AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’m aware this is a tragic matter, and that Madden is a minor. Since this is a family court session, we will move forward with tolerance and sensitivity for all involved.”
Lara bursts into sobs, holding her hands over her mouth. Corbin loops his arm around her shoulders and pulls her in closer.
“Miss Smith, it’s very important that you understand the reason for this proceeding—this meeting. I will be reading the charges against you, then you will have a chance to reply with what we call a plea. This means you will say whether you agree with the charges or disagree. If you disagree, you will plead not guilty. If you agree with the charges, you will plead guilty.”The judge clears his throat and shakes his head. I wonder how many arraignments he’s seen in his career that involve a child Madden’s age. After a little research, I found that Rhode Island doesn’t have a minimum age that a minor can be prosecuted in a family court. She could be charged as an adult if the court deems necessary. It seems unreal. Children like Madden need help, guidance, therapy, and maybe a different type of education, but I’m not sure what this outcome will be. From what I could find online, there are very few cases like this one. “I will also make sure you understand your rights throughout the process, and if you have any questions along the way, please be sure to let me know so I can clarify.”
Madden seems to take in every word the judge is saying but I’m not sure she understands the graveness of what he’s explaining. I can only hope Jared has done his due diligence beyond what I’ve been around for to make sure she understands what she might or might not agree to.
“Madden Smith, the charges against you are as follows: Youareresponsible for the crime of homicide. It is alleged that on June 9th, you brought your fifteen-month-old sister, Fallon Smith, down to the ocean-shore outside of your house’s property. It is further alleged that you were alone with Fallon Smith when you left her unattended in the water despite knowing that, as a fifteen-month-old child, she could not swim. It is alleged that you did so with understanding that she would drown in that body of water,” the judge states.
Silence fills the courtroom as the accusations linger like a thick fog over everyone’s heads. I’m glad I can’t see Madden’s face because if she didn’t understand the consequences to these actions before, she most certainly does now. She made it clear that whatever she’s done is because of Lara. That must play a part in this.
Jared whispers something else into Madden’s ear but I can’t imagine it’s much more than words of consolation.
“Madden Smith, do you fully understand why the charges are being brought against you today?”
Jared whispers once again into Madden’s ear.
“Yes, Your Honor,” she squeaks.
“Okay then. You have the right to legal representation, as you see,” Judge Evans gestures to Jared. “It is important that you and your legal representative, Mr. Jared Keffner, have consulted on your impending plea.”
“Yes, Your Honor,” Jared says on behalf of Madden. “I have explained the options to Madden and we are both in agreement per her understanding of the question being asked.”
“Madden, how do you plead to the charge of being an accomplice to the cause of your sister being missing? Guilty, not guilty, or no contest?”
Lara and Corbin both hold their hands in prayer over their chests. Their eyes are closed, and I can’t help but wonder if they are unaware of what Madden is about to say.
Jared nods his head at Madden. “Not guilty, Your Honor,” she says. Jared places his hand on her shoulder. “I’m not guilty because I didn’t drown my sister. I was keeping her safe like I was told to do. She isn’t dead!”
Like she was told to do…
A rumble of chatter waves through the courtroom and Jared’s face of contentment changes to confusion and distress as he whispers more to her.
“Who told you to do this?” Lara shouts across the courtroom. “Where is she, Madden? Where is your baby sister?”
“Order, order in the court!” Judge Evans shouts, tapping his gavel several times.
“Before we continue with the discussion of future proceedings, I’m going to call a brief recess to allow Maddento meet with her legal representative.” Judge Evans checks his watch. “Ten minutes, please.”
My jaw drops and I gasp among the commotion, covering my hand over my mouth. My palms clam up on the wooden bench I’ve been sitting on, so I rub my hands over my knees to dry them.Lara and Corbin clearly already knew their daughter was missing before going out to a gala that night.
A breeze of perfumes, colognes, and body odor washes over me as people spill out of the courtroom for their ten-minute break. I can’t seem to unstick myself from this seat as shock holds me hostage.
A hand touches my shoulder and I jump out of my seat, the shock resettling into a state of panic. I clutch my chest and glance to my left. “I didn’t mean to startle you,” Jared says. “Could I borrow you for a moment?” What could he want from me at this point? Does he think I know something I wouldn’t have already told him? Madden’s confession is obviously a surprise to him even after spending whatever amount of time he’s had to spend with Madden over the last day and a half.
I can feel Lara and Corbin’s eyes burning against my back as I scurry out of the courtroom, finding Madden, Jared and the social worker sitting on a bench down the hallway. “The reason I asked you to be here this morning was in case we needed a testimony. It’s rare that testimony is allowed during an arraignment and it’s up to the judge’s discretion if he will accept one, but will you be willing to confirm that neither Lara nor Corbin acted as if they were aware they had a missing child when they left you in their care for the evening?”
“Yes—yes, of course. I’ve already stated this when questioned, but?—”
“That was about you. This is about Madden. It needs to be stated for the record on her case.”
Madden is staring at me with what looks like so many questions floating through her eyes. “I’ll tell them.”
“Will Mommy and Daddy be taken away after?”
Jared waves his hands at Madden. “We can’t ask any of those questions right now. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Your Honor,” she says.
