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himself to the audience as much as he directed himself
to the judge. "And then he became so depressed over
her death that he drowned in the swamp? This is the
story you and Monsieur Andreas want everyone to
accept?"
"Yes," I cried. "It's true. All of it."
Monsieur Williams gazed at the judge and
twisted the corner of his mouth until it cut into his
cheek.
"No further questions, Your Honor."
The judge nodded. "You may step down,
madame," he said, but I couldn't stand. My legs were
like wet straw and my back felt as if it had turned to
jelly. I closed my eyes.
"Ruby," Beau called.
"Are you all right, madame?" the judge asked. I shook my head. My heart was pounding so
hard, I couldn't catch my breath. I felt the blood drain
from my face. When I opened my eyes, Beau was
holding my hand. Someone had brought up a wet
cloth for my forehead and I realized I had fainted. "Can you walk, Ruby?" Beau asked.
I nodded.
"We'll have a short recess," the judge said, and
slammed his gavel down. I felt as if he had slammed it
down on my heart.
17
Thicker Than Water
.
During the recess Beau and I were shown to a
waiting room in which there was a small sofa. Beau had me lie down and keep the wet cloth on my forehead while Monsieur Polk went to make a phone call to his office. He looked glum and disturbed. In fact, I thought he seemed angry at us for bringing him into the situation.
"Beau, we looked foolish in there, didn't we?" I asked mournfully. "After we told our story, the Tates' attorney made us look like liars."
