Jossy's voice rose. "Yes. Because I have nothing left to lose. He already took everything from me. I am here to tell my truth."
The courtroom went still. Even Peters hesitated, sensing the power of her words. He cleared his throat, shifting uncomfortably.
"No further questions," he muttered, retreating.
***
The following week, the defence also called several witnesses.
"Your Honor, the defense calls Mrs. Evelyn Rothwell to the stand," Mr. Peters announced.
Damien's mother took her seat. She adjusted her pearl necklace and cleared her throat.
"Mrs. Rothwell, you are Damien's mother?"
"Yes, I am."
"Can you describe your relationship with your son?"
"I have always loved him dearly. He is a caring son, devoted to his family, and has never displayed violent tendencies in our presence."
Mr Peter's eyes narrowed. "Mrs. Rothwell, were you aware of any domestic issues in the Rothwell household?"
"No, never. Damien never confided anything like that to me. Jossy seemed happy whenever I saw her."
Objections flew as the prosecutor tried to poke holes, but Mrs. Rothwell remained firm, painting her son as loving, though a high profile individual.
Next up was a college friend, Thomas Mathias, a tall man with glasses who spoke in a soft, hesitant tone.
"Thomas, how long have you known Damien?"
"Since college. We shared classes and social events."
"Did you ever witness Damien being violent or aggressive?"
"No, never. He was kind, patient, and never intended harm to anyone."
The defense asked pointedly, "Did you know about his marriage to Jossy?"
Thomas hesitated. "Yes, I knew. They seemed… well, normal. I never saw him abuse her or treat her badly."
Their housekeeper,Joy, was next. A woman in her fifties, she had known the Rothwell household intimately. Her voice was steady, almost maternal.
"Ms Joy, you worked for the Rothwell family?"
"Yes, for over fifteen years."
"During that time, did you observe any violent behavior toward Jossy?"
"No. Damien always treated her politely in my presence."
The prosecutor challenged her, trying to show her observations were limited, and she admitted she hadn't been present for all private moments. Still, her testimony added a layer of credibility for Damien, especially to jurors inclined to see family testimony as significant.
Next was Damien's business partner, Richard Thomson, a tall man with a commanding presence.
"Richard, how long have you worked with Damien?"
"Over three years."
"Would you describe him as aggressive in business or personal life?"
"He's assertive in business, yes, but that is completely different from domestic abuse. I have never seen him use violence in any personal relationships."
The defense pressed, "Are you aware of any history of complaints from employees or family regarding abusive behavior?"
"No, never."
Finally, the family doctor, Dr. Simmons, a man in his sixties with a calm, authoritative demeanor, approached.
"Dr. Simmons, how long have you known Damien Rothwell and his family?"
"Over twenty years. I have provided routine care to the family."
"To your knowledge, has Damien displayed violent behavior?"
"No, never."
"And regarding Jossy's well being, have you observed any injuries or complaints that would indicate domestic abuse?"
"Not that I am aware of."
The defense team looked satisfied. They had called a lineup portraying Damien as a well meaning, upstanding man, surrounded by those who could vouch for him.
But despite the witness list, the weight of Jossy's testimony loomed large. Each witness, no matter how credible, struggled against the details she had provided: the evidence, miscarriage, the isolation, the attacks, and the secret steps she took to survive.
Outside the courtroom, Hazel squeezed Jossy's hand. "No matter what the outcome is, your voice has been heard. You have given thousands of victims courage to come forward, against all odds."