LAW SHADOWS

CHAPTER 14

Amelia's POV

I rushed to my table, ignoring Edward's concerned gaze, and addressed the court firmly.

"Your Honor, I'd like to call Richmond to the stand."

There was a murmur of surprise in the room as Richmond, a small boy no older than six, hesitantly made his way to the witness stand. The judge's eyes narrowed, and her tone was sharp.

"A child?" Judge Agnes asked, her voice carrying a note of skepticism, though I sensed something more—a hint of tension.

"Yes, Your Honor," I replied. "Richmond witnessed something important. His mother kept him from testifying earlier because he was traumatized by what he saw, but he's ready now."

Judge Agnes hesitated for a moment, her fingers tapping the bench. "Very well," she said, her voice tight. "Proceed."

I knelt slightly to meet Richmond's eyes, trying to ease his nerves. "Richmond, sweetheart, don't be scared. We're just trying to help Uncle William be happy again. You want that, don't you?"

He nodded timidly, his small face filled with uncertainty.

"Great! You just need to tell us what you saw, okay? Can you do that for me?"

He nodded again, a little stronger this time. "Okay..."

"Good. Now, did you see anyone in Uncle William's apartment that day?"

Richmond hesitated, fidgeting with his hands. "No... But I saw someone inside. Uncle William made a cat door in his door so I can see through it and pull the rope to open the door."

The room buzzed with whispers. The tension was mounting, but I needed Richmond to stay calm.

"That's really clever, Richmond. And who did you see inside the apartment?"

"It was a tall woman, sitting on the couch." His voice was quiet, but clear.

"And what was the woman doing?" I asked gently.

Richmond hesitated again, his small hands shaking. "Uncle William...he was on the floor...calling for help. The woman...she was laughing, and then she walked toward the candle."

The courtroom erupted in shocked whispers. I could feel the growing sense of tension.

"Enough!" Judge Agnes's voice cut through the air, her face pale and her hands gripping the edge of the bench. "This is absurd! We cannot allow the testimony of a child to determine the outcome of this case. His account is unreliable!"

Her sudden outburst sent a shockwave through the room. Everyone turned to look at her, surprised by her aggression.

"Your Honor, with all due respect, Richmond is telling the truth," I responded, keeping my voice calm despite the judge's attempt to shut down the testimony. "Please allow him to finish."

Judge Agnes's lips tightened into a thin line, but she nodded begrudgingly. "Proceed, but make it quick."

I turned back to Richmond, who was visibly trembling now. "It's okay, Richmond. You're doing great. Can you tell us who the woman was? Is she here in the courtroom?"

Before I could finish my sentence, Judge Agnes slammed her gavel down. "This is inappropriate! The child is too young to understand—"

Richmond suddenly pointed across the room, his small finger shaking as it pointed directly at the bench.

"It's her!" Richmond cried, his voice shaking with fear. "The woman was her!"

The entire courtroom gasped, eyes widening in shock as they turned to face Judge Agnes. My heart pounded in my chest. I had hoped for this to reveal the truth, but seeing it unfold like this left me stunned.