A Man Already Gone

Harriet posted an edited clip of our chat online, and it soon blew up.

The post went viral. The comments were hating on me, calling my father and me 'an evil father and son pair', 'scum of the earth', and 'accomplices'.

Less than a week later, I got a court summons.

On the day of the trial, I arrived at the courthouse right on time.

The moment I walked in, I saw Harriet and her mom on the plaintiff's side.

As I walked by, Harriet quickly looked down, her shoulders tensing up like she was scared.

Her mom wrapped her arms around her and stared at me angrily.

"Harriet, don't be scared. I'm right here.

"With everyone here today, we'll make sure those evil people get what they deserve!"

I stood in front of them and nodded. "You're right. Bad people will certainly get their comeuppance."

Harriet's eyelashes fluttered.

I did not say anything else and headed to the defendant's side.

The judge banged the gavel, and the trial began.

The plaintiff's lawyer stood up first.

"Let's hear from the victim about what happened."

Harriet sniffled, her voice breaking as she started.

"Sir... I mean, Charles Roberts lied about needing help at home to trick me into living in his cursed home.

"He told me he was alone and needed me to cook and clean for him.

"After a month, he said he was going on a trip and left me alone in the house. Before he left, he gave me a drink. After I drank it, I felt really dizzy. Then, his dad came back... and pulled me into a room."

She cried as she spoke. "That man, he forced me onto the bed and... he hurt me."

Her words set the courtroom on fire.

People in the gallery were furious. "He's a monster!"

"They planned this together, father and son!"

I ignored the insults from the crowd, stood up, and said firmly, "My dad would never do something like that!"

I turned to face Harriet, her eyes filled with tears.

"Why didn't you call the police right after it happened?"

Harriet's voice shook as she answered through her sobs.

"He threatened me. He said if I told anyone, he'd make life miserable for me and my family.

"I'm just a worker. I couldn't stand up to you. But when I found out I was pregnant, I knew I had to be brave and ask for justice..."

Whispers and gasps filled the courtroom, and angry voices spoke up.

"That man is a monster!"

"His son is just as bad, protecting a criminal!"

Harriet's mother cried out, her voice filled with grief. "My poor daughter's life is destroyed..."

As she wiped away her tears, she gave me a quick, smug glance.

I clenched my fists and spoke up. "You're lying. My father would never do such a thing."

The lawyer for the other side jumped in quickly. "Your Honor, we have important evidence."

Everyone watched as he plugged a USB drive into his computer.

The speakers in the courtroom came to life with a recording.

First, there was a desperate cry, "Sir! Help me!"

Then, a man's deep, taunting laugh. "Calling for Charles to save you?

"You don't understand, do you? He left to give us space.

"Just keep me happy, and you'll get money, a job, and whatever you want... Just do as you're told."

Next came Harriet's panicked cries and the sound of a struggle. "No! Please stop! I won't tell anyone! Please..."

The recording suddenly cut off with Harriet's heartbreaking sobs.

Harriet was already in tears, her whole body shaking. Her mother stood up quickly, pointing at us and yelling.

"Do you hear that? These evil people planned it all! They lured my daughter into their home just to hurt her!"

The courtroom buzzed with shock, and I saw someone fighting back tears.

"It's so sad for this mother and daughter to have to deal with such horrible people!"

"Lock up the rapist's son too! It's shameful to help a criminal!"

While everyone was shouting in anger, I clenched my fist tightly.

"How can you be so sure that voice is my dad's?"

The lawyer for the opposing side looked at me.

"We have proof. After checking, there's a 95% chance that the voice is Jethro's!"

With that kind of proof against me, I stood my ground. "No way. That's not my dad's voice!"

I knew for a fact that Harriet had never met my dad.