The Trial
For the coming weeks, Roger spent much time getting his adopted daughter ready for the pending court case. First, he used kindness and gifts to win her trust. But when she showed fear, he turned to threats. Then, the court day came, and Roger was ready. He knew Jasmine was now easily influenced by him and believed she would testify as he wanted. Janet had become extremely sad since the police became involved, which Roger found pleasing.
He was confident he could convince a judge about her unsuitability as a mother. He expected her to counter-sue, alleging mistreatment, but he had braced himself for this possibility.
Young Witness
For the case outcome, Roger’s evidence against Janet mattered. So did Jasmine’s words. Jasmine, an eight-year-old, stood with her teddy in the courtroom. The judge, with a kind smile, told her, “Jasmine, we need your whole truth.
Unsaid things may steer us wrong. We don’t want to hurt you. We want to help your family.” Jasmine gave a small nod, looking worried. She looked at her upset mom and her smiling stepdad. She seemed scared and stuck.
