Chapter 18 - Melissa Takes the Stand
Melissa entered the courtroom without looking toward Anna.
She admitted lying.
Signing false statements.
Helping Dererick gain access to Evelyn’s estate.
Remaining silent after learning Anna was being sedated.
Delaying emergency help for Evelyn.
The prosecutor did not soften the questions.
“Why did you help?”
“Money at first.”
“And later?”
“Fear.”
“Fear of whom?”
“Dererick.”
“Did he threaten you?”
“Yes.”
“Did he force you to sign the original affidavit?”
“No.”
“Did you know it was misleading?”
“Yes.”
The honesty made her testimony stronger.
She did not portray herself as innocent.
She described the night Evelyn died.
Evelyn was breathing when Melissa arrived.
Dererick prevented her from calling emergency services.
Vale came to the house and said intervention was useless.
Then Vale instructed them to move medication and remove documents.
Vale’s attorney accused Melissa of inventing the story for a reduced sentence.
Melissa nodded.
“I accepted a plea agreement.”
“So you benefit from blaming Dr. Vale.”
“I benefit from telling the truth late. My mother did not benefit when I stayed silent.”
Anna looked down.
That sentence hurt because it was true.
Then Melissa described the competency plan.
She admitted waiting outside the bedroom while Dererick staged evidence.
“Why didn’t you enter sooner?” the prosecutor asked.
“I was afraid Anna would see what I had become.”
The courtroom remained silent.
Anna finally looked at her sister.
Melissa did not ask for forgiveness.
She simply continued.
When she stepped down, their eyes met briefly.
There was grief between them.
Not reconciliation.
Not yet.
The trial continued with Evelyn’s voicemail.
Her final words filled the courtroom.
“He has a key.”
Several jurors cried.
May you like
Dererick remained expressionless.
But Vale closed his eyes.
