It Is Me
Andre sits in the front row of the visitor's bench, right behind Aziel and his lawyer.
They arrived a bit early, Clairy and her lawyer are not seen around yet. The department where the defendant's family normally resides is also empty. Andre suspects that the people are still in a brief meeting with each other.
The judge self has not yet arrived too. Everyone is curious whether it is a male or female judge, there is a fear of stereotyping. On social media, this case is the most discussed topic in politics, social, judicial groups, the opinions are therefore diverse. There is also much speculation about the judge's personal attitude, as many accuse Aziel of all kinds of bad things and curse him a lot. He is mostly accused of late reporting to the police and many think that he just wants to avoid paying child support.
But Aziel is mainly supported by a large corps of men.
Testimonials have even surfaced from fake accounts that claim to have been raped by women in the past. Those fake accounts were clearly from men who feared their coming out would backfire and harm their families. They state that some of the rapes were for financial gain after pregnancy, others simply because without drugging them first the rapists would never have ended up in bed with their victim for various reasons. Last night there was even a special program on several television stations devoted to this subject and the case of Aziel was highlighted and analyzed by crime experts.
In any case, a total media hype has arisen within a day.
The case also provoked a backlash, a macho men's group formed in a short time, consisting of men who say they would feel honored if they were raped by a woman. This group also garnered a lot of attention on social media, which was probably their intention. The leaders of this group appeared on television to defend their hideous views, they seemed to care little that almost the entire country shattered them.
Andre sighs as he considers how this case has burst at the seams.
Michelle and Rick had offered to come to New York to give Aziel a boost, but the latter firmly declined. Archer and Kaylah have also been at the door, but Aziel has instructed them to prepare for the delivery and the arrival of their children. He indicated that Andre is formidable support and when it is all over they will have a family get-together. Then he and Loraine too are relaxed to enjoy their new life, especially since the twins will be there too.
His friends only agreed to their absence if they could have Aziel frequently on face time. Michelle threatened to still board the plane if she didn't hear from Aziel in two days.
Once that was settled, they urged Aziel to hire a home nurse for Loraine, especially for the times he would be away. Aziel wanted to think about this suggestion because there’s already a helper coming in twice a week and he and Loraine value their privacy very much. Laughing, he confessed to his friends that Loraine's sex drive has increased enormously since she’s pregnant and that a home help would sometimes get in the way. They all laughed heartily about this, the sphere greatly relaxed and allowed the friends to sign out with reassurance.
And now they are waiting in the courtroom, Andre, Aziel and the lawyer Jurgen Monsanto. He is also a prestigious lawyer specializing in women's rights and domestic violence. He heard about this matter within his circles and approached Aziel to defend him without a fee. As a lawyer, he could foresee that a rape case involving a man as the victim would bring in considerable publicity for his law firm. By offering his services for free, he and his client have a win-win deal. His only challenge is to actually win the lawsuit, for only then will he receive the faith and trust of the New York Community.
And then the moment arrives when Clairy's family and friends burst into the hall.
Some have a hostile attitude, others shake their heads disapprovingly. Andre sees the grandparents enter, their shoulders drooping in sorrow. He understands what’s going through their mind, he knows them very well since they all live on the island. When he sees their eyes turn to Aziel, deep shame and despair come over their faces. They most likely feel ashamed that their granddaughter has ended up in such an unsavory business with their friend with whom they spent such good times.
Aziel does not notice the emotions expressed by the group that has just entered.
He has buried his face in the palms of his hands that are resting on the table. His emotions are also on edge, this is not how he had planned his life to move on. But he wants justice for himself, he doesn't want to be trapped by an evil woman and let her go with impunity. For he is sure that the blackmail of Clairy will not limit in demanding maternity allowance and lure him closer.
When everyone has found a place to sit, the bailiff announces the arrival of the judge. Everyone stands and stares eagerly waiting for the door. And then she enters the courtroom, a modern young woman, breathtakingly beautiful with a pleasant aura. When she sits down, she beckons everyone to take their place as well.
And then Andre sees him standing there, Kenjal Griffith, the man who controls his dreams the last evenings. He looks breathtakingly handsome and now Andre notices that he also has a tattoo on his neck. His member in his pants jerks and the longer he keeps looking at the lawyer, the harder he gets.
‘Calm down, calm down, please’, he tries to calm himself and turns his eyes away from the hunk. All eyes are now on the bailiff who announces the case and the judge who now verifies the names of Aziel and Clairy.
Then Andre hears the voice of the man he has a strong crush on, he doesn't listen to the words, his voice alone is like music to his ears. Kenjal Griffith walks halfway through the bailiff and hands him a paper destined for the judge.
When he walks back, he suddenly looks in Andre's direction, it's as if he senses someone is staring at him. Their eyes clash, a spark goes through Andre's body, it's like he has a part of his soul back. He recognizes different emotions in the eyes of his friend. Shock, joy and then the professional look returns, after which he bows his head and takes a seat next to his client. Andre can still hear him clearing his throat and watch him regain his posture by straightening his jacket.
Andre is positioned behind Aziel, so he must have understood by now that he is family or friend of the man he has to portray as a liar and a miser...
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
