Short Stories

The Judge and Jury

It wasn't enough. Nothing I found could help him now, I would have to use what I know and the evidence to get him cleared. I stood outside the doors to the courtroom, the third trail since everything started, since he was convicted of a crime he did not commit. The doors were engraved with different designs, swirling and mixing together. I drew in a deep breath, calming my heart and mind. All my evidence was lined up, all the tracks to prove his innocence carved deep into my findings.

I push the door open, the hinges screeching in the silence the occupies the room.  Heads turned toward me, eyes taking me in. I felt the judgement of being young, of being a girl. The room was filled once again, the pews behind the closed gates littered with guests. Only a few, I could name. The others were people who I passed by during the days in town. Some were people I didn't even recognize.

His eyes made me want to stop and just look into them. Sapphire blue eyes sparkled when they met mine, full of trust and stress. His smile was bright, love radiant from his gaze. My heart started beating frantically, his gaze warming my whole being. My conscious warned me about being romantically involved with my client, but he was the reason I took this case.

The guard stood at the gate, his black beady eyes penetrating me. I stood tall, focusing my eyes in the center. I ignored the brilliant blue eyes as I walked to my seat with my head high. The prosecutor shook his head at me, leaning to whisper to his lawyer, my own competition.

I say down, laying my notebook and pen on the worn table. The man next to me, the love of my life, frowned at me, clearly agitated by the way I was behaving.

"All rise for the judge." A guard announced. We all stood, the room echoing with people clamoring and standing. The judge entered, his black robe falling in swift movements. His dark forest green eyes roamed the courtroom, raising his eyebrows. He took his seat and the rest followed. I sat, my eyes on the judge. Guilt waded through me as my research came back to me. It was going to scare him, the undeniable. But whoever was setting this man up, made it seem like he did commit the murder, the murder of a high school girl.

The judge cleared his throat, catching everyone's attention. "We are here on the behalf of the murder of Heidi McCoy. Marcus Lovett stands accused of these charges. Three months ago we started the trials, two trials and we have all evidence against you." He stared at Marcus with triumph at having the trails near an end. "What other evidence have you provided? Let's start with Miss Hanson."

I stood, my hands steady as I gripped the folder in my hands. The folder filled with the outline of the true killer. "May I approach the stand, Judge Cool?"

He nodded and I walked around the table. I laid the folder in the mantelpiece before him. "This is the telephone records between Reginald Scott and Heidi McCoy, three hours before she was decreed missing."

The judge studied them, his eyebrows went up. "Why hasnt this came up beforehand?"

"Beforehand, we were looking for the evidence of Marcus, not another male that dealt with her disappearance." I explained. "Since I was brought to the attention that if we cant find evidence that's against him, maybe we can find evidence for him. So I started looking into Heidi McCoy."

The prosecutor looked furious, his eyebrows drawn together. His dark brown eyes unreadable. I wanted to smirk but I withheld myself, making my way towards the seat.

The lawyer on my competitors stood and handed the Judge a single.sheet of paper. "This is a signed copy of a drawing made by a detective, of the male seen with Heidi before her disappearance."

I sighed, running a hand through my long curly hair. The judge shot me a reproachful look, signaling me to go. "I want to call a witness."

The judge looked disappointed. "Who may that be?"

I stood, my hands clenching at my sides. "Marcus Lovett."

The audience behind me gasped, but my eyes found the Judge's, understanding blossomed. "You may call your witness forward."

Marcus sat behind the witness stand, his hand against the bible, his brilliant eyes haunted and terrified. He swore the oath, and I stared him down. "Where were you on March 18th, at precisely 2 o'clock in the afternoon?"

His eyes widen. "I was at basketball practice until 2:30."

"Your coach already confirmed this, but the kill and the kidnapping didnt happen until the initial time 3:30. Where were you then?"

"I was at my house, setting up the place for a date." He answered, the truth glued to his every word.

"So there was an alibi?"

"Yes."

The Judge cleared his throat, his eyes confused. "This has already taken place, no one was with him when the death happened."

I shook my head. "That is false. The questions asked by the prosecutor, never asked for specifics, only about where he was and if he was cleared. When asked where he was at the kill time, he was getting ready for a date, which I'll remind you, that was me." I stood straighter. "At 3:30 p.m. on March 18th, I was with Marcus Lovett."

The judge nodded to me and I felt relief course through me. I took a seat, gesturing to my prosecutor to ask questions.

"I just have one question for the witness." He came to stand before Marcus, his hands behind his back. "How did you know Heidi McCoy?"

Marcus looked ashamed. "She was my little sister's best friend. When I was seen with her, your drawing, I was giving her and my sister a ride home."

"But she was last seen going with you."

Marcus shook his head. "I saw Heidi on Match 17th, at 2:45, precisely when I picked her and my sister up. I dropped them off at Heidi's house, and went home."

The prosecutor looked miffed. "That's the same story as before."

Marcus nodded. "Because it's the truth. I would never harm another little girl, especially when connected to my sister."

The Judge nodded to the other lawyer. His eyes swept the jury, their eyes watching and their ears listening. "You've been watching this trail three different time. It is your turn to decide."

They went off, slipping out of the courtroom. Everyone stood, watching them exit. Then we did. I stood with Marcus by a wooden wall, his foot bouncing and clicking against the tile. He was nervous, but he was handsome. I slipped my hand into his and placed our fingers together.

It was nearly two hours before the judge called us back in. His eyes were wide with surprise. "The jury has made their decision. Please sit." We did, all of our bodies strung with stress. "Jury, present your result."

A male stood, his hazel eyes calm. "On the account of murder of third degree of Heidi McCoy, Marcus Scott is not guilty."

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around him, pulling him close. Chaos spread around us, but all I could focus was on him. He was a free man, his wrist unbound.

"Oh my lord, Angel, you fucking did it!" Marcus rushed out, squeezing me.

"I guess all those Law classes paid off." I choked out, tears streaming down my face.

"I'm free." He whispered.

"You are."