A LIFE APART
EPISODE 8
Written by Rukevwe Merry
Christabel arrived at the station, her lawyer’s mind racing. “I’m here to represent Mirabel Aaron,” she announced. Officer James nodded. “Christabel, we have a witness statement. Mr. Johnson claims Mirabel stole his car two years ago.” Just then, Annabel approached Christabel, playing the role of a concerned sister. “Christabel, someone just told me Mirabel was arrested.”
Christabel replied calmly, “Yes, Dad informed me too. That’s why I’m here to stand as Mirabel’s lawyer.” She turned to Officer James, her expression remaining calm. “I’d like to see the statement.” The officer handed her a folder. Christabel scanned the documents. “This is the only evidence?” Christabel asked. Officer James nodded. “Mr. Johnson’s testimony is compelling.” Christabel argued, “But there’s no concrete evidence linking Mirabel to the crime. You can’t just take one testimony and believe without even investigating.”
The officer’s expression turned grim. “We’ll take this to court.” Christabel smiled confidently. “I’m ready.” Christabel left the officer and, alongside Annabel, went to visit Mirabel. Christabel told Mirabel, “I know you have a past, but I’ll do everything possible to get you out of here.” Annabel also promised Mirabel her support.
Christabel and Annabel decided to meet Mr. Johnson to try to settle the case outside of court and drop the charges. However, Mr. Johnson refused. Unknown to Christabel, Annabel had paid him to testify against Mirabel.
After five days, the hearing for the case would take place. Annabel was eager for the law to keep Mirabel away from their parents, allowing her to have their parents all to herself.
MR AND MRS SMITH’S HOME
Mr. and Mrs. Smith sat in their dimly lit living room, haunted by guilt. “We ruined Mirabel’s life,” Mrs. Smith whispered, tears streaming down her face.
Mr. Smith’s eyes dropped, shame etched on his face. “We drove her to desperation. Our actions led her down a path of destruction.”
Mrs. Smith’s voice trembled. “We must make amends. We can’t let Mirabel suffer anymore.”
Mr. Smith nodded resolutely. “We’ll find a way to fix this.”
COURTROOM
Judge Thompson banged his gavel, signaling the start of the hearing. “This court is now in session.”
Prosecutor Davis stood confidently. “Your Honor, we have irrefutable evidence that Mirabel Aaron st0le Mr. Johnson’s car.” Christabel smiled calmly. “The prosecution’s case relies on a single testimony. We will prove Mr. Johnson’s testimony is false.”
Annabel sat in the gallery, a smug smile on her face. She had paid Mr. Johnson a hefty sum to testify against Mirabel. Mr. Johnson was called to the witness stand. “Please state your testimony,” the prosecutor instructed.
But instead of incriminating Mirabel, Mr. Johnson shocked the courtroom. “Mirabel Aaron never st0le my car. I sought revenge because she refused my romantic advances.” The courtroom fell silent.
Flashback:
!!!A PRIVATE MEETING!!!
Mr. and Mrs. Smith met Mr. Johnson in a secluded café. “We’ve wronged Mirabel in the past,” Mrs. Smith said, her voice filled with remorse. “We want to make things right.”
Mr. Johnson’s expression turned curious. “What do you want from me?”
Mr. Smith pleaded, “Drop the charges against Mirabel. We’ll pay you a substantial amount.”
Mr. Johnson’s eyes widened at the briefcase filled with cash.
“I’ll take your money,” Mr. Johnson said, “and I’ll make things right.”
Unknown to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Mr. Johnson had already been paid by Annabel. But the Smiths’ offer far exceeded Annabel’s, and Mr. Johnson decided to double-cross Annabel.
With the briefcase in hand, Mr. Johnson left the meeting, planning to shock the courtroom with his revised testimony.
Flashback End.
Back in the courtroom, Clara Aaron’s face lit up with relief, while Annabel’s face turned beet red with rage. “How could you, Mr. Johnson?” Annabel whispered to herself. Judge Thompson’s expression turned stern. “Mr. Johnson, you’ve wasted the court’s time with your false testimony.”
Judge Thompson banged his gavel. “Mirabel Aaron is free to go. Mr. Johnson, you’ll pay a fine for perjury.” As the courtroom emptied, Clara and Aaron hugged Mirabel tightly, tears of joy streaming down their faces. Annabel stormed out, her plan foiled.
Tbc
