ODDS OF LOVE - SEASON THIRTEEN

Episode 59

Paul Paterson stood up from the prosecutor's table and buttoned his suit jacket, moving towards the jury box. He asked briskly," Please state your name for the record , ma'am."

LuLu smiled charmingly at the handsome young White man and batted her overly made up eyes as she replied," LuLu Simms. It's pronounced Salmon though. "

Paul looked stunned as the onlookers began to giggle loudly in their seats.

Keisha cut her eyes at her brother who sat beside her and whispered," Didn't you used to date her? You told me that during the Lane trial when she was the so called" star witness ".

Jeremiah avoided her eyes, saying back," I plead the fifth. " Keisha rolled her eyes at him and shook her head. Jeremiah whispered back," Bullet Lane."

Winston rolled his eyes. He remembered his own brief experience dating the woman before he came out and suddenly realized how truly lucky he was to have Joe.

Richard banged his gavel sharply. " Order in the court please. And for the record of the court Simms is pronounced Salmon. If I hear Salmon in my court during this trial there will be a contempt charge. Thank you. "

LuLu flushed red as Paul asked ," Mrs.....Simms , are you a resident of Prince George's County? "

" Yes , sir. I live in Hyattsville with my wonderful husband Jonah who sells gag gifts and is an excellent provider for me and our five children. He's also Black American. I am also officially registered to vote. I'm a registered Republican. Jonah is a Republican too. "

Paul smiled weakly. " Very good, ma'am. Have you heard anything in particular about this case ? "

LuLu laughed lightly. " Well , of course ! Who hasn't? It's all they talk about on LifeChapters and Buzz. Buzz is the new Twitter alternative you know. "

Paul fought the sudden urge to roll his eyes at her. " You don't say, ma'am. Do you have a particular opinion on this case? Are you able to listen to the proceedings and come to a rational unbiased opinion on the guilt or innocence of the defendant? "

LuLu nodded. " Of course. I am very serious about my civic duty as Judge Norland told us to be. "

Paul looked at Richard. " The state of Maryland accepts this juror for the duration of the trial, your honor. "

As he returned to his seat Claire Lowen whispered in the ear of Marcus Simms who nodded. Claire stood and approached the jury box. " Mrs. Simms , is it? Are you positive you can remain unbiased to my client in this matter? "

LuLu smiled at the other woman but not as prettily as to the male state's attorney. " Of course. Why wouldn't I be able to ? She's entitled to a proper defense as much as anyone who is accused of a crime. It's the American way after all. "

Claire smiled thinly. " The defense has no issue with this juror , your honor. "

Richard nodded. " Juror number eight is accepted. "

LuLu smiled widely at Richard. " Thank you , your worship. "

The onlookers again burst into laughter including this time Keisha Duncan. Even Lazarus felt his lips twitching slightly with humor. Richard ran his hand over his face as Betsy reached into her desk drawer for a bottle of extra strength aspirin which she silently went over to place by his hand. Richard smiled gratefully at her.