Chapter fifteen

Bette push Tina’s wheelchair down towards where her lawyer is standing, holding the small gate open. She sees that Tina is shaking, she places her hand softly on her shoulder and leans down to whisper.

“You can do this. Stay strong.” She says. Tina blinks back tears, willing them away. Bette looks up and over at where Eric is sitting. He’s wearing a suit, which Bette doubts has ever happened before. She sees him turn his head towards them and he looks at Tina with an angry face. She glances down on Tina who is looking straight ahead. Tina’s lawyer takes over once thy reached the bar. Tina looks up at Bette as she moves along side of the bar and takes a seat directly behind Tina.

Erik looks suspiciously on.

“All rise for The Honorable Judge Paul Connelly.” The bailiff says, getting everyone’s attention.

Everyone stands up as the judge enters the courtroom. He then takes a seat and everyone else also sits down. Judge Paul takes a few moments to brief through the case file once more before he addresses the court. The bailiff once again speaks up.

“The case of Christina Kennard-Collins vs. Eric Collins.” He says.

“The defendant, how do you plea?” The judge asks.

Eric and his lawyer stand up.

“Not guilty Your Honor.” The lawyer answers.

“Very well, then let’s start.” The judge replies.

They jury is seated on the right side, looking both at Eric and at Tina.

“Mr. Campbell, state your case to the court.” The Judge tells Tina’s lawyer.

My client, has been married to the defendant for almost 7 years. They married right after high school and then my client went away to college for three years. When she came back after finishing college, the abuse started. Every day for almost 4 years, she has been abused. X-rays were taken when my client for the first time told someone what had transpired in her life for such a long time. And all these x-rays shows several fractures both new and some that were older and had healed somewhat. Her body when she went to the hospital was one of many colors. I’d like to present evidence A and B to the court. The Bailiff walks across and takes the evidence from Mr. Campbell and takes it over to the judge for approval.