Chapter-14
I had once gone to the courtroom when I was 12. My mum had sued his boss for lack of proper personal protective equipment when one of her friends got injured severely at the workplace. She didn't win the trial but won the award for being the most awesome person in my life.
"Remember, you're not very liked here. So, try to be as humble a kid as possible." The man gave his freakish grin as he said that. "Shall we go in?"
I nodded.
The man placed his hand on my back and led me inside.
The way from the palace to the court was long but beautiful. I don't know what will happen, but I think I'll be proven innocent. I didn't expect this optimism from me, but I enjoyed it.
We seated ourselves on the left side, where the defendants sit. Mum's ex-boss sat here, too.
I could see the lawyer from the plaintiff's side looking at me with disgust. His clients were wearing tuxedos and were engrossed in a serious discussion.
"Who are they?" I asked, my eyes fixed on them.
Mr. Mills looked to his right and said, "Those are Madam Esmerelda's brothers."
I didn't know if she was my stepmother, so I didn't know who those men were to me.
One of the men from their table saw me and started walking towards our table.
"Good Afternoon, Sylvester. We meet, after all."
The man extended his arm for a handshake. I looked at Mr. Mills. He gave me a slow blink.
I shook the man's hand. It was a firm handshake, firm enough that my hand turned red.
"Why did you come back? Your life must be extremely miserable there for you to come back?"
I didn't come here; they kidnapped me and brought me here. But I assumed I wasn't supposed to say that. For that matter, I wasn't supposed to say anything, so I kept quiet.
The man looked at Mr. Mills and said, "Good luck!"
Mr. Mills sank in his chair more than he already was and smiled.
Slowly the jury box got filled, everyone looking shrewder than the other.
Every seat in front of me got occupied, but I could see nobody sitting on the public benches.
A guy in some uniform came and announced, "All rise."
We stood up, and the judge entered and sat on the bench.
I could feel half of the jury's eyes on me. I looked at them. They don't like me; it's a jury trial; I don't feel so relaxed anymore.