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“Okay what?” He asks sternly.
“Okay, Sir, I understand.”
“That’s my girl, now let’s go in there and take those motherfuckers down.” He turns us and pushes through the swinging doors, taking us back into the courtroom.
I don’t know how or why, but every time Jace uses that voice, my body reacts to it, not allowing me to disobey him. For the next few hours, my mind is completely on the trial and nothing else. My palms sweat the whole time Mrs. Simpson testifies, and when Jace takes the stand as well. He seems so cool and collected while my dad goes through his line of questioning, but I notice him start to waiver when the Defense steps up and asks him his first question.
“Mr. Palmer, will you please tell the court what your relationship is to the Plaintiff?” The lawyer asks.
“I’m Ella’s boyfriend.” He looks right at the jury as he states this so proudly that I have to grin. I also hear my mom chuckle behind me.
“Jace,” the lawyer begins, “You don’t mind if I call you Jace, do you?”
I notice the tick in Jace’s jaw right away, “Actually, I do mind. You may call me Mr. Palmer.”
I fight the giggle that wants to burst out at his words and at the sight of the Defense lawyer turning a shade of pink, obviously taken aback at Jace’s response.
“My apologies, Mr. Palmer,” the lawyer pauses briefly, “Mr. Palmer, can you define the word boyfriend to the court.”
“Objection!” my dad calls out, “I think we all know the definition of a boyfriend.”
“Your Honor, I’m only trying to establish the kind of relationship they have, and you will understand why.” The Defense pleads.
The judge frowns at the Defense and then looks over at my dad, “Overruled,” he then looks over at Jace, “You may answer the question.”
“Thank you, your Honor,” the lawyer turns back to Jace to await his answer.
Being the smartass that he is, Jace proceeds to answer the Defense, “There are a couple different definitions for ‘boyfriend’.”
The lawyer looks confused as he glances around the courtroom before his eyes land back on Jace, “By all means, educate us on the definitions that you know of.”
“Well, you need to be specific, Sir. You see, my mother owns a clothing store, so when you ask me to define the word boyfriend, it could mean the description of women’s clothing that is designed to be over-sized.” Jace smirks as soft chuckles break out in the courtroom. My dad has to cover his own smirk.
The judge slams his gavel down on his bench, “Order in the court!” The room quiets down once more.
“Thank you, Mr. Palmer, for enlightening us all as to what over-sized clothing is called for women,” The lawyer puts his hands behind his back, “Now please tell us the definition of boyfriend within a romantic relationship.”
“I guess it’s a male partner within a relationship.” Jace sounds bored as he answers.
The lawyer chuckles, “I guess you’re right, but tell us, Mr. Palmer, are you called anything other than Miss Baxter’s boyfriend?”
My heart stops within my chest. What the actual fuck is he getting at? Is he meaning what I think he’s meaning? I look over at my dad, but he has a poker face, other than the tick in his jaw. When I look back at Jace, he’s remaining calm, but he has a look to him, as if he’s trying to determine which route to take. I don’t know how long I hold my breath for, but I finally let it out when I feel my mother rub my back.
“As far as I know,” Jace begins, “boyfriend is what people see me as in Ella’s life.”
“Oh really,” the lawyer turns toward the jurors, “so, you’re not known as Miss Baxter’s Dominant? Is she not your submissive?”
“Objection!” my dad calls out, standing up this time, “What they do in their private life has nothing to do with the attack!”
“Your Honor, I’m just showing the jury that the Plaintiff enjoys being slapped around, and so it does have to do with the attack, because she is accusing the Defendants of abusing her.”
“I’m afraid that I will have to sustain the objection. The Prosecution is right, it has nothing to do with this case. You’re walking on thin ice, keep the questions about the case.” The judge reprimands the Defense.
“Mr. Palmer,” the lawyer continues as though he wasn’t just scolded, “Is it or isn’t it true that for two years, you bullied the Plaintiff?”
My eyes go wide, I hear my mom gasp, and my father turns his head to me, but I don’t take my eyes off of Jace. He looks over at me, and I can see the pain in his eyes, but he doesn’t try to hide the fact.
“Yes, it’s true.”
