Patty takes the stand

“The people call Patrick Wiley.” Erica Blake, the prosecutor said.

Patty stood up. He looked behind him at Billy, Shauna, Clair and Sarah. He gave a thumbs up, turned and walked forward. He was wearing a blue dress blazer, a white blouse, a matching blue pencil skirt and black heels. His makeup was simple and his hair was straight down. He clutched his purse like a lifeline as he passed the table where Jessie sat.

This was the first time he’d seen her in months. Her stomach was showing the bulge where their child was growing.

“Mr. Wiley, do so swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you Goddess?” The clerk asked.

“I do.” Patty said.

“You may take your seat.”

Patty sat down.

“Mr. Wiley…” Mrs. Blake began.

“OBJECTION!” The defense attorney, Ms. Fisher said, jumping to her feet. Jessie put her hands to her face.

“Overruled” the judge said.

“But your honor, You don’t even know what I’m objecting to.”

“Okay… tell me…” she said, leaning back in her chair. She turned and whispered toward Patty “Sorry about her…”

“This man manipulated…”

“Again, overruled.” The judge said “now sit down and shut up.”

Mrs. Blake adjusted her jacket and continued.

She asked Patty to tell the court what happened during his spring break trip.

“Objection!” Ms. Fisher yelled “my client didn’t start that fire!”

The judge was having none of it.

“The entire purpose of this trial is to find out if she didn’t or didn’t…” she said “if you make ONE MORE outburst like that, councilor, I will not only find you in contempt of court… AGAIN… I will shove my gavel where the sun doesn’t shine! Have I made myself clear? The last few months you have show nothing but disrespect for this court. People have been disbarred for less than the circus act you’ve put on here. Unless you have an ACTUAL reason to object, SHUT UP!”

“Your honor… I am trying to get my client cleared of this horrible falsehood that she kidnapped and abused this… whore…”

“That’s it… I find you in contempt.” She said. “Bailiff… get this clown out of my courtroom.”

The burly woman grabbed Ms. Fisher and pulled her out of the room, kicking and screaming.

“Unfortunately… without the defense council, we can’t continue. Court is in recess until we sort this out.”