Chapter 3 - The Bought Witness
I shoved the phone into my pocket as the bailiff called us back into the freezing courtroom.
My mind was racing with terrifying thoughts of my mother standing alone against the police.
I had paid my rent on time every single month, skipping meals just to ensure the check cleared.
Russell had clearly bribed someone, pulling every string he had to destroy my life in a single afternoon.
We took our seats, and Judge Leonard folded his hands on top of the fake abuse file.
The judge stated sternly, "Missus Davenport, this report is highly disturbing."
He continued, "I have asked Mister Welch to present one witness to verify these claims before I make my ruling."
I jumped out of my chair, my panic completely overriding my manners.
I shouted, "Your Honor, my ex-husband is orchestrating this to ruin me because he refuses to pay child support!"
The judge warned sharply, "Sit down right now, or I will hold you in contempt of court."
I slowly sank back into my chair, feeling smaller and more helpless than ever before.
Benedict Welch smoothed his expensive tie and turned toward the gallery.
Welch proudly announced, "The defense calls Sarah Jenkins to the stand."
I gasped loudly as my next-door neighbor walked nervously down the aisle.
Sarah had babysat Toby dozens of times when my diner shifts ran late.
We had shared coffee on my fire escape, and she knew exactly how hard I worked.
She took the oath and sat down, carefully avoiding my desperate gaze.
Welch asked smoothly, "Miss Jenkins, can you describe the living conditions in Brenda's apartment?"
Sarah swallowed hard and stared tightly at her own hands.
Sarah lied with a shaking voice, "It is a mess."
She added, "Brenda leaves the boy alone all night, and there is never any food in the refrigerator."
Toby gasped and looked up at me with profound confusion.
Toby whispered loud enough for the first row to hear, "She is lying."
Welch smiled at Sarah, nodding encouragingly as if she were doing a brave thing.
The lawyer said, "Thank you, Miss Jenkins, that is all we need to hear."
I stared in sheer horror as Sarah stepped down from the witness stand.
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Just before she turned away, a heavy gold bracelet slipped out from beneath her long sleeve.
It was the exact same designer bracelet Russell had bought for his secret girlfriend three years ago.
