All That Glitters (Landry 3)

himself to the audience as much as he directed himself

to the judge. "And then he became so depressed over

her death that he drowned in the swamp? This is the

story you and Monsieur Andreas want everyone to

accept?"

"Yes," I cried. "It's true. All of it."

Monsieur Williams gazed at the judge and

twisted the corner of his mouth until it cut into his

cheek.

"No further questions, Your Honor."

The judge nodded. "You may step down,

madame," he said, but I couldn't stand. My legs were

like wet straw and my back felt as if it had turned to

jelly. I closed my eyes.

"Ruby," Beau called.

"Are you all right, madame?" the judge asked. I shook my head. My heart was pounding so

hard, I couldn't catch my breath. I felt the blood drain

from my face. When I opened my eyes, Beau was

holding my hand. Someone had brought up a wet

cloth for my forehead and I realized I had fainted. "Can you walk, Ruby?" Beau asked.

I nodded.

"We'll have a short recess," the judge said, and

slammed his gavel down. I felt as if he had slammed it

down on my heart.

17

Thicker Than Water

.

During the recess Beau and I were shown to a

waiting room in which there was a small sofa. Beau had me lie down and keep the wet cloth on my forehead while Monsieur Polk went to make a phone call to his office. He looked glum and disturbed. In fact, I thought he seemed angry at us for bringing him into the situation.

"Beau, we looked foolish in there, didn't we?" I asked mournfully. "After we told our story, the Tates' attorney made us look like liars."