Breaking Ties: An Ensemble Story (Read 248,007 times)

[heroicmuse]

Week 506 - 2
John leaned over and took Marlena’s hands in his. “Dementia?” he said. Marlena nodded and he squeezed her hands. “Nah. You’re gettin’ far ahead of yourself. Didn’t you just say there could be a thousand and one reasons your tests are the way they are?”

“They could be, yes,” Marlena said. “Maybe I’m worrying about nothing, I don’t know. But I just think we need to prepare for the possibility that the time is coming when I won’t remember you.”

“That’s not possible,” John said. “You forget, Maggie considers us practically family. If worst comes to worst, she’ll get us in touch with the same specialists Victor called in for Caroline and they’ll keep you healthy for as long as humanly possible.”

“I hope so.” Marlena sighed. “The first step is for me to call Kayla and find out what she thinks this means.” She blinked back tears as she picked up her phone. “Oh, John, what are we going to do if this is the beginning of the end? What will we tell the kids? And Sami… she’s such a loose cannon still, and I just don’t know how well Lucas will be able to rein her in if it becomes clear I can no longer be there for her.”

John’s jaw tightened. “I don’t wanna think about life without you either,” he said. “It’s bad enough all the times you’ve been taken from me, and that time I thought you were dead cause of Orpheus…” He shook his head. “We said til death do us part and that had better still be a long time coming.” His voice shook.

“Mom, John?” a voice said from behind them, and Marlena looked up to see Eric and Eve standing there, holding hands. “Is one of you dying?”


Kate had come to Justin’s office. “I assume you wanted to see me about Rafe’s case,” she said. “And from the look on your face, it’s not good news. So. Tell me how bad it is.” She pulled the chair out across from his desk. “You didn’t get the case thrown out, did you?”

“No, I didn’t,” Justin said, sighing.

Kate nodded. “Do you need me to testify? I’d be happy to say anything you want me to say in his defense.”

“The only thing I’d want you to say, if you were to take the stand, is the truth. In fact, I’m legally obligated to remind you that you can’t lie.” Justin’s voice was hard.

Kate’s eyes narrowed. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were accusing me of something. Are you?”

“No. No.” Justin rubbed his temples. “Sorry. It’s been a very stressful day. After the judge’s decision came down, I had to try to keep Nicole under control, and if JJ hadn’t been there… well, she might have tanked our whole case by using the six o’clcck news as her platform to throw a giant-sized tantrum.”

“I can imagine,” Kate said. “Do you need me to talk to Sami? Despite what my son thinks, I have an uncanny ability to get through to her.”

“Let’s hope Sami isn’t next in line for going ballistic,” Justin said, rubbing his temples again. “Which brings us to why I asked you to come in today. There are two things I need to talk to you about.”

Kate sat up straighter in her chair. “All right. What are they?”

“The only charge that the judge let stand is Rafe lying to the police. He is accused of deliberately giving them a false statement to prevent them from charging you with a crime in regards to shooitng William Montague.”

“Is that the name of that scum who kidnapped my grandson?” Kate’s voice was quiet, but her eyes were very narrow.

“As it happens, yes. What I need to know id whether you and Rafe ever discussed the statement he gave to the police, and if so, what he said to you.”

Kate swallowed hard, recalling Rafe telling her on more than one occasion that he had taken credit for shooting Montague and all she had to do was keep her mouth shut.

“No, never,” she said. “He did tell me the police questioned him about the shooitng, and he said it was standard procedure after a police-involved shooting, but other than that, he was tight-lipped.”

“Police involved shooting. So you knew he was taking the blame for the shooting.”

“I suppose so. I didn’t really think about it at the time. Does it really matter now?”

“I’m afraid it does, and not just for Rafe. The prosecution might try subpoenaing you again, and this time it could stick. But even worse, from your perspective… and this is why I calle you down here…” Justin sighed deeply. “During the probable cause hearing, it seemed to me that the prosecution did a better job of probing you shot MOntague than they did of Rafe covering it up. Now, I know the grand jury failed to indict you, but given what happened in court, there is a chance a warrant will be issued for your arrest in this matter, and I want to prepare your defense in advance in case that should happen.”

[Kpatch]

Kate might throw a tantrum too now.

Nice scene with John supporting Marlena. I hope they tell Eric the truth but they don't know anything for sure, so hopefully he won't go running to Sami so she can blow it out of proportion, as she always does.

[André DiMera]

What a time for Eric and Eve to walk in! I really hope John's right and Marlena's just getting ahead of herself. Hopefully Kayla will have some answers.

Glad Justin's trying to prepare Kate for what may come, but I have a feeling she's not gonna take this well.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 506 - 3
Rubin stood. “Your Honor, this is a ridiculous objection from the defense. Ms. Dupree simply used a figure of speech to explain that she has turned her life around after escaping from the criminal life that Ms. Simmons forced her into. Mr. Saxon is twisting that into something it’s not for the sole purpose of blocking her from testifying, most likely because he knows that in a minute she will be discussing his client’s role in the murder of Marcel Simmons.”

“She’s sneaking facts into evidence without going through proper channels,” Saxon countered. “Now the jury’s heard that and can’t unhear it, even if you do the right thing and block further testimony pending a competency evaluation for this witness.”

Judge Hildebrand pushed her glasses down slightly. “I certainly hope that you do not have enough hubris to attempt to suggest to this court what the right thing to do is,” she said. “As the judge on this case, that evaluation is left solely to me, correct?”

Saxon looked away. “Yes, your Honor.”

“Now, let’s have the two of you come up to the bench so that we can prevent any other information that may not be for the jury’s ears from getting out, shall we? Ms. Simmons, you may come up with your lawyer if you wish, as you are entitled to the details of your defense, including all arguments and decisions made during the trial. However, if you choose to do so, you must remain quiet or you will be escorted back to your seat.”

“I’ll be good, your Honor,” Nat said. The only sign of sarcasm was that she rolled her eyes slightly.

“Very well,” Judge Hildebrand said, ignoring that.

The bailiff helped escort Nat up to the bench while Saxon and Rubin also approached. The judge covered her microphone and said, “Mr. Saxon, your contention that this witness is mentally incompetent is one that must be supported by strong evidence before a mental evaluation can even be ordered. Besides the fact that she referred to herself by another name in one sentence of her testimony, what evidence do you have that she has any type of serious mental health issue?”

“I can answer that,” Nat said. “I lived with her for years and —”

“I was speaking with your attorney,” Hildebrand said firmly. “With all due respect, Ms. Simmons, the claim of a defendant who is accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor that that minor had mental health issues at the time is not evidence unless corroborated by another source. Furthermore, I instructed you to remain quiet while you were up here.”

Nat’s eyes narrowed and she mumbled something under her breath that caused the judge to raise her eyebrows. However, Judge Hildebrand decided to ignore it, instead asking Saxon, “So let’s here it, Mr. Saxon. What is your evidence?”

“I-I don’t have it yet,” Saxon said, “because I was first made aware of this issue today when she testified. That’s why we need the mental evaluation.”

“In a word, no. I am not going to put a witness through the stress of a competency evaluation because you don’t like the way she phrased one line of her testimony. Furthermore, it was your job to research witnesses on both your side and the prosecution’s side and to bring up any issues prior to trial. You clearly did not find this witness’ competency to be an issue. Therefore, your motion is denied, and I am further warning you that if you waste the court’s time with frivolous motions designed to interfere with the orderly proceeding of this trial, you will face sanctions. This is your second and final warning; that nonsense your client pulled earlier with that phoney video was your first strike. So. I hope that both you and your client are clear. No more games. No more nonsensical motions. No more unnecessary delays. Otherwise, you will be fined and your client will spend some time behind bars for contempt. I trust I have made myself clear?”

Nat looked at the floor, trying to appear contrite. “Yes, your Honor.” Saxon added, “I understand, your Honor.”

“Good,” Judge Hildebrand said. “Sit down and let’s get on with this.”

Everyone went back to their seats. As Rubin rose to address the monitor, Nat whispered to her lawyer, “That was weak. We have to find a way to get to this judge.”

Saxon ignored her, pretending he hadn’t heard.


Activities weren’t starting until the next day, so the girls had a free afternoon to do whatever they wanted as long as they didn’t break the rules. Izzy, Charley, and Ari hung out on the grass by the picnic tables.

“Let’s play a game to get to know each other,” Ari suggested. “Do you know the MASH game, Izzy? We play it at school, you have to choose three people you have a crush on, what pets you want to have, and so on, and then we put it all together to predict our futures.”

“Ugh,” Izzy said. “No thank you.” She looked away. “Most of the boys at school are mean cause I’m trans, why would I want to marry any of them?”

“What about the girls?” Charley asked.

Izzy shrugged. “I’m not into them, sorry.”
“It’s just for fun,” Ari said. “You could use celebrity crushes instead if you wanted.”

“I don’t want to play this,” Izzy said. “Can’t we don something else?” She lay back on the grass. “Let’s look at the clouds and see what shapes we can find.”

Ari scowled, but Charley said, “That sounds fun.” She lay down too. “Look!” she said, pointing. “A dragon.”

“I think that looks more like a unicorn,” Izzy said, “But that’s the fun of it. Everyone sees their own things.” She slid over so she was slightly closer to Charley. “Are you doing horseback riding? I signed up for it.”

Charley shook her head. “Archery. I want to shoot an arrow like Robin Hood.”

“Oh.” Izzy’s voice was flat/ “I was hoping we’d get to do the same activity. I don’t really trust anyone else to be nice to me besides you and Ari, you know?”

“They’d better be,” Charley said. She turned toward Ari. “What do you see in the clouds?”

Ari shrugged. “I’m not good at this. I just see clouds.” She lay back anyway and stared. “Maybe that one looks like Australia?”

The girls giggled. Sydney came up to them.

“It’s almost dinner,” she said, “but also, you guys need to sign up for your swimming test. We can’t let anyone in the water without it.”

Izzy gulped. “S-swimming?” she said. “What if I don’t want to swim at all?”

“It’s part of the camp,” Sydney said. “You guys do your individual activities in the morning and swimming in the afternoon.”

Izzy bit her lip. Sbe reached for the pen to sign up for her swim test time, but Charley could tell she was close to tears and wondered what that was all about.

[André DiMera]

Of course after all that, Nat’s still obsessed with revenge. What will it take to get her to shut up? So glad the judge denied Saxon’s stupid request!

Glad Charley and Izzy are having a good time. Wonder what’s up with Izzy not wanting to swim.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[Kpatch]

Izzy is a killjoy. Charley just wants to be a little kid and use her imagination. I am nervous that she keeps mentioning archery. I hope no one gets hurt. (I sound like Chloe!)

[heroicmuse]

Week 506 - 4
“Thanks for meeting me, guys,” Alison said. She had asked both Emily and Dani to meet her at the cafe so she could fill them in. “I spoke with Nicole today and she gave me permission to go to Chicago to talk to Prescott 2.0 and try to find out what happened to my brother.”

Emily reached for Alison’s hand. “You sure you’re up to it?”

Alison nodded. “Whatever happens, happens. Nicole said she could pay expenses for both of us, Em.”

“Oh.” Emily pushed her hair behind her ear. “It’s a good thing it’s summer break, then. Another two weeks and I’d have my final classes to worry about.”

“We’ll be back before then,” Alison promised.

Dani took a sip of her soda. “Not that I mind having lunch with you guys, but I’m not sure what this has to do with me.”

“You were super helpful,” Alison said, “and I want you to come with us.”

Dani bit her straw. “I’m… not a reporter.”

“I know, but your social media skills might come in handy. Besides, I want you with us.”

Emily frowned. “Did Nicole agree to pay for her even though she doesn’t work for WXIR?”

“No,” Alison said, “but since our expenses are paid we can pay for Dani’s.”

Dani turned red. “I couldn’t ask you to do that.”

“You’re not. I want to,” Alison said. “I want you on the team.” She turned toward Emily. “Help me talk her into coming with us.”

Emily pushed her hair behind her ear, not sure what she wanted to say.


Marlena turned toward Eric and Eve, smiling nervously. “Fancy running into you two here,” she said, smiling nervously.

“It is the Brady Pub, after all,” Eve said, “and I am part of the family despite everyone’s best efforts to kick me out.” Ss Eric squeezed her hand, she said, “Oh, I’m only joking. But whatever we walked into must have been something serious, going from the way you all went quiet the second we walked through the door.”

“Not to mention that you haven’t answered my question,” Eric said. “Mom, if one of you has a terminal illness, please, just tell me. Not only can I pray for you, but I can help you plan for the future. For my future, I guess.”

“Nothing like that, nothing like that,” John said. “Your mother had some blood work done, that’s all, and she’s not happy with the results, but there’s no need to jump to conclusions.”

“Unhappy?” Eric said. “Why?”

Marlena sighed. “Don’t tell your sister,” she said. “You know how she flies off the handle.”

“How can he, when you haven’t told us?” Eve crossed her arms. “I still want you to join in on dress shopping for our wedding, but if it’s something where we need to hurry up and tie the knot or you won’t be around to see it, we can change our plans.”

“I’m not dying!” Marlena snapped. “Yet.” She gestured toward two empty seats.

“This sounds like a white wine conversation,” Eve said, and beckoned a waiter over. Eric said, “Just sparkling water for me, thanks.” The waiter left and Eric said. “Now. No more stlaling, Mom. What’s going on?”

Marlena sighed. “What’s going on is my iron is low and I don’t know the reason yet. It’s probably nothing serious, don’t you worry. In fact, that’s what John was telling me when you walked in.”

Eric frowned. “But you were talking about how Sami’s going to take it when you’re not here anymore. I heard you.”

Marlena laughed nervously. “Oh, Eric, I wish you hadn’t heard that. You know me, always jumping to the worst possible conclusion.” She turned toward Eve. “Now let’s talk about this dress excursion. Have you two picked a date yet? And what did you have in mind for colors?”

Eric’s eyes narrowed but he said nothing.



Rubin had resumed her questioning. “Now, Chanel,” she said, “you were arrested last year for killing Marcel Simmons and attempting to drame an innocent person. Please tell the court how that murder happened.”

Brianna swallowed hard. Pushing her hair behind her ear, she said, “By then I’d been jumped in and everything. But Nat, she wanted to get rid of Marcel. She said he was nothing but a liability and that he ruined things between her and this girl Hannah. She said he was abusing her just like he abused me and the only way out for either of us was to get rid of him.”

“And you agreed to do that?”

Brianna stared down at the ground. “Yes,” she mumbled.

“What did Nat say to convince you to do it? Was it only that you both should be free of him, or was there something else involved?”

Brianna sighed deeply. “She knew all the things I’d done from the moment she ‘adopted’ me. And she knew I already was on probation for drug charges and if she leaked to the cops half the stuff I’d done, I was going away for a long time. So she said I had to choose. If I was loyal to her and did what she told me to, she’d keep her mouth shut. Otherwise, I was going to prison for at least 25 years.”

“I see. And what exactly did she want you to do?”

“She told me there would be a gun in the ladies room at this court, wrapped in toilet paper and hidden behind the toilet in the handicapped stall. . I was to take that gun into the courtroom and shoot Marcel in the back as he was being escorted in. Then I needed to drop it under Kenneth Hansen’s seat. She told me what he looked like, had pictures and everything. I was supposed to make sure he got arrested.”

“And did you follow those instructions?”

“Yes.” Chanel stared at the ground.

“But you were arrested, not Kenneth. How did that happen?”

“Nat double crossed me when the cops let Kenneth go. She made sure East Salem PD knew about me running drugs for the gang and taking them myself. I was stopped on the street and they found baggies of weed and coke on me when they did one of those random searches they like to do just cause they can. Anyway, I was arrested and the cops made it real clear they knew I’d shot Marcel, but they told me they’d keep it to themselves if I turned CI for them. Only the thing was, that meant I was at their beck and call, I had to do whatever they wanted while living in a halfway house I could get kicked out of if I was caught with drugs. So eventually I got sick of that, and the only way out was to turn myself in for the murder. I told the cops everything, including who was behind it, and now I’m back on probation.”

“And have you spoken with Natalie Simmons since your arrest?”

“She called a couple times, telling me if I knew what was good for me, I’d keep my mouth shut, but obviously I didn’t listen.”

Rubin nodded. “Nothing further.” She sat down.

“Your witness, Mr. Saxon,” Judge Hildebrand said. Saxon straightened his tie and did his best to look respectable as he came up to the monitor. Brianna stared right into the camera even though she wanted to look away, determined not to show any fear.

[Kpatch]

Eve was driving me nuts. Shuddup. How inappropriate to talk about her wedding and dress shopping before allowing Marlena to explain what's wrong. Eric showed he's just as selfish.

[André DiMera]

I have a feeling Emily doesn’t want Dani to come.

Well, Marlena told them part of the truth, anyway. Hopefully Eric will get the rest out of her at some point.

Breanna’s testimony went well, so far, though I’m sure Saxon will try to victim blame her in some way.

Great chapter, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 506 - 5
Emily’s mouth opened and closed. “Um…,” she said. “I mean, if you really think Dani can help us…”

“It’s okay, guys,” Dani said quickly. “I’m not really part of the newsroom, and Emily’s obviously uncomfortable with me being there, so it’s cool. Maybe I can help you from here somehow.” She sipped her soda. “And if you’re worried about me getting in trouble just cause I’m here and you’re there, don’t. I’m not gonna drink.”

“That thought never crossed my mind,” Alison said, patting Dani’s hand. “Or at least, it wasn’t til you brought it up. You haven’t been thinking about it, have you?”

Dani’s cheeks got pink, but not because she was thinking about drinking. Alison touching her hand had stirred up feelings she had no business having. She smiled nervously as she pushed her hair behind her ear and looked away. “No, of course not. I mean, if I want to get that school cop’s attention, I have way better ways to get it than getting arrested for something stupid, right?”

“Okay, now you’re scaring me,” Alison said. “Those kinds of jokes aren’t funny.”

“Sorry.” Dani chewed on her straw. “Seriously, though, I’m fine. And I can’t go anyway cause I have therapy tomorrow, so…”

“It’s probably better she stay here,” Emily said. “We might be dealing with corrupt cops. You know what some of those did to try to make JJ disappear, right?”

Alison swallowed hard. “We’re going to be discreet and not get on the wrong people’s radar.”

“I hope not,” Emily said, “but the point is, Dani being here and knowing where we were last seen might be important. If we suddenly disappear, we have someone who can get the local cops on it before anything worse happens to us.”

Alison’s eyes were wide with fear. “I guess.”

“You can do that, right?” Emily said, turning to Dani. “We’ll text you before and after each meeting and if you don’t hear from us, call the cops.”

“Not any old cops,” Alison added, “and not that one you’re crushing so hard on, either. She can’t help cause it’s not on campus. If anything happens to us, go to the police station and ask for Officer Prescott. The guy we’re investigating is his brother, and he knows what we’re looking into. He’ll take it seriously if we disappear without a trace.”

“And don’t wait,” Emily said. Her hand shook slightly as she picked up her coffee. “If we don’t check in when we’re supposed to, get Prescott right away.”
Dani nodded, but her eyes were wide with fear. “You really think something horrible is going to happen?”

“No,” Alison said, “but we can’t be too careful, so…” Her phone beeped. “We’d better go pack so we can get where we’re going on time.”

Dani got up when the other girls did. She hugged them tight. “Safe travels and beyond,” she said. “Come back in one piece, okay?”

“We will,” Alison promised. “Come on, Em.”

Alison and Emily left. Dani sank back into her seat and let her breath out slowly.

A person sitting at the next table looked up from their tablet as Emily and Alison walked past, revealing it was Trask. She dialed a number.

“Sloan, it’s me,” she whispered. “No, no dirt on Hernandez beyond what we already have, at least not yet. But listen, you know those two nosy reporters who work for his stupid girlfriend? They’re going to Chicago on an assignment and they left behind their new friend, that girl whose on probation for alcohol-related crimes. She’s obviously important to them and she’s vulnerable. So we just need to make the right move and we have all the leverage we need. We get to Nicole’s star reporters, they pass it on to Nicole, and the end result will be that we can make Herandez take any plea we want, and that’s only the beginning of our power over him.”


At Camp Sirit Lake, Charley heard someone crying as she walked into the girls’ bathroom. It was coming from one of the stalls.

She knocked on the door. “Are you okay?” she whispered.

“Go away,” Izzy sniffed.

Charley bit her lip. What if Izzy was hurt? “S-should I get Sydney?”

“No!” Izzy opened the door a crack as Charley jumped back. Her eyes were all red and puffy from crying. “Sorry,” she sniffed. “I didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just… no one can help me with this.”

“Maybe I can,” Charley said. “What’s wrong?”

Izzy shook her head. “Unless you can find me a way out of the swimming test tomorrow…”

“Why don’t you want to swim? Are you scared of the water?”

“Nope. I love to swim. But I can’t… not here.” Izzy swallowed hard. “You know I’m trans, right?”

Charley nodded. “So what?”

“So,” Izzy said, “I don’t really have anything up here…” she touched her chest… “and I have the wrong thing between my legs. And I can’t wear the pads I use to make my chest look like other girls’ in the water and I”m afraid if I swim people will see, you know…” She swallowed hard. “They’ll think I’m a boy a-and I can’t…” She shiffed. “It makes me feel really bad even to think about it.”

Charley didn’t know what else to do, so she hugged Izzy. “I know you’re a girl no matter what.”

“Thanks.” Izzy sighed. “But what am I gonna do? I can’t take the swimming test but if I don’t I’ll get in trouble.” She blinked hard.

“I still say we talk to Sydney,” Charley said. “She’ll know what to — “

The door to the girls’ room swung open and the mean girl who had made fun of Charley before walked in. She stared at the two girls hugging in the stall. Charley turned toward her, lifting her head and trying her best to look like she wasn’t scared of her.

[André DiMera]

Of course Trask overheard. I really hope she’s not actually able to do anything! I guess it makes sense for Dani to stay behind in case something happens, though I think there are other reasons Emily suggested that than what she said.

Glad Charley’s there for Izzy. Hope that girl doesn’t say anything.

Can we please have previews, heroicmuse?

[Kpatch]

What a time for that girl to walk in!

Charley is such a sweet child. Izzy is giving her too much to deal with at her age. Charley was born with the wrong equipment as well. I wonder if that will come up. I want Charley to get a call from her parents and tell them she wants to come home. I just know that creep is going to start rumors.

[heroicmuse]

Thank you André DiMera and Kpatch for your comments this week!

There's a lot more to come as things start to unravel for Nat, Brianna struggles with her conscience, and Charley stands up to a bully. Read on for spoilers...

Coming Up On Breaking Ties...
Judge Hildebrand quickly shuts down a vile line of cross-examination, but Saxon's words stick in Brianna's head, making her feel like she should be the one on trial for killing Marcel and framing Kenneth. Upset after the ordeal is over, she again asks Hannah to forgive her for almost ruining her life, but is Hannah ready to let go of the past?

Meanwhile, it's action meet consequences for Nat when she finally pushes the judge too far. Not only is she punished for her latest disruptive behavior, but Judge Hildebrand has something to say in private to Saxon.

Elsewhere, Nicole worries about Alison and Emily as they head to Chicago, confiding in Sally that she'll feel responsible if they get hurt poking a hornet's nest. But it may be someone closer to home who is in danger after Trask makes her next move.

Finally, Eric pushes Marlena to tell him what's really going on, Izzy worries about the consequences after she and Charley stand up to the mean girl, and Paul and Andrew have news for the safe house residents.

[André DiMera]

Hopefully Hannah will be willing to forgive Brianna. Glad the judge shuts down whatever Saxon says.

Can’t wait for Nat to finally get punished for running her mouth, as well as all of her other crimes!

Wonder what Trask does.

Curious how much more Marlena tells Eric. And what this news is for the occupants of the safe house. Hopefully Izzy and Charley don’t get in trouble.

Thanks for the previews, heroicmuse!

[heroicmuse]

Week 507 - 1

Brianna refused to avert her eyes as Saxon came up to the monitor. He said, “Chanel… or, is it Brianna today — ”


Rubin stood. “Your Honor, I think we could do without the defense attorney’s condescending approach to the witness.”


“I’m just asking what name she wants to be called by,” Saxon said, “since she apparently has more than one. Or are there more people inside her head we don’t know about?”


Judge Hildebrand banged her gavel. “That is enough,” she said. “Mr. Saxon, your remarks amount to schoolyard bullying, which is not acceptable in this courtroom. You will address the witness as Ms. Dupree and you will not make any more references to unproven suggestions about her mental health. Do it again and you will spend some time in the cell your client recently vacated.”


Saxon’s face went pale. “Yes, your Honor. I apologize for my insensitivity.” He turned back toward Chanel. “Let’s start again. Ms. Dupree, I am sorry for the inner torment you have suffered. However, I do have a question. Are you responsible for any of your own choices, or was everything my client’s fault?”


Brianna’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve taken responsibility for my part in things over and over. When’s Nat gonna take responsibility for hers?”


Saxon’s jaw tightened. He started to turn toward the judge, then apparently thought better of it and turned back toward Brianna. “Really,” he said. “Because what I’ve heard is a lot of excuse making. Did my client, at any time, hold a gun to your head and threaten to shoot you if you didn’t comply with her orders?”


Brianna’s face trembled. “As good as.”


“I don’t know what that means. It’s a yes or no question, Ms. Dupree. Did she or did she not — “


“She made it clear her brother was going to keep forcing himself on me if I didn’t run drugs for her,” Brianna said, “and later she made it clear she’d make sure I was the one going to jail if I didn’t do what she wanted.”


“Did she make it impossible for you to leave rather than choosing between sex with her brother and illegal activity?”


Brianna took a deep breath. Strength filled her all of a sudden, strength out of nowhere, and she said, “It wasn’t sex. It was rape.”


“I see. So. According to you, Marcel Simmons forced you to have sex you didn’t want to have and Natalie Simmons forced you to engage in illegal activity to stop him. Where, exactly, is the part where you’re responsible for your choices?”


Rubin stood. “Asked and answered, your Honor. At this point, he’s badgering a rape survivor about why she doesn’t take responsibility for what was done to her.”


Saxon said, “Alleged rape, your Honor. This witness has provided no evidence that can be corroborated that any of this happened.”


“I’d like to think you’re not accusing witnesses of lying about significant trauma without evidence, Mr. Saxon,” the judge said. “Move on, please.”


Saxon glanced over his shoulder at Nat, who nodded slightly, then back at the monitor. “It sounds to me, Ms. Dupree, that you had a motive for murder. Isn’t it true that you were happy to shoot Mr. Simmons in the back so you could get rid of him?”


“No!” Brianna’s voice shook. “I didn’t want to kill anybody but I had no choice.”


“THere you go again. No choice. Yet you chose to take a human life rather than risk jail time for lesser crimes, didn’t you?”


Brianna played with her necklace. “That’s one way to put it.”


“It’s the only way. That is, if that’s what even happened. Isn’t it true, Ms. Dupree, that killing Marcel Simmons was your idea and you decided to blame his sister for it after the fact?”


“Of course not!” Brianna made herself breathe deep. He’s just trying to make me say the wrong thing. Gotta stay calm.


“Come on, Ms. Dupree,” Saxon said, smirking slightly. “The police had security tapes showing you going into that bathroom and coming out with what looks like a gun under your shirt, and you fired at him despite the risk to the spectators who were observing the trial. Then you delberately placed the gun under Kenneth Hansen’s seat. But — ”


Rubin stood up. “Is he testifying or asking a question?”


“I’m about to ask it,” Saxon said. He crossed his arms as the judge nodded wearily. “Is there anyone who can back up your story that Natalie Simmons ordered the hit on her own brother, Ms. Dupree?”


“Only Nat, if she tells the truth for once,” Brianna said.


Nat’s eyes flashed. “You calling me a liar?” she demanded, jumping up.

The judge banged her gavel. “Bailiff! Restrain Ms. Simmons. Now!”


Nat struggled as the bailiff grabbed her and pulled her hands behind her back, cuffing her.


“I will not have these interruptions,” Judge Hildebrand said. “Mr. Saxon, it is unfortunate that your line of questioning is on the edge of what is permissible rather than something I can put a stop to. You have mocked this witness and have aggressively questioned her story, suggesting she has lied about being the victim of a henious crime. That is bad enough. But your client disrupting the proceedings yet again because she cannot control herself is unacceptable. I have warned both of you more than enough times what would happen if this behavior were to continue and now I am putting my foot down. Bailiff, take Ms. Simmons to the holding area. Allow her to watch the proceedings on closed circuit television in a cell, while surrounded by prison guards. She has lost her privilege to sit freely at the defense table for the next 24 hours.”


“That’s not fair!” Nat said.


“It’s more than fair,” the judge said. “And I will not be entertaining arguments from you about this. If you have something to say, you will do it through your lawyer.”


Nat turned her head toward Saxon, her eyes growing narrower and her jaw getting tighter. Saxon looked away, pretending to straighten his tie.


“I take it you have no objection, Mr. Saxon?” Judge Hildebrand said.


“I-it seems excessive,” Saxon stammered. “Wouldn’t a two-hour timeout be enough?”


“By then we should be ready to adjourn for the day,” Judge Hildebrand said. “After spending a night in Salem City Jail, perhaps your client will be more willing to behave herself tomorrow.” She nodded to the bailiff. “Take her away, please.”


Nat’s eyes flashed, b ut she didn’t resist as she was led out of the courthouse.


“Now,” Judge Hildebrand said, turning toward the monitor. “I apologize, Ms. Dupree. You may finish what you were saying, assuming you remember what it is.”


“I remember,” Brianna said coldly. “I wsa saying the only one who can back up my story is Nat, but I don’t trust her to ever tell the truth.”


Saxon nodded. “And… um… your arrest… um, did you serve, you know, jail time?”


Judge Hildebrand frowned. “Do you need a recess to get yourself together, Mr. Saxon?”


“No, of course not. I’m just not used to my client not being here, that’s all.” Saxon let his breath out slowly. “Let me try that again. Ms. Dupree, did you serve a single day in jail for the murder of Marcel Simmons?”


Brianna pushed her hair behind her ear. “I did, actually. After I turned myself in, I was held overnight.”


“Only overnight?”


Brianna looked down at her hands, which were clasped in her lap. “That’s how long it took them to cut a deal. I told them everything I knew about what Nat had been up to and in return they dropped the murder charge and gave me probation for fooling around with drugs.”


“I see,” Saxon said. “So you were never held accountable for shooting a man in the back, then.”


Rubin stood. “Your Honor…”


“Withdrawn,” Saxon said. “Nothing further.”


Rubin stood. “Redirect, your Honor?” The judge nodded and Rubin said, “Chanel, what were the circumstances under which you were finally arrested for Marcel Simmons’ murder?”


“I turned myself in.” Brianna pushed her hair behind her ear. “My lawyer said that was the only way I could get out from under the deal to be a snitch.”


“You turned yourself in,” Rubin repeated. “So, then, you took responsibility for the crime rather than waiting for the police to come to you?”


“I guess you could say that.”


“Nothing further,” Rubin said, and sat down.


Judge Hildebrand excused Brianna and said to Rubin, “I think we all need a break after that. If there are no objections, I’d like to adjourn until tomorrow and you can present your final witnesses then.”


“FIne with me,” Rubin said.


“No objection,” Saxon mumbled. “I… I have to see my client. Where has she been taken?”


“Holding, for now,” Judge Hildebrand said, “but first I’d like to see you in my chambers, Mr. Saxon.”



Meanwhile, Brianna let her breath out slowly as she logged off. Blinking back tears, she slowly opened her door and walked into the kitchen, where the others were waiting for her.


“You done?” Hannah asked her.


Brianna nodded. “Far as the court’s concerned, I’m finished.” She let her breath out slowly. “I need you all to be honest with me. Do you think I did anywhere near enough to make up for what I did that day in the court that I killed Marcel?”