Cover Story

Court

Standing outside the courthouse, Griff and I set up for the first broadcast of the morning. I don't think my smile could widen any more than it was.

"Girl you brighter than the sun with that big 'ol smile." Griff chuckles.

"I'm excited! This is gonna be my big break. This story is what all the newscasters want." I explain fixing my collar.

"All set up, we're going live in 10.. 9..8.." Griff counts out.

"Next we'll be going live to the courthouse in San Bernadino, where Bianca Rodgers is outside the courthouse awaiting the arrival of Conrad Murray." The anchor, Cara Mia directs to me.

"Hey Cara, I'm currently outside of the courthouse, at the entrance Conrad Murray will be entering at any moment. I'm told the Jackson family is already inside the courtroom and in their seats. There are fans lining the streets of the courthouse with different signs labeling Conrad a 'killer', 'murderer' and then there are Murray supporters across the street saying he's innocent... Murray will have heightened security escorting him inside because of the severities this case." A van pulls up beside Griff and I'm inclined to think it's Murray. He swiftly exits the vehicle and crosses into the entrance of the courthouse.

"Did you get it?!" I quietly ask Griff. He gives me a silent thumbs up.

"I'm gonna go and head inside before the trial starts. I'll have more at 6 tonight" I smile before going off air. I swiftly hand the mic to Griff. "You need help putting this stuff away?" I ask.

He shakes his head waving me off. "Go ahead. I've got it."

Once inside the courtroom, I quietly sit in the nearest seat in the back, writing the all the notes I can while the prosecution started their opening statements. The evidence they presented was pretty good I'd have to say. It was chilling to hear Michael Jackson's voice posthumously. I was never a big fan of Michael, but I had good enough sense to know he wasn't as bad as the media portrayed him. Even in an intoxicated state he wanted to help children. "I wanna make a hospital, with an arcade, for sick children.. Michael Jackson's children's hospital.." I hear the voice mumble.

Then a photo of his corpse was posted on the screen and it was honestly hard to look at. I don't think any human wants to be remembered that way. "Geez" I mumble.

After the judge called a recess for the day I sat back in the news truck to collect all my notes from the day.

"Cory called." Griff says as I scribbled on my notepad.

I groan, "what'd he want?"

"I don't know.." he shrugs.

I call Cory back reluctantly, "yeah you called"

"Oh yeah, you're doing a great job Bianca.." he began.

I smile, "Thanks, that's nice of you.."

"Just a quick pointer, unbutton your top button. Show some cleavage.. you're hot so you can get us more viewers." He continues arrogantly.

I scoff and hang up, "Ugh, you are such an ass." I don't know why he thinks if he becomes more of an ass, he has a chance with me. Who does he think he is?

"20 minutes til airtime." Griff announces hopping out of the truck. I touch up my lipstick and fluff my hair before helping Griff set up the tripod and hook in the wires. I plug in my earpiece and double check for lipstick stains on my teeth.

"Now we go to Bianca Rogers.."

"Thanks Cara, today was a hard day for the Jackson family, images of their deceased brother, son, father broadcasted on screen. But the jury got to have a small look into the mind of Michael Jackson even in an inebriated state he spoke of helping children, building a hospital and his fans deserving the best show he could give.. His voice was noticeably different, but what the prosecution questions was why Conrad Murray recorded the conversation. What was his motive? The defense has to answer to that when it gets to their chance to rebuttal. I'm Bianca Rogers for LA 11." I grin.

Griff gives me a high five after we put all of our things away. I do a double back to make sure everything is accounted for and bump into an individual walking past the news truck.

"Oh excuse me.." they respond, dropping their shades to the floor.

I pick up their shades and meet with their eyes. "No, I'm sorry... I wasn't looking." I smile before dropping my jaw.