would give me some of the claim money and food stamps if I helped.”
“Did you use them?”
“Yes, I did, but then she cut me off.”
“So what did you do?”
“I went to speak with her about it, and she threatened me. I was scared for both my life and the lives of my children. She made it clear that if I stirred up any trouble I would be handled. So I never said anything.”
“You dumb bitch! Tell the truth! You was just jealous because I had it going on and you didn’t! You wanted to be like me!” Diamond screamed. “I’m that bitch!”
Diamond suddenly jumped over the table, and neither Kyle nor Kendall could control her.
Dante sat back calmly and coolly, watching as his mother made a spectacle of herself.
The two bailiffs ran over just in time to grab Diamond and tackle her to the floor as she kicked and screamed.
“You better watch your back, bitch!” Diamond yelled.
“Diamond!” Kyle yelled in a last attempt to get control over her.
Shakeeda, who was now standing and looking at Diamond, clearly showed fear on her face as tears welled in her eyes.
“I want her out of my courtroom!” Judge Fritz yelled.
Diamond was still fighting with the bailiffs, trying to get to Shakeeda, spitting obscenities at her all the way out the door. The courtroom was in a buzz. The spectators stood, and the reporters took pictures and wrote quickly on their notepads.
It took ten minutes before Judge Fritz could finally get the courtroom under control. When the room settled down and everyone was quiet, he gave Prosecutor Swartz a nod to continue.
Dante turned around, looked into the faces of the spectators, and locked eyes with Trey. He could see fire in Trey’s eyes and knew Trey was pissed. He turned back around and continued to slouch in his chair.
Prosecutor Swartz walked over to the witness stand. “Are you OK?” she asked Shakeeda.
Shakeeda nodded and wiped the tears from her eyes, letting Prosecutor Swartz know she was OK to continue.
“Are you sure? Do you want to take a recess?” Prosecutor Swartz whispered to her.
“No, I’m all right.”
“OK, Ms. Bingham. Why didn’t you say anything the first time you were questioned here?”
“Because Diamond sent a message that she could still reach me.”
“So she threatened you from behind the walls of the prison?”
“Yes.”
“No further questions, Your Honor.”
“Your witness counselor,” Judge Fritz told Kyle.
Kyle stood. “Tell me why you didn’t tell the truth before.”
“I told you I feared for my life.”
“So you were afraid for your life. What makes you so fearless now?”
“Because I’ve committed myself to God.”