Chapter 12 - The Witness
The next day in court Jessica brought forward a new witness. It was Eleanor's next door neighbor Mrs Higgins. Mrs Higgins was an elderly woman who spent all day gardening. She took the stand and swore to tell the whole truth. She testified that she heard screaming coming from the house daily. She also saw Beatrice lock Eleanor outside in the freezing rain once. Mrs Higgins expressed extreme guilt for not calling the police sooner. Her testimony painted a vivid picture of the absolute torture Eleanor endured. Mark's lawyer tried to discredit her age and hearing. But Mrs Higgins remained completely firm and unshaken. The judge thanked the brave woman for stepping forward. Eleanor smiled at her old neighbor with deep gratitude. The wall of silence that Mark had built was completely shattered. The community was finally standing behind the young mother. Justice was moving swiftly.
