Consequences(239)

Claire understood how things looked. She knew about appearances, but she knew what she endured. She explained that even after things got better with Tony, there was always the underlying threat of abuse. Things did get better, after the near-death accident. He got better, and she believed she loved him, but always there were rules and reminders of consequences for her actions. Any failure to be perfect could result in punishment. The truth would set her free. Claire Rawlings was ready to tell the entire world the truth.

Her legal team prepared a preliminary brief. It informed the prosecution of their defense strategy. By no means was it all inclusive; however, it did emphasize the hostile relationship between Mr. and Mrs. Rawlings. It highlighted Mr. Rawlings’s aggressive, intimidating, and controlling tendencies. Mrs. Rawlings’ only intention on the day in question was to escape the harsh reality of her life. She didn’t plan—nor did she execute a plan—to cause Mr. Rawlings harm.

The time for the rescheduled preexamination meeting arrived. Mr. Evergreen and his team, as well as Paul, Jane, and Claire were once again seated around a large table. The only noticeable difference at this meeting was Claire’s brown hair. Indulging Claire’s request, Jane brought her a box of Chestnut hair dye. Claire looked younger. The blonde was striking, stunning, and beautiful—Claire didn’t feel any of those.

Mr. Evergreen addressed Paul, “How does your client plan to plea?”

“My client is not guilty and plans to plea as such.”

“I’d like to ask your client some questions—to let her know what she’ll be facing at trial. Mr. Task, Ms. Allyson, do you have any objections to this plan?”

Paul began, “Claire, this isn’t a bad idea. This allows us to understand where the prosecution is coming from with their charges. It also lets you experience the questioning portion of the trial. The questions here are not asked under oath. You can refuse to answer, and your answers cannot be used against you in the actual trial.”

“All right, please ask away.” Claire’s mind was made up. She was innocent, and planned to tell the world the truth of what she had endured. Having Marcus Evergreen, a contemporary of Tony’s, sitting across the table was unnerving. After all, Marcus attended their wedding, Tony wouldn’t approve of her telling him certain things, but she was innocent, and if Tony wasn’t going to help her—the truth would.

Mr. Evergreen opened his laptop and began his questioning, “First, Mrs. Rawlings, as your attorney informed you this is not under oath and your answers cannot be used against you at trial. You should also be aware my team and I have read Mr. Task’s preliminary brief which discusses the relationship between you and your husband, as well as your allegations to his behavior. I realize Mr. Task and Ms. Allyson plan to use your allegations in your defense. This procedure is a snapshot of how I, and my team, plan to cross examine you. Do you understand?” Claire nodded. “Mrs. Rawlings, please answer all questions verbally.” Claire said that she would.

“Please state your name.”

“Claire Rawlings.”

“How long has that been your name?”

“Anthony Rawlings and I were married December 18, 2010.”

“Mrs. Rawlings, I didn’t ask when you were married, but rather how long Claire Rawlings has been your name.” Mr. Evergreen continued with mundane questions regarding dates and times. Then his questions turned to her life before Mr. Rawlings. What did she do for a living? Where did she live? How did she and Anthony Rawlings meet?

“Why did you move into Mr. Rawlings’s house?”