It was the big day. In a few hours, the trial would take place. And I, Marilyn Richards along with my faithful lawyer, Mr. Johnston would very much turn Father and his witnesses into piles of mush with the right words. So what if they had Matt Murdock. Just because he had won the majority of his cases, doesn't mean he did not lose every now and then. My courtroom victory was not just going to depend upon my actions and words, but also on a little propaganda. I had to convince the world that Father had put me through quiet a lot. I had to get them to believe that he had not been all that sweet to me. It was going to be very hard for me to do this part of the "prank" because I really did love my stepfather. But, he SHOULD KNOW how MUCH I LOVE APRIL FOOLS DAY. Just thinking about that helped kept me motivated in going through with this. Mr. Johnston was waiting outside that morning at the Baxter Building. I came out looking my extreme finest with my dress and hat on. And, as soon as I came out, I headed into Mr. Johnston's limo, which was going to the New York State Courthouse. When we arrived at the courthouse, I saw many of my fans gathered outside, along with lots of television news reporters. I instantly got an idea. Before Mr. Johnston could say anything, I hopped out of the limo, and headed for the media mob. A reporter immediately spotted me, ran over, and asked me the following.

"Ms. Richards, how do you feel about suing your stepfather?"

"Why, I feel wonderful! After what I have been through with him, he'll get what's coming to him."

"Ms. Richards, is it true that he did horrible, cruel experiments on you?"

"No, that's not true. But, he has done experiments on numerous animals. I've been a witness to this at least a dozen times."

It was just a bunch of lab rats I've seen Father do experiments on. But, when you mention just animals, people will go batty. Right when I said that, a bunch of gasps erupted from the crowd. I heard people say the following.

"Reed Richards, ANIMAL TORTURER?! Why, I NEVER THOUGHT..."

"Well, I'm most certainly am NOT USING ANY PRODUCTS made by THAT MAN!"

"THAT MAN SHOULD ALREADY BE BEHIND BARS!"

That last comment started a ridiculous riot between my fans and the fans of my stepfather.
I turned my head to where Father, Ben, Sue, and Johnny were standing with their lawyer. They happened to conversing with another reporter.

"Dr. Richards, do you think your daughter is taking this seriously?"

"Well, it is very hard to say with her. But, if it has gotten to this point, I must say yes."

When Father let that out, the group of fanatics who were on my side suddenly hustled to where he stood, in hopes they could catch him, and get him to authorities. But, Father and all hoofed it into the courthouse in time. I smiled, for then the die was cast. All that was left to do was maneuver the jury as if I was the Puppet-Master, and they were my victims. And, not only appeal to the jury through my "cuteness", but to make what Father, his witnesses, and Murdock had to say as valuable as the garbage in the Manhattan dump.