She lay there, terrified, afraid to breath, afraid to move. He stood over her venomously, like a snake ready to strike. Ice cold fear flooded her as the cold metal of the stiletto cut effortlessly through her shirt, her bra. The thoughts that ran threw her mind, as the knife slipped upwards was whether or not she would live to see the dawn break.
She walked out of her families thriving law firm, dressed to kill. Today she was defending Lawrence Humble, A known rapist, and a man with 2 prior convictions. She walked with an air of confidence, this time he would be acquitted. The prosecuting attorney knew it. The Ice Princess she was often referred as was well known for her ability to rip apart victims on cross witness. The police had screwed the deal up from the beginning, contaminating the crime scene, as well as the lack of immediate rape kit being done, due to the drunk state of the victim at the time of her call to the police. All of this was leaving a clear cut and dry case for Natasha. Brighten & Brighten Law Firm was known for its acquitting rates. They never took a case that smelled of loss.
Natasha walked out of her building, Her long blond hair placed in a bun at the top of her head. Her black suit showed off her figure, the tapered jacked showing off her slim waist, and her skirt was short, but not to short, it was about 2 inches above her knee’s. Her silk stalking's, and her high heel’s set off the ensemble. She looked like a professional hit woman, dressed to impress. She walked across the street to the courthouse. On the short walk she went over her closing argument that was given just yesterday. The fact that the jury came back so quickly only stood to show that her client would be found not guilty. Her bright blue-green eyes were stunning, and at times were the end of the Ice princess comments.
“Ladies and Gentleman of the Jury, I know that you will find my defendant not guilty of the rape of Susan Muccini.” She opened.
“My client cannot be linked to the rape of this woman, if my client is guilty of anything, it is that of a Good Samaritan.” She added.
“If he is guilty of anything, it is being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ms. Muccini has admitted that she was struck from behind, and rendered unconscious, not seeing her attacker.” She continued.
“She also has admitted to only coming to, with Mr. Humble standing over her. Yes, it’s true that my client has been convicted of similar crimes. Both of which he has paid for, done his time, and is now trying to get on with his life.” She added.
“The law requires that if you are to convict him, that you do such based on this crime alone, not for the crimes he has already been convicted of. Remember there is no evidence at all linking Mr. Humble to the crime scene, other than his foot prints, which are explained by his coming upon Ms. Muccini when she was laying there unconscious. I expect that you will do what is right, and find my client, Not guilty of the rape of Ms. Muccini.” She concluded.
Entering the courtroom, She was amazed at the people there. Family of the rape victim on the left side of the courtroom, family of the defendant on the right, and the media filled the back of both sides. The stenographer sat in the corner of the room towards the front where the judge sat, her desk large, directly behind her was a large state seal, and on either side behind the judge would be the state flag, and the united states flag. The tables in the front set up for the defendant’s side, and the prosecution sides. On either side of the front of the room were two large doors, one entering the judge’s chambers, the other to the holding chambers for the defendant.
Walking quickly through the room, Natasha went directly to the holding chambers to see her client, who had already been brought over from the county jail.
“Good morning Lawrence.” She said as she opened the door, and saw him sitting at the large conference table with his head down looking at his hands still in cuffs.
Quickly standing up upon her entrance, Lawrence looked at her with wide eyes.
“Tell me Ms. Brighton, is this good news? The jury coming back so quickly.” He asked with unveiled concern.
“Yes, yes it is Lawrence.” She told him with a smile of comfort.
A knock on the door was the officer telling them that they judge was ready.
“Shall we?” Natasha gestured towards the door, allowing her client to walk out first.
They walked out to the table, passing the prosecution table. Natasha looked at the prosecuting attorney, who nodded his good mornings to her. Mr. Abraham Smith was a stately looking gentleman. He was an over all good guy. Quiet, friendly, but a source to be record with. However, he knew this case was lost. His own victim did not hold up well under cross-examination. His nod was a sign of his submission in this case.
“Please rise for the honorable judge Gladis Miller.” The court officer said.
“You may be seated.” The judge said as she entered the room and sat down.
“Please show the jury in.” she gestured to the officer who stood at the front of the courtroom.
The 12 men and women flowed in, all taking their seats, quietly, and stoic faced.
“Please let the record show that in the case of the state verses Mr. Lawrence Humble, will be concluding today.” She said while looking at the stenographer.
Looking at the jury, she asked, “Have you come to a decision?”
“Yes your honor, we have.” The young lady said as she stood, handing the court room officer a piece of paper.
The officer took the piece of paper and handed it to the judge. The judge opened the folded piece of paper. The courtroom was totally quiet; you could see the family of the defendant holding hands awaiting a decision. The family of the victim just looked at the back of the victim’s head; they looked as if they were holding their breath. The victim herself was sitting there looking straight ahead, staring into space, lost in a world of her own thoughts. The defendant sat looking at his hands.
“May we have your decision please?” The judge promoted the woman to read her decision.
“We the jury find the defendant, Lawrence Humble, Not guilty of the rape of Ms. Susan Muccini.” The young lady stated.
When the words “not guilty” where read the victim cried out loud, the family sitting behind her stood up, reaching for her to support her. The family of the defendant sat there as if stunned, but with in a second, a roar of cheer went up.
“Please, attention.” The judge said as tried to settle the courtroom down,smacking her gavel on its plate, slowly the roar quieted.
“Please let the records show that the jury has found Mr. Lawrence Humble, Not guilty.”
“Mr. Humble is to be released immediately, and court is now adjourned.” She said as she stood to leave.
