Embers of Betrayal

Chapter 33: gruelling court journey

After the recess...

The courtroom is filled with tension as the trial resumes after a brief recess. The judge returns to his seat, and the spectators settle back into their places, anticipation evident on their faces. Bernadette Lacuesta Cuevas remains seated at the witness stand, her expression one of composure mixed with underlying anxiety.

Judge: (knocks the gavel) Court is back in session.

Bernadette back on the witness stand...

Judge: The prosecution may proceed with its line of questioning.

Atty. Santos : The accused swear under same oath.

Judge: Direct?

Atty. Santos: No more direct, your honor.

Judge: Proceed for cross.

Prosecutor:(rises from her seat and approaches the witness stand)
Thank you, Your Honor.

Prosecutor:Mrs. Cuevas, would you say that finding your husband in bed with another woman would naturally incite anger?

Bernadette: (softly)Yes, it would... it did.

Prosecutor: And isn't it true that in that anger, you could have intended to kill?

Bernadette: No! I swear, I didn't want to kill anyone. I was just... I was just so hurt.

Prosecutor: But you had a gun, and you pulled the trigger, didn't you?

Bernadette:(tearfully) Yes, but it wasn't... it wasn't on purpose. The gun w as not intended for them. I didn't know what I was doing.

Prosecutor: Mrs. Cuevas, you were in possession of a firearm on the night of the incident. Could you tell the court whether or not you own this gun?

Bernadette: Yes. The gun is mine. I have owned it for several years.

Prosecutor: And this gun, Mrs. Cuevas, is it licensed?

Bernadette:Yes, it is. I have a license to own and possess the firearm.

Prosecutor: (turning to the judge and then back to Bernadette) Mrs. Cuevas, could you clarify for the court whether you also have a permit to carry this firearm outside of your residence?

Bernadette:Yes, I do. I have a permit to carry the firearm outside my residence.

Prosecutor: And why did you feel the need to have a gun in your possession, Mrs. Cuevas?

Bernadette: I... I lived in a relatively secluded area, Your Honor. My husband, Maxim, often traveled for work, and I was frequently alone at home. We thought it was necessary for our safety. Aside from the fact that I was kidnapped for ransom that cost bith my parents' lives years back, and still I am on the list of kidnapabbles...For my protection , sir.

Prosecutor: And was the gun always loaded, Mrs. Cuevas?

Bernadette: Yes, it was. For safety reasons, in case of an emergency. (pauses, thinking carefully) I... I had always kept it close to me and loaded in case the situation demands. I never thought I would use it in such a way. It was just with me, easily accessible. In that moment, I wasn't thinking clearly. I just acted.

The prosecutor nods, seemingly unfazed but she continues pressing.

Prosecutor: So, you were familiar with the handling and operation of this firearm?

Bernadette: Yes, I was. I had taken safety courses when we first acquired it, and I knew how to use it responsibly.

Prosecutor: But on that night, you chose to use it in a moment of emotional distress, correct?