Page 115 of The Blackmail of Denise Randall

THE TRIALS

“Your honor, Denise Randall attacked Kamila Jamerson’s daughter, Isabelle Jamerson, and left her there not knowing if she was dead or alive.”

“Objection. She defended herself. Isabelle Jamerson stalked and harassed my client. Just like the defendant, Kamila Jamerson, stalked my client and threatened her with a loaded gun. She then shot and murdered Doctor Roland Hall.”

“Your honor, we are not discussing Doctor Roland Hall. We are focused on Denise Randall and her provoking Kamila Jamerson and her daughter Isabelle Jamerson.”

“If Isabelle Jamerson is innocent, then why is she still missing?”

Each attorney keeps raising his voice after each question. The judge finally bangs her gavel and we adjourn for recess. The trial of Kamila Jamerson has been long and complicated. Whether or not there will be a trial against me, depends if they can find Isabelle and if she wants to press charges.

Alice is forced to push back her wedding date, again, because she doesn’t want to add more stress to Mom and Dad with everything else. My trial may or may not happen, either way, I’m in the center of all this.

“I’m sorry about your wedding, again,” I tell Alice, as we sit outside the courtroom.

“We’ve waited this long. It wouldn’t be fitting if we didn’t have complications added to our wedding planning.”

“I’m sorry, Alice. I’m so, so sorry.”

Alice places her hands on my shoulder. “We’ve all had stumbles on our journey. We learn and grow from them. The best part is we’re not on them alone. We’re all here to hold your hand and help pick you up when you fall. The important thing is you always get back up and keep going. Your journey isn’t over.”

“I feel like mine has been the biggest ordeal for the family.”

Alice bumps me with her shoulder. “You are the biggest deal of the family. I wouldn’t expect anything less.”

Mom and Dad return from getting cups of coffee with Trent. “We should get back inside.” My dad looks at his watch. “Recess is almost over.”

It’s my turn to be on the stand. I give my account of all that happened. “Mrs. Jamerson has held resentment for my family for the last six years. Her late son and my brother had a fight that resulted in both their deaths. Her daughter was caught with drugs and sent off to rehab because of our fight. I also believe she held a vendetta against me because of her affair with Doctor Roland Hall, and was furious when he sought attention elsewhere.”

“Meaning with you?”

“Yes.” He will not get me to cower. I’ll own up to my sins, but I will not let this woman get away with what she did to me and my family. She will not use my sins to justify her actions. “My last name, my involvement with her daughter and her family being humiliated over their dirty secret of drug use being leaked, as well as my intimate relationship with Doctor Roland Hall are all the reasons she was involved with a person attacking me outside an alley, coming to my parents’ guest house, pushing me off the balcony, and trying to run me off the road, resulting in a wreck that put Keaton Sloan in a coma. That’s also why she shot and killed Doctor Roland Hall.”

“You saw this? You weren’t distracted…or under the influence?”

“Yes, I saw it. I wasn’t distracted. A woman holding a gun in front of me had my full attention. I was completely sober.”

“No further questions.”

The town was already shocked by the news of Doctor Roland Hall being the whispered drug dealer Seven, Kamila Jamerson standing trial for murder, and her husband divorcing her because of her affair with Roland, but nothing could prepare anyone for what played out after Isabelle Jamerson was arrested two states over.

Of course she wanted to press charges against me. We spent weeks working on my case. I found social media evidence to prove her bullying and witnesses to testify from the night at the fair as well as those who were approached by Isabelle Jamerson for drugs.

My attorney feels confident about proving my case was self-defense. I admitted to taking it too far, and unfortunately, the fact that I was involved with drugs as well during that time period doesn’t shine a positive light on me. Things are far from over. I had to tell the court about the mysterious incidents and occurrences since my encounter with Isabelle at the fair. Worse, I have to share details about my involvement with Roland—in front of his ex-wife who tried to help me.

“I believe the break-in and notes left at my house were the doings of Doctor Roland Hall, formerly known as Seven, Kamila Jamerson, and the members of Seven. I think the plan was originally to frame Keaton Sloan.”

I go on to tell about the events. Once again, I focus on self-defense. They approached me. They came to me. I didn’t go seeking this. The court must understand that.

“That’s all very interesting, Miss Randall.” Jameron’s attorney looks down at his hands and back up at me. “But why? My client has known you since you were a baby. Family friends. Why would she seek to destroy you and associate herself with drug dealers? If what you say is true about a numbered-themed gang.” He chuckles.

“I honestly don’t know.”

He gives me a smirk as though he’s caught me. “No further questions.”

The next day, I’m asked to take the stand again. Doctor Amira Hall is there as I confess, once again, that I did, in fact, have a sexual relationship with her late husband. My parents sit a few feet over. Keaton isn’t here because he’s still in a coma. I sit before a judge, jury, enemies, friends, and family confessing my darkest secrets.

“Was your relationship with Doctor Roland Hall an intimate one?” Jamerson’s attorney asks.

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