Chapter 109

Frank was seething as he entered the small room he would meet with his lawyer in. He couldn't believe that none of this was going according to plan. Why was the judge allowing Natalia to give such detailed answers? He was supposed to allow her only yes or no answers. Her explanations were swaying the jury.

He sat down and awaited Mr. Carter. He slowly calmed as he remembered the ace hidden up his sleeve. They may not get far with the witnesses lined up by the prosecution, but once it was their turn to call witnesses, he knew he couldn't fail.

Mr. Carter walked in and took the seat across from Frank. "Morning Frank. I brought you another suit for today. However, I could have given that to the guard. Why did you need to speak with me?"

"We know Olivia is going to be questioned today. I want you to hold off on asking her anything about our history. Stick to recent events."

"I thought you wanted to unearth her skeletons?"

Frank gave a wicked smile. "Oh, I intend to, but not with her. She is only going to do what Natalia did and try to draw sympathy for her actions from the jury. Since the judge is allowing these drawn-out answers, I think we need to change tactics."

"Frank, I don't think this is a good idea. We already changed our plea, that really wasn't a good idea, if we keep changing how we approach we're going to bury ourselves."

"Now you listen here, I'm the one paying you, so you do what I say." Frank growled. "You don't ask her a damn thing that isn't about the attack at the farmhouse. When we get to our witnesses, that's when we'll bury her. Understand."

Mr. Carter shook his head. "Of course."

"Good."

"Alright, we're due in court in half an hour. You should get changed. I'll see you there." He stood and walked out the door without giving Frank another glance.

Everyone filed into the court room for day two. Once court was called to order. The judge asked Doris and Mel to call their next witness. Doris stood and walked to the front of the table. "The prosecution calls Ms. Blake Marler to the stand."

Blake was seated with Buzz and Lillian about halfway back. She made her way to the aisle and up to the front. Doris opened the separating gate for her and followed her to the witness box. After she was sworn in by the bailiff, Doris stepped to be in front of her. "Ms. Marler, do you know my clients?"

"I do. Natalia and I have a very close friendship and over the course of her relationship with Olivia, I have grown to see her as a friend as well."

"And do you know the defendant?"

"Yes, of course."

"What is your relationship with Mr. Cooper?"

"He is me ex-boyfriend, and, until recent events, he was a good friend of mine."

"You said he's your ex?"

"Yes."

"When did the two of you date."

"We started dating in September of last year, but it only lasted a couple of months. We broke up in December."

"And why did your relationship with the defendant end?"

"Objection! Relevance" Mr. Carter yelled.

"I'm getting there your honor. I promise." Doris countered.

The judge looked down at the mayor. "Get there fast Ms. Wolfe."

Doris nodded. "Ms. Marler?"

"I broke up with him after the incident with Natalia at the farmhouse. When we went there to discuss wedding plans. I was appalled at his behavior. Not to mention, he was obviously not over Natalia, and therefore, we didn't stand a chance."

"And during your relationship with Mr. Cooper, were there any signs that he might still be harboring feelings for Mrs. Natalia Spencer-Rivera, or wish harm to Mrs. Olivia Spencer-Rivera?"

Blake explained how she had sometimes heard Frank muttering to himself about Natalia or Olivia when she stayed at his house. How, if she mentioned them, he would tense. She went on to further explain how on edge he was if she and Doris discussed wedding plans around him, but she just attributed it to his and Olivia's past. She never thought he would cause either of them harm. She explained that she should have seen his temper about Olivia as a red flag. She told about one particular night when she was talking to him about the love she could clearly see between the two women and how he got very angry and starting spewing venom about Olivia and how she was only going to cause Natalia pain.

"Thank you Ms. Marler. No further questions." Doris spun on her heel and returned to her seat next to Olivia. The two looked over to see Frank's barely contained anger at Blake's questioning.

"Would the defense like to cross examine the witness?" Judge Anderson asked.

"Not at this time your honor." Mr. Carter answered.

"Very well, you may step down Ms. Marler. Prosecution, call you next witness."

Doris called both Remy and Mallet who gave their accounts of the evening. As well as submitting further physically evidence of the events of that night. The forensics report as well as the pictures of the master bedroom at the farmhouse. Frank's attorney declined cross examination of both witnesses as well as Rick who attested to not only Olivia's injuries but also Rafe's condition when he entered the hospital that night. Felicia was their last professional witness who accounted for the entire families mental state, including both Ava and Emma.

Once Doris finished with the four professional witness the court broke for lunch. Upon returning, there was one more witness before Olivia and Rafe. Mel stood and faced the judge. "The prosecution calls Mayor Doris Wolfe."

Doris stood and took the witness seat, swearing to tell the truth and announcing her name for the record. Mel came to stand before her. "Ms. Wolfe, what is your relation to the Spencer-Rivera family?"

"I am a close friend to the family."

"Did you see any of the events that have been discussed during these proceedings?"

"Not when they happened no, but I saw the aftermath. The bruises, the cuts, the broken bones, and the shattered sense of security." Her voice rose slightly with her last statement.

"Can you describe that for us please?"

"The night Mr. Cooper gave Natalia a handprint sized bruise on her forearm, Olivia called me the moment he left. When I arrived at the house, that family was in shambles. Some would think that a bruised arm wouldn't warrant the utter despair they felt, but it did. It wasn't the bruises; it was the fact that someone they had trusted had hurt a member of their family. I walked in and they were huddled together on their couch, asleep, trying desperately to shield one another from the outside world."

"What did you do, when you found them like that?"

"I woke Olivia first and she told me what happened. Natalia and their older children woke while we were talking. I took pictures of Natalia's arm and in the morning we went to the hospital to speak with Mr. Cooper."

"Why the hospital?"

"Rafael had seen what was going on with Frank and Natalia through his bedroom window. Without much thought he ran outside and tackled Mr. Cooper to the ground. He hit him several times in the face before Olivia was able to pull him away and calm him down."

"Why did you go to the hospital and not the police?"

"For a couple of reasons. First, Frank Cooper was the chief of police at the time. As Mayor, I felt I should speak with him directly. Second, I, as well as Mrs. And Mrs. Spencer-Rivera, wanted to know if he intended on pressing charges against their son."

"Why did you believe he would press charges against Rafael?"

"It's not that I believed he would, however, I feared he would threaten to do so, to keep himself from trouble. As chief of police, he would have been suspended, at the very least, for assaulting a member of the community."

"Is that what happened?"

"Yes. When I arrived at the hospital, I went straight to his room to question him about what had happened the previous night. His first response was to insist he did nothing wrong. He claimed it wasn't a big deal, that he just grabbed Natalia's arm, he didn't hit her or lock her in a room somewhere. He then went on a tangent about Olivia and how awful she was. How Natalia shouldn't be with her. When he realized he wasn't getting anywhere, he threatened to press assault charges on Olivia for kneeing him in his manhood, and when I assured him that he wouldn't get very far with that, he then threatened to call the parole board on Rafael and tell them he assaulted an officer. Since he is on parole, he could have had to finish his sentence in prison, even though he was defending his mother. Mr. Cooper agreed he wouldn't press charges on Rafe, if we pretended that nothing happened, and if he was allowed to speak with Natalia, alone."

"You and the Spencer-Rivera's agreed to his conditions?"

"We did. I am aware that, as mayor, I should not have turned the other cheek on this, however, at the time, I was more concerned with the wellbeing of my friends and their son. Rafe is a good boy who made a mistake. I didn't want to see him back in prison for doing nothing more than defend his mother. Since the Spencer-Rivera's were willing to take the deal with Frank, I allowed it. We truly believed that after that incident, Frank would have stayed away from their family."

"And after the night of January sixteenth? Where you with the family then as well?"

"Yes. I was at the hospital as soon as I was able."

"How was that?"

Doris took a steadying breath as images of that night flashed across her mind. "When I walked into that room…" She paused and shook her head. "When I walked into that room, I saw a frightened boy, awake, but unseeing, unhearing. His sister clinging tight to his side, whispering over and over how it wasn't his fault, how much his family loved him. My heart broke for them. For the young adults I have grown to love so very much." A single tear rolled down her cheek as she tried to collect herself and continue. "Then, I saw her, Olivia Spencer, without a doubt the strongest woman I have ever known, laying there, bandaged and bruised. Natalia was holding tight to her hand. It was heart wrenching. All anyone in that room wanted, me included, was for her to just open her eyes. She lay there, broken ribs, two head wounds, bruises all over, unable to wake up. Her family not knowing if she would ever wake up again. I can't tell you how unbearable it is to see someone you love like that."

"We heard testament from Dr. Boudreau about the mental state of this family. Have you seen any of that for yourself?"

"I have."

"Would you care to elaborate?"

"I have been staying with the family since Olivia was released from the hospital. They have all been deeply affected by this, each in their own way. Rafael Spencer-Rivera blames himself for not protecting Olivia. He feels that he should have known Frank was there and protected his mother against him. More than once I have caught him sneaking into either his sister or his mother's room after waking from a nightmare."

At hearing a gasp, Doris looked over to the prosecution table. There was Rafe, squished between his mothers, both of them crying as quietly as possible as they rubbed his back and kissed his head. "Ava Spencer-Rivera barely sleeps. She has buried herself in work just to keep her mind busy, to not think about losing her mother." Doris sought out Ava, remembering their talk and found her leaning forward to try and be as close to her family as possible, Phillip scooted as far up in his seat as possible, holding the young woman.

"The worst for me is young Emma Spencer-Rivera. That child has been through more in her young life then any child should ever have to endure. She has nightmares almost every night. I know because I sleep with her. Once Olivia was released from the hospital, she wanted to sleep with her mothers. She was very scared. Since she couldn't sleep with Olivia and Natalia because Olivia is still recovering, she asked me to stay with her. Even with security guards she is still terrified. At first she would only sleep if we slept in her mother's bed, recently I have gotten her to sleep in her own bed, but only if I sleep with her. On more than one night I have woken from her kicking in the midst of a nightmare. My heart breaks every time I have to sooth that sweet girl back to sleep." Tears were silently streaming down her face as she thought of poor Emma and all she had been through.

"Natalia Spencer-Rivera, that woman, she tries so hard to hide it all, to pretend that everything is okay. She does everything she can to keep busy, to not think about what happened to her wife. But there are times when her guard slips, when you can see the ghost haunting her, that's when she lets it all out. I've watched from her daughters window as she walked to the pond late at night when she thinks the house is asleep. I've seen her scream to the heavens, begging God to give her an answer to why this has happened. I've seen her collapse to the ground after her voice goes hoarse. She doesn't sleep much more then Ava." Natalia and Doris's gaze locked for just a moment, Natalia nodding in recognition of not being as stealthy as she had thought.

"Olivia, one can only imagine how she feels. She is the strongest woman I have ever known. I never thought anything could break her, but this almost did. Not because of the injuries she herself received, but for the pain she sees her family in. It kills her to see her wife and children struggling so hard. Yes, she's had her own share of nightmares, times when she's woken the house with her screams. Woken so terrified that it took the entire house to make her realize it was a dream and she was safe so she could go back to sleep. But that's not the worst part for Olivia. I've sat and talked with her several times; I've witnessed her tears and heartbrokenness at what her family is going through."

Doris met Olivia's eyes before continuing. Although they had spoken about Doris's testimony, this part had been left out. Doris's knew Olivia would be angry at her since she hadn't shared this with anyone else, but it might be exactly what is needed to seal the deal on this case.

"Like Rafael, Olivia too blames herself for this. For all of it. For the bruises left on her wife's arm, for the confusion Emma went through when Frank told her that he and Natalia should be married. For Rafe being pulled in so many different directions while in prison and following his release. For her eldest daughters inability to process this and begin to heal, for her youngest daughters nightmares. All of it."

"Why would Mrs. Olivia Spencer-Rivera blame herself for any of this? Surely she would place blame on Mr. Cooper?"

"One would think that, but no." Doris took a deep breath and locked eyes with Olivia who was shaking her head 'no' and had flames dancing in her eyes. "It has been stated that Olivia and Frank have a past. Their past is why Olivia blames herself, and not just theirs, but her past in general. Who she used to be, the things she's done? She feels she deserves what Mr. Cooper did to her, like it's a fair punishment for the crimes she feels she's committed in the past. She has actually said she deserves far worse."

"I'm afraid I don't understand. Could you please elaborate for us?"

Doris turned her head to the judge. "Your honor, I am aware that this may seem to be unreverent, but myself, and my colleague, feel that it will give a general background. Share with the jury who Olivia Spencer-Rivera is, as the defense attempted to do with their questioning of Mrs. Natalia Spencer-Rivera. I ask that you allow me to give a brief description of Mrs. Spencer-Rivera's past so that, as was stated by both my colleague and the defense, a full picture can but seen and understood as to how these events came to take place."

"I will allow it. Let's just not take all afternoon."

"I will be as brief as possible. Thank you your honor." Doris turned back to face Mel. Once again meeting Olivia's eyes, before beginning. "I have known, or at least known of, Olivia for the past decade or so. Although we only became friends in the past year, one does not live in Springfield and not know who Olivia Spencer is. Her past is littered with more misdeeds then anyone would ever dream possible. Bribery, blackmail, manipulation, lies, and cunning acts of indecency to name a few. Five failed marriages and more one night stands then one would think possible. She believes her past actions are why all of this has happened. One evening, her and I were alone at the farmhouse. She was silently crying when I went to check on her. That's when she shared with me exactly what her and Mr. Cooper's past looks like, and why she believes he is doing all of this to her family."

Doris cleared her throat and took a breath. Glancing from Frank to the Spencer-Rivera family. "Several years ago, before Natalia moved to Springfield, Olivia went on a few dates with Mr. Cooper. He was nice and attentive. He was wonderful with her young daughter. However, Olivia had developed feelings for his father, Buzz Cooper. She and Buzz tried very hard to ignore their feelings, and Olivia tried to make things work with Frank. He was a good man and she had no doubt that he would take care of her and her child. But the heart wants what the heart wants. One evening, at a gathering Olivia had suggested, several members of the community were spending the night at a cabin. Olivia made the rounds with a few men that night. Frank and Buzz among them, but it was Buzz's bed she found herself in. After that, she and Buzz began a relationship, it was difficult, but eventually Frank got over his hurt and tried to be happy for Olivia and his father. That is until Olivia stood his father up at the altar. After that, Frank never could forgive Olivia, even though Buzz had. That is what Olivia believes is the cause for all of this. For all of the pain and agony her family is going through now. Olivia Spencer is no longer the cold unfeeling woman from her past. Natalia has changed her, made her a better woman, and she did not and does not deserve what has been done to her. No one does."

"Thank you Ms. Wolfe. No further questions." Mel retook her seat, barely glancing at Olivia, afraid of what her reaction was going to be.

Rafe had sat back up in his seat, as well as Ava and Phillip sliding back in theirs, Ava resting her head on Phillips shoulder with his arm securely around her, holding her tightly. Natalia was leaning into her wife and holding her hand almost painfully. If anyone could see her face, they would know that as much as she was pained for her wife and what she was feeling, she was also very, very angry with her for not sharing all of this with her.

The judge looked between the family and the defense before focusing on Mr. Carter. "Your witness Mr. Carter."

Eric leaned over and whispered something to Frank before standing and walking to the front of the witness box. "Mayor Wolfe, did you not yourself run a 'protect our kids' campaign following a report written by Emma Spencer-Rivera about her family involving two mommies?"

"As a matter of fact, I did." Doris admitted, looking ashamed of her actions.

"And did you not attest to that fact that a child should not be raised in that sort of home? Calling it a serious problem?"

"No."

"You didn't say, and I quote, 'we have a serious problem in our town,' speaking about these two women?"

"No. If you actually listened to what I had said, then you would know that I stated I have no problem with a lesbian household, nor do I have a problem with gay families having children. My problem was with a teacher using a student's assignment to promote their own agenda. And, I will add, that my feelings have greatly changed on the matter since a year ago."

"Is that because you yourself are a lesbian? Is that not why you have taken this case?"

"Not at all. Yes, I am a lesbian." Gasp where heard throughout the courtroom at that statement. Although Doris was no longer hiding her sexuality, it wasn't exactly public knowledge either. "But that has nothing to do with why I have taken this case. I took this case for several reason. First and foremost, my chief of police committed a serious crime, several in fact. I was a criminal lawyer before I became mayor and I believe I will be helpful in ensuring justice is served."

"So, you already see my client as guilty? Tell me, are you planning on using you status as mayor to ensure my client is found guilty?"

"Objection, badgering the witness!" Mel yelled out.

Before anyone else could speak, Doris already started. "It is not up to me to decide if Frank Cooper is guilty or not, and my personal belief on the matter holds no barring whatsoever on the verdict. All I can do is represent my clients, present the evidence we have against Mr. Cooper and testify to what I know. If the jury finds your client guilty, I can assure you, it will have nothing to do with my being mayor and everything to do with evidence being presented against your client." Doris stated with conviction and disgust dripping from her words.

Mr. Carter went to ask another question but was stopped by judge Anderson. "I believe we've heard all that is necessary from you Mayor Wolfe. You may step down. Mr. Carter, if I were you, I would find a more relevant line of questioning in the future. Sexual orientation holds no bearing on this case and I will not have my courtroom turned into a battle ground on same-sex relationships."

As Doris took her place back at the table, she could feel the anger radiating off of Olivia in waves. As bad as she felt for telling Olivia's secret, she knew it was for the best and hoped her friend would understand. She leaned over Rafe and whispered to Olivia. "I'm sorry my friend, it needed to be said." She kissed her cheek in the hope that Olivia would forgive her.