The Truck Driver

Not So Untouchable II

As the next day approached, Jules Fontaine didn't know what to expect. Yesterday Frank and Frank surprised him. As court began, Jules was silently praying for a miracle. Vince too!

Frank stood, buttoning his suit jacket. "Your Honor, the prosecution is ready to proceed."

Jules forced himself to his feet, his voice controlled. "So is the defense."

Judge Whitmore nodded. "Then let's begin."

The jury, a carefully selected panel of men and women, sat attentively, waiting for the fireworks to start.

Frank took his position, turning toward them with smooth confidence.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury," he began, his voice steady, "this case is about accountability. About a man who believes the rules don't apply to him. A man who has used threats, intimidation, and violence to get what he wants. But today, that ends."

Jules folded his arms, keeping his expression unreadable, though he was already anticipating the damage control he'd have to do.

Frank continued. "Over the next few hours, you will hear evidence that proves beyond any doubt that Vince Taylor trespassed onto private property with the intent to threaten, intimidate, and cause harm. You will hear testimony from individuals who were personally affected by his actions. And by the time this trial is over, you will see him for exactly what he is—a dangerous man who must be held accountable."

He turned slightly, making brief eye contact with Tank, Fred, and Calvin Sr. before settling his gaze back on the jury.

"The state will present concrete evidence—phone records, video footage, financial transactions—that all lead to one undeniable truth: Vince Taylor is guilty."

Jules didn't react, but his mind was already working.

Frank returned to his seat, confident.

Now, it was Jules' turn.

The seasoned defense attorney walked to the center of the room, pausing just long enough to let the silence settle. Then, he smiled—that cocky, knowing smirk he was famous for.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, his voice smooth like silk, "my colleague makes a compelling argument. But I'm here to remind you of something very important—things aren't always as they seem."

A few jurors shifted in their seats.

"Mr. Taylor is being portrayed as a villain. A threat. A man with no morals. But let me ask you this—where is the real proof that my client intended to cause harm? Where is the intent? Because what you will find, once you strip away all the theatrics, is a man who simply wanted answers. A man who—whether you like it or not—has rights just like anyone else."

He let the words hang in the air.

"Over the next few hours, we will dissect this so-called evidence. We will show you that the prosecution is relying on assumptions, on circumstantial details, and on emotion rather than facts. Because the truth is, Vince Taylor is not the monster they are painting him to be."

With a final, deliberate pause, Jules returned to his seat.

Judge Whitmore glanced at both sides. "Very well. The state may call its first witness."

Frank nodded.

"The prosecution calls Kayla Knight to the stand."

The courtroom door opened, and all eyes turned as Kayla walked in. She held her head high, but there was an undeniable tension in her posture. The memory of that day was still raw—Vince appearing out of nowhere, the way her heart had nearly stopped in fear, how he had tried to take her like she was a possession instead of a person.