Everyone present is shocked when I suddenly retract my confession.
However, two persons are very calm.
One is Frances.
The other is Hilda.
Why is she so calm when she hears what I said?
Could it be that she knows how to deal with it?
Considering my words, the judge has to take a short recess so that Earl can be taken to run a CT test on his head.
The test doesn't take any time at all, so we're back in session.
But what the opposing counsel says disappoints and startles me.
"After an accurate test in the hospital, there's no foreign object in the defendant's son's brain and he's never had an operation. Therefore, it can be concluded that the defendant concocts such a story in order to slander Hilda."
There isn't a bomb in Earl's head. Why?
Did Hilda ... lie to me?
I look towards Hilda and see she is complacent, which seems to have confirmed my conjecture.
I am deceived, and now it is too late!
I am so stupid that I am fooled like an idiot.
It's the only perk that Earl's life isn't in jeopardy.
But is my life going to be ruined like this?
"I'm not lying. It's Hilda. She lied to me! Frances, it's Hilda who lied to me. I never hate you and neither do I want to hurt you? I love...."
"Silence in court!"
The judge bangs on the table and says in an authoritative tone.
I have no choice but to calm down and look Frances in the eye.
What I need is his trust.
I just want to see his trusting eyes.
But he doesn't do that.
He just gives me a cold look, and then he looks away.
I am almost dead inside.
"Your honor, the defendant targeted innocent civilians and nearly killed my client. She has broken the law. We propose the defendant be sentenced to 15 years behind bars."
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