Chapter 8

In front of the courthouse, the stairs were crowded with people. There were people holding banners, others broadcasting the scene live on their phones, and supportive members of the public who had gathered spontaneously. I gripped Howard's hand firmly, took a bracing breath, and began to ascend the stairs. I only had one purpose today—I was going in to claim the justice we deserved, both for me and Heather. "You can do it, Ms. Greene!" "It's time to uphold the right to self-defense!" I suddenly felt like crying as I heard the cheers from the crowd. I walked into the courtroom, which felt heavy with solemnity, and took a seat at the plaintiff's bench, my clammy hands betraying my nervousness. Howard was seated directly behind me in the front row of the public gallery. Joseph was brought before the court. His head was swathed in gauze, and his glare was menacingly hostile. He broke into a sickening, wicked smile upon spotting me on the plaintiff's bench. I held his gaze, refusing