Scornful Revenge

Chapter Twenty-Eight

 "Mr. Sherbrooke, can you explain to us what happened the night of June third, two thousand eight?"

"My wife and I discovered that our daughter had been working at a sleazy nightclub, so we took matters into our own hands. Afterward, we gave her a choice. It was either remain at home and quit her 'job,' or remain there and not come back home. She got her bag and left."

"What do you have against the arts as a career, Mr. Sherbrooke?"

"I have nothing against it as a career. I just see it as a waste of time nor should my children be involved in it. The arts as a career are unstable and I did not want my children to go out into the world without a sense of stability and a steady income. And what is so spectacular watching several people recite lines they've memorized?" John explained.

"What happened between her coming home and then leaving?" Hank inquired.

"I decided to try and shake some sense into her. My wife and I did everything we could to raise bright children, who knew right from wrong. To see her dressed like that and at her age... it filled me with rage. Yes, I did grab her and place her against the wall. I may have hit her, but not with enough force to do what is seen in those photos. When I was growing up, my father would beat as part of disciplining me. He'd punch me and call me names. It was just the way I was raised."

"Then how did my client end up with those injuries?"

"Like my wife said, she probably ran into some bad people on the street."

"Your Honor, I would like to present to you and the witness the police report from June sixth, two thousand eight."

Diane denied having any objections and Hank got his copies out and handed them to John and the judge.

"Mr. Sherbrooke, could you read the report starting from paragraph three out loud for everyone to hear?"

John adjusted his glasses as he held the paper out in front of him.

"Ms. Sherbrooke was brought to Great Plains Medical Center. Upon being told by doctors that Ms. Sherbrooke was in stable condition, I went in to question her about the injuries she had received. Ms. Sherbrooke refused to answer who or what had given her the injuries sustained to her face, head, and torso, but admitted that the injuries were two to three days old."

"So, how is it possible that on the night of June sixth, Alice was found with injuries about two to three days old, when just two to three nights before, she had claimed that you had physically assaulted her, yet you and your wife claim she received them after she left? Doesn't it seem odd to you, Mr. Sherbrooke, that the timeline you believe to have happened doesn't add up?"

John handed the papers back to Hank, remaining silent.

"How did my client end up with a bloody nose that night? He get it two to three days before June third?" Hank cocked his head to the side.

"I remember that he had tried to get me away from Alice and I guess my mind was somewhere else... I do remember that I had hit him in the face." Hank replied.

"Why did you hit him in the face?"

"I only meant to push him away." John answered.

"How does a push turn into your son getting a bloody nose?" Hank retorted.

"I guess I used a little too much force with my push."

"No further questions, your Honor."

Diane stood from her table and leaned forward, placing her hands against it.