All characters are over 18+
Opening of the tale is based on a true story, the rest is with my own twist on it.
******
Three years ago...
Michael Browning sat behind the defendant's table, who watched his fifteen-year-old daughter, as she took the stand. For months he had listened to the lies and untruths that were spread by the media and the prosecution. Slandering his good name, ruining his life, his career, his marriage all because they believed a teenager's lies. Yet as the final days, of the trial approached and his daughters lies hadn't been exposed. Fear crept into his mind at the real possibility that he would actually be sent to prison. For something he would never do to his daughter. However, as his hands curled in his rage beneath the table. Michael had once thought the police could do no wrong; that an innocent man wouldn't be placed among the ranks of rapist. Nevertheless, as the trial progressed his faith in the justice system was on a rapid decline.
"Ms. Browning," his lawyer said rising from her seat. The girl's testimony sounded very similar to a book she and million of others have enjoyed. "Yesterday, we heard some very damaging testimony that you gave here in this very room. Detailing in extravagant flare, that this man here who you claimed raped, you is that right?" she asked her hand waving to Michael.
"Yes," Stephanie said into the microphone. Michael watched as his daughter squirmed in her seat. He knew that body language all too well it meant only one thing, she was lying. Now his lawyer knew as well. Michael was all to ready to put this ordeal behind him. He knew what awaited him should he be sent to prison. Twice, so far he had escaped attacks from the other inmates. Only to watch as the guards took their time to intervene.
"So it wouldn't surprise you that I have here a book that describes your testimony word for word," she said holding up the book for all to see.
"Objection!" the prosecutor said rising from his chair.
"This calls into question the prosecutions credibility of their victim and this so-called trial," she said addressing the the judge.
"Sustained," the judge said overruling the prosecutor. Opening up the book to the page where she believed the girl took her testimony from. Reading word for word to the jury; closing the book in a loud thump causing the girl to jump in her seat.
"So Ms. Browning would like to clarify why your testimony details so much of a book that's been out for a few years?" While he had no inkling to press his daughter, yet she had set this in motion. Michael wasn't about to be punished for something he hasn't done. "I move for this court to end this and announce my client innocent of all charges," she said after his daughters break down on the stand.
"Mr. Browning after this shocking testimony I humbly offer the courts sincerest apologies," the judge said addressing Michael. Who mumbled where the court could shove their apology. They weren't going to repair the damage they had done to his life. "It is clear to me that this direct attorney was so blinded that they, and these detective's cared not to learn the real facts. To ruin a man's life on false allegations of rape and incest. In the future it would be wise for you, and your boss to ensure the fact's real and not some make believe thing."
"Dad, I'm so, so sorry!" Stephanie called out to her father who promptly ignored his daughter.
"Micheal!" his ex-wife called out as he left the courthouse. "Please Michael talk to me!" she shouted only to be meet with his burning rage.
"What fucking for Betty?" Michael growled angrily as he spun around to face his ex-wife. "You and everyone that I thought knew me, who I trusted turns on me when this," he said pointing at his daughter. "Abandons me when you knew I would never do that too our daughter. However, no you believed her over your own husband," Michael sneered at them. "Now I have to see what I can salvage from the life you destroyed so easily. Don't call me, contact me, or find me either one of you. I wash my hands of you," Michael said turning around disappearing into the distance.
Four years later...
After the fall out from her false allegations, her mother had to change their names to escape the hate mail Stephanie had received. Betty now felt the hate that was once directed at her former husband. The friends that she thought once would never turned on her were the first ones to go. Michael sued her, their former friends, the media and the city for false imprisonment, slander, defamation of character etc. etc. She gave whatever he wanted knowing how his life had been turned to shit because of their daughter. The house that they once had a happy family in now was sold to cover her legal fees. Fees she wouldn't have to face if her daughter hadn't made up her falsehood, because her father in her words was being mean. In truth he was only doing the right thing as any parent would do. Now she lived in a two bedroom apartment next to the now grown woman that ruined her and Michael's life.
"Mom! Mom you've got to see this!" Stephanie yelled from the living room. Breathing out a deep sigh before leaving her room. Betty stared in shock as her ex-husband image filled the television screen. She still loved him what he had said that day was true. She knew him well enough to know he would never do that to their daughter. Yet Betty was to in shock about how descriptive Stephanie was about her false ordeal. Betty wanted to return to that once happy life they had together, however, how was she going to accomplish all that when she didn't know where to look?
"
So I hear you've had a pretty rough four years? From rape charges that you were later proven innocent, to your agent dropping you because of said charges, to a wife leaving you. That's some very serious events to occur all at once how have you been able to come out of it all?!
" the TV host asked as Michael tried not let the questions get to him.
"
Well, one day at a time. Plus, you tend to learn who your true friends are during times of crisis. It took a lot of work and time to repair the damage done to my career by the media, the court system, and those I once thought of as friends and family
." Betty's heart sank as she saw the smoldering anger that still held sway in his green eyes. "