Judge Marshall looks astounded that a character witness would be presented in this case but figures that it’s more than what he’s already seen. “Miss Johnson may address the court.” “For the record, please state your name and spell it”, says Judge Marshall.
Sheila getting up from her chair at the plaintiff table and turns to Mrs. Richardson giving her a broad smile of assurance before addressing the court
“My name is Sheila Johnson, S-H-E-I-L-A J-O-H-N-S-O-N.”
“Ms. Johnson what can you tell the court about Marcella and William Richardson,” inquires the Judge.
“Your honor, Marcella Richardson is a very dear friend that I have known for over ten years and worked with for five.” “She has helped me when things were difficult for me in my life.” “She is a hard worker and gives her all at work.” “She does a lot of volunteer work in the community.” “She goes to church every Sunday and says she believes in God.” “However your honor as I look over Marcella and William’s marriage over the last ten years, I must say with some regrets that Marcella Richardson is the problem.” Sheila looks at Marcella who is obviously stunned by her comments. Casually walking toward the defense table Sheila stands behind William with her hands on his shoulders. “Yes your honor it is Marcella’s jealousy and envy toward her husband that is causing their divorce.” “Marcella came to work daily telling me of all their marital problems.” “She even shared their most personal and intimate affairs.” “Oh your honor she really laid it out there.”
Marcella, still in shock stands up shouting “Sheila, Sheila, what are you doing?” “What are you saying?”
Judge Marshall immediately beats his gavel on the desk. “Order in this court!” “Order in this court!” “Mrs. Richardson!” “Mrs. Richardson!” The next time I have to remind you about disrupting this trial I will have you found in contempt.” “Do you understand?” Marcella holds her head down in shame and answers. “Yes sir.”
Judge Marshall takes a deep sigh and looks at Sheila. “Ms. Johnson you may continue.”
“Yes your honor, she once told me about the affair she had with the next door neighbor in which her husband didn’t find out about until recently.” “Marcella even got so mad that she made plans to take fifty thousand dollars out of their business account because of her extreme jealousy of her husband.” “Fortunately her husband found out about it and was able avoid her closing the account by transferring it into another account.” “If he didn’t the company would have gone bankrupt.” “Your honor, Marcella Richardson is not the loving angel that she’s trying to present to the court.” “She is a lying, sneaky, envious woman who will go to any lengths in making her husband’s life a total hell.” “That’s all I have your honor.”
Attorney Williams gets up in Marcella’s defense.” “Your honor, I object to the testimony Ms. Johnson stated against my client.” “I would like for it to be stricken from the record.” Judge Marshall shakes his head disturbed. “You are asking me to strike from the record statements from your client’s character witness.” “You and your client brought this character witness to the stand.” “You had every opportunity to have questioned her before you presented her to the court.” “Objection overruled.” “Anything else Ms. Johnson?” asks Judge Marshall.
“Yes your honor there’s only one other thing I have to say.” “If Marcella would have taken her foot off her man’s neck when she was married she wouldn’t be in your courtroom begging you for alimony.” Hearing enough from the character witness Judge Marshall intervenes. “Thank you Ms. Johnson, you may be seated.” Looking over at the plaintiff’s table seeing Marcella dejected Judge Marshall asked with a tempered voice. “ Counsel, is there anything that your client would like to say in her defense?” “Those were some strong statements against you by your so called character witness.”
Marcella, looking at her attorney slowly rises from her chair staring at Sheila crying as her voice elevates. “I can’t believe you did this to me.” “You backstabbed me.” “How could you do this to me?” “As I look back; I can’t believe how I could have been so stupid!” “That perfume that smelled familiar.” “Yeah the familiar smell.” “It was yours Sheila.” “The cell phone calls you made when I left the office and you telling me that your mama was sick.” “Encouraging me go see a psychiatrist having me to believe that I was going crazy.” “It was you!” “Introducing me to Attorney Williams so I could file for a divorce, then having the nerve to show up at court having me thinking you got my back.” “You bitch!” “Oh!” “That letter!” “The letter you gave to my husband saying, William, the time we spent together last night was awesome.” “You made me feel like a woman again.” “Did my husband make you feel like a woman again Sheila?” “You couldn’t wait to get him in your arms Saturday night when I sat at home miserable!” “Is that the way you feel about me you deceiving whore?” “Last but not least, the term you used when you knew I was at my lowest point.” “I remember you said “it’s for the both of us Marcella; it’s for the both of us.” “You were right Sheila, your infidelity was for the both of us.” Marcella continued to stare deathly at Sheila, tears streaming down her face.
“You were my friend, my best friend!” “How could you do this to me after all these years?” “My bridesmaid!” “My confidant!” “My consoler!” “You took my man Sheila!”
“Everything I told you, you used against me.” “Those words of wisdom you and my husband gave me about getting my foot off his neck.” “Sheila, if we were not in this courtroom today you would feel the pain of my foot on your neck!” “As a matter of fact, the hell with this courtroom.” Marcella angrily runs over to attack Sheila who is standing behind William at the defendant’s table. Marcella grabs Sheila by the hair and gets entangled with her physically before being separated by the attorneys. Marcella is dragged back to her chair by Attorney Williams visibly upset and physically shaking. Judge Marshall stands up very upset with what had happen in his courtroom. He shouts out in anger. “Order on this courtroom, order in this courtroom!” “This is not a kangaroo court!” “We’re going to take ten minute recess to bring order in here before I have to try a murder case in here.” “I will come back with my decision when we convene.” “Court is in recess!” Judge Marshall immediately leaves the courtroom to his chambers with his Bailiff as Marcella storms out of the courtroom angry and crying.