefully.

"Pick your head up sweetheart. There is nothing to be ashamed of. He can't hurt you here. If anything he should be ashamed and he will be." Homer whispered in my ear. Lifting my head up I almost cry as I see Homer's comforting smile.

These past couple of days, Homer has been my rock. My shoulder to cry on. He's so good to me but good for me. I couldn't be more grateful. God gave me this man and I be damned if I won't cherish him for all he's worth. I wanted to kiss him, hug him, shit I wanted to give him the best fucking sex of his life. But I controlled myself. Looking at him I gave a small reassuring smile.

"When you all became partners did you ask permission? Or rather with anything that was done during the time was consensual?" Ms. Vargas implied. "Yes ma'am it was. Anything we did was completely consensual." He said having a far away look in his eye.

"Did Mr. Gorman ever say no? In any sense? During sex? Quality time?"She asked. "No he didn't." He replied before she sat down indicating it was Max's turn.

"Just to be clear your name is Richard Simmons correct." Max questioned. "Yes it is." He said. "Must be a coincidence. But this paper says you changed your name almost immediately after you went AWOL in 1999. To Gene Winslow. Why is that?" Max asked as he tapped the podium.

"I wanted to get of my father's shadow. I wanted to do something for myself for once." He said. "Wanted to do something for yourself. It says here that when you took the ASVAB you got a 15. Which for those who don't know that's reading comprehension. You did mechanical comprehension the air force which requires a 25 or better. You can see my confusion. So how did you get to do mechanical work?" Max asked as he crossed his arms.

"My father put a word in with the agent at the time." He said his eyes glazing across the jury. "Mr. Simmons during what year did you and my client start your relationship?" Max asked. "Early in the 90's. I want to say possibly 1992." He said. "How long did your relationship last with Mr. Gorman?" Max asked. "Two years." He said with finality.

"No further questions at this time." Max said as he sat down. "Mr. Simmons how would you describe your relationship with the defendant?" Ms. Vargas asked as she got up. "I would say we were both young and inexperienced. But at that time we loved each other very much so. Yes we had arguments but nothing to deserve these allegations." He said.

"Sounds like you respected and adored him. Would you ever have done anything to cause harm or distress the defendant?" She asked. "No. It would hurt me to see him cry." He replied as he fake sniffled.

I roll my eyes in annoyance. Last time I checked he got off on my pain. Seeing a glass of water being pushed in front of me. I look to Homer who mouths "Calm down" as I take a sip.

"Just one more question. Did you ever rape Mr. Gorman? Did it ever go to far?" Ms. Vargas asked. "No I didn't." He replied bored. "Thank you. That will be all your honor." She said before sitting down.

"Mr. Simmons you may step down. We will go on a hour recess. While we are out jury I advise you to not speak of this court case." Judge Mackins called out as she swiftly hit her gavel.