Guilty

Daily flash fiction contest

"I didn’t do it," she said as sincerely as possible.

The prosecutor smirked, "Then why is it you were apprehended less than two hours later reeking of gasoline? The accelerant that was used in the fire."

She frowned. "I got gas and spilled it on me."

"Convenient, can you also explain why three of your neighbors have testified to you having run from your smoking house and discarding a gas can in the flowerbed before taking off in your Jeep Cherokee?"

"I was going to get the fire department..."

"This is why you were found three counties away with the one hundred thousand dollars you withdrew over the last week, a suitcase of personal effects, and a passport."

"I had a trip planned."

"Then explain why your daughter testified that she saw you set the fire."

"She's six?"

"Your honor I am done with this witness."

"Mr. Dikson, do you wish to redirect?" The judge asked.

Her lawyer scrubbed his face with his hands, "No your honor. The defense rests."

"Mr. Tremaine are you ready to present your closing arguments?"

"Your honor, Mrs. Andersen is guilty of arson, the attempted murders of her husband and daughter, and bank fraud."

She leaped up, "I object! I wasn't trying to kill my daughter! She was supposed to come with me."

The prosecutor gestured to the defendant.

The judge smirked, then cleared his voice. "Mr. Dikson?"

Her lawyer stood, "What can I say?"

The judge nodded, "I pronounce Mrs. Andersen guilty of all charges."

"What!" She glared at her lawyer. "I thought you said my best chance was a bench trial with this judge!"

"I also told you to keep your mouth shut, and not testify."

The bailiffs began hand cuffing her and dragging her from the courtroom.

295 words before dropnote

prompt ▼

Daily flash fiction contest

Daily Flash Fiction Challenge  (13+) Enter your story of 300 words or less. #896794 by Arakun the twisted raccoon

Prompt for 8/12
Write a story that includes the line: “I didn’t do it.”
Have fun!