The Knight in Leather Armor

ch.60 His name

“Angela Julianna Lorenzo, please rise” the judge called.

I didn’t even know they had called my name until the entire crowd turned to look at me solemnly.

I swore into the oath.

Two burly guards held Harry tightly and pulled him back as he reached for me- and I for him. I could feel the eyes of everyone in the court room watching me, especially the judge.

I took Harry’s seat at the stand.

“Miss Lorenzo, can I call you Angie?” Tomlinson asked. 

I nodded hesitantly. He could call me whatever he wanted as long as he erased the label “monster” from Harry’s name.

Harry raised his head from his hands and looked at Tomlinson.

Tomlinson ignored him.

“Angie, my records indicate that you are 17 years of age. A minor" he announced, with a wink.

I nodded “yes.”

Tomlinson watched me slowly.

“Angie, you’re a very beautiful and bright young girl, surely you are clever enough to only tell me the truth” Tomlinson leaned in close to me.

“Of course” I replied tersely.

“Angie, I understand it may be difficult for you to share with a court room full of people, the horrid experience of sexual assault” he explained in a more hushed tone, watching my lips.

He leaned in, too close for my comfort and he casually peered down my shirt. I folded my arms over my chest.

“Harry never-”

“Angie, please do not speak out of turn. Everything you say will and can be counted against you” Tomlinson reminded me with a stern look before he winked.

I looked at Harry. He nodded, urging me to breathe in and out calmly. He didn’t know about Tomlinson sr. If he did, he might have jumped over the banister and beat him on the spot.

“Angie, sweetie, how do you know the defendant: Mr. Harold Styles?” Tomlinson asked gently; his voice rang with a syrup of false sweetness. My throat burned with disgust; he had called me “sweetie” and “honey” at the restaurant.

“Harry is- was my brother Danny’s best friend for about ten years” I replied.  

“Daniel is your primary caretaker?” he asked, pacing slowly. 

“Yes”

“Does Harold come by you and Daniel’s home often?” he cocked an eyebrow.

“Yes”

“How often?” he narrowed his brows.

“It depends. Sometimes he comes every day and then the next week, he’s gone for while” I answered honestly. Harry looked at me apologetically. He knew I hated when he left, but it was for my own safety. I knew that. I knew that know. It’s too late now.

“When was the first time he touched you against your will?” Tomlinson hissed.

“Harry has never touched me against my will!” I almost shouted. The idea of Harry hurting me was preposterous. If anyone should be interrogated and his name blackened, it should be the dirty Tomlinsons. 

“Angie, honey, I understand it is difficult to answer truthfully when your attacker is in the room, but please, for your sake and the sake of other young girls out there, tell the truth” he urged, his voice rowing louder as he leaned toward me.