The Game

Chapter 59

Serena

Have you ever felt like all life was being sucked out of you? Feeling like someone was choking you and you are going to die? Well that's how I feel right now. The judge is looking through some papers and there's a total silence in the court. Dean is sitting at the other side with his lawyer. His brother is there too, he's sitting behind him. Dean didn't look at me once. His brother however, gave me the deadliest stare ever.

The judge looks up, presents the case and then David stands up.

"Your honor, we find the defendant guilty in one account of statutory rape. Not only did Mr. Willis have intercourse with Miss Valanté, but he did it on his working shift. Let me remind the jury that Miss Valanté was fifteen at this certain time. We are talking about a civil force of state, who is supposed to prevent and detect crime as well as uphold the law, who in this case completely and utterly made a mockery out this law. " David says. He is so different right now, all serious and formal. Dean's lawyer stands up and looks at the judge. "Your honor, there are no proof that they slept together. My client isn't guilty of any of their charges. He did meet her, but the accusation is not valid. And let me remind you, Mr. James that Miss Valanté indeed was 15, but told my client she was 19- she was driving her dad's stolen car on the influence of alcohol and had no license."

"As you can see Jury, the defense lawyer is doing my job for me. Mr. Henson, that is exactly my point. This girl was drunk driving, she was using a fake ID which is very easy to spot as an officer. He could have background checked her, but instead - well we all know how the story ends. Like I've said - Mr. Willis is responsible for upholding this law, so at all means it's crucial for this case why he let her get away. I think we in the courtroom all know why he let her go."

"Mr. James- as I recall it- you or anyone else have no proof that he slept with her. So on what grounds are you charging him for something you can't back up?"

"I have several witnesses who can testify that Serena Valanté told her family, that these rumors indeed are true. Let's assume she did not sleep with him, why would she be staying at a stranger's house for several days?"David folds his arms and wait for a response.

"Mr. Willis did meet Miss Valanté that night, they talked for hours and he let her go. She saw him at the station where she was detained and they started talking again. He saw she had problems because of some lies, because of him and he let her stay. That's what a decent person would do when they meet a crying girl all alone on the beach." He says. I am surprised how convincing he sounds. I almost believe it's a lie.

"Mr. Henson the sad truth is, that a lot of men would have done the same thing for all the wrong reasons. Mr. Willis I call you too take the stand." David says and walks back to his desk. Oh god this is what I was scared of. I really don't want him to sit in that chair. All eyes on him. He slowly gets up and I can see how much he's struggling to keep calm. Once he sits, David walks over to him.

"Mr. Willis, do you solemnly swear that you will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God " The judge says and looks at him.

"Yes.." He says looking briefly at me and I can see how much he hates me for this.

"Mr. Willis. I will ask you this once, and let me remind you that you are under oath. And if you lie, consequences will follow. As a police officer I expect you to have the decency to tell the truth. Did you have intercourse with Serena Valanté that night?" David asks as he rests his hands on the counter. Dean is under so much pressure right now. I can see how his eyes wander in the room then down. He looks like he's going to confess everything, my heart starts beating faster and I am holding my breath.