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Non Peccavimus #MysteryFriday

I glanced at my wristwatch. Ten minutes late. My right foot rapidly tapping on the floor as my heartbeat increased. My palm became moist as I wiped the sweat that trickled down my face.

"Will you calm down?" Mrs. Ibrahim whispered to me. "There must be a good reason why she isn't here yet."

"Good reason? Judge Humblebee is never late. Never!" I wiped my sweaty palms on my pants. The whooshing sound of the air conditioner was not helping me calm down.

The court reporter sat next to the empty Judge's bench writing God knows what on her note pad. The court clerk excessively tapping on his phone as a frown gradually formed on his face. Could he be calling the Judge? The jurors chatted with themselves like they had no care in the world.

Chairs creaked as the people adjusted in their seats. Some people among the crowd whispered amongst themselves, probably wondering where the judge was.

"There is always a first time for everything," Mrs. Ibrahim said.

"Of course, it had to be today. My first day alone in court." I wanted to scream badly, but I controlled myself. This was after all a courtroom.

Mrs. Ibrahim patted my shoulders. "I know you will do well. I trust the decision of Olsen and Jacobi Law firm."

I scoffed. "Don't be quick to sing praises about them. They only took your case because you are one of their wealthy clients." Her eyes widened.

"They couldn't risk one of their top notch lawyers losing. So, they sent me, the underdog. Fresh meat. Just out of Law school. Basically, I'm being served on a platter to the shark. The shark being Mr. Prosecutor over there, Mr. Lombardi has proven to be a formidable force," I said.

Mr. Lombardi's face could be likened to a stone; expressionless. As if he knew I was talking about him, he turned and smirked, and then his face returned to neutral.

"I prepared well for this case. He won't know what hit him." I smiled.

I took a deep breath and did a little shake. Then Judge Humblebee walked in. Showtime.

"All rise for the honorable Judge Humblebee," the court clerk called.

As Judge Humblebee took her seat, she said, "I apologize for being late."

As everyone sat, the Judge commanded, "The case of Joan Ibrahim vs. the state of New York will now begin."

"Mr. Caine," the court clerk called.

I adjusted my suit as I stood up, then walked over to the jurors. "How many of you have ever been abused or have a relative that has been abused?"

Two jurors raised their hands. "I move to strike Jurors twelve and five," I said to the Judge.

"You may be excused. Thank you for your time and service," the Judge said to Jurors twelve and five.

I turned to the remaining jurors. "Acceptable to the defense, your Honor."

"Mr. Lombardi?" the Judge asked.

"Acceptable, your Honor," He said as he stood up.

"It looks like we have a Jury," Judge Humblebee said, shuffling some papers.

When I returned to my seat, Mrs. Ibrahim whispered to me, "Why would you remove those two jurors? They would understand where I am coming from and have pity on me."

"They might pity you at first but later find you guilty. They understand what it means to be abused. So, they are likely to think that you are capable of killing your husband to get away from the abuse," I replied.