When I initially told everyone the truth about the murder, especially to police and my so called lawyer, they tortured me to accept otherwise. I was kept without food and water for days. I was beaten until I was unconscious. They used torture techniques as electric shocking and even water boarding all to change what I had to say. I didn't give in. Philip and Henry had enough influence inside and outside of prison and nothing I said will matter. But I held on to it.

Until....

Yes, Until I saw they drag Talia in to this. Henry was going to rape her while I watch and that is something I can never ever let it happen. The bitch I believed to be in love, Laila stage it all well. And she was laughing while Henry made the treats. And Laila was trying to console me. She was crying and feeling my pain.

That is when I gave up. And that is when I agreed to anything as long as Laila is kept safe.

Laila and me were the orphans de Bouborn family had volunteered to help. But I know I am the son of Philip. My mother had told me at least that much before she died. Laila is a by blow of someone and I have no idea who it is. Philip had 3 brothers. And it could be any one of them.

When I came from the orphanage to live with de Bouborn family, the first and only person that showed me any love was Talia. She is the most sweet thing that ever lived. She has down syndrome, but that didn't stop her from loving everyone including those who bully her unconditionally. When I came in, she was not only physically bullied but also sexually molested by Henry and Albert. I know I would have enjoyed killing Albert, but I didn't.

Since I started to take care of Talia, our connection grew stronger. She wouldn't eat or sleep at night until I come home. If someone physically assault me, she would cry all night. She became the most important person in this life for me. And to know these morons can hurt her, still made me angry. But if I rebel, chances she would suffer even more. So I agreed and signed every document Philip and his lawyer presented. I don't know what I signed but I did every last one of it.

That was the last time I saw Talia. I promised her I would come and see her again, but I don't think that is a promise I can ever keep. They are going to kill me either way. I will be given the death penalty or a contract killer will do the job. Either way I know my time is short. I don't want any complications for Talia while I live.

So, I am going to fight this doctor. She better keep her nose out of things that aren't her business. There is no one capable of helping me. Law and order are under Philip.

********************************************************

I wrote a letter to the attorney office explaining I need sometime to evaluate Steve's case. I specifically informed them that the diagnosis of schizophrenia isn't correct. And I ask them to postponed this case until I give them a report on the mental health and if any confession by the accused.

And I sent the letter on Monday afternoon, time enough for the court to decide what to be done. But what I didn't expect is the threatening call I got the very next day.

"Sarah please" the caller asked. It was unusual for anyone to call on my mobile and ask for plain Sarah, when I am widely known and regarded as "Doctor Sarah". Only family and close friends call me Sarah.

"Speaking"

"You meddling bitch. Listen carefully be warned. If you don't drop Steve's case, you and your entire family will suffer. I will kill every single one of them while you watch" the caller said.

Initially I was in shock. I have not receive threatening calls before. Occasionally I get calls from patience who are suffering from delusional disorder or schizophrenia, who generally assume I miss diagnosed them. Sometimes some call to pronounce their love and affection but no one has ever threatened me and I didn't know what to make out of this.

"Who is this please?" I asked him. Useless I know, but I didn't know what to ask.

"It doesn't matter who I am. Unless you get lost from this case, you will regret the day you were born" and he hung up. I looked at the number and it is an unknown number. I just sat on my office for a while thinking what to do. Do I call the police? Well, I don't think that will help. Apparently even a place like attorney general office is compromised.

I called my friend Jennifer known as Jen. She is an attorney at law. May be she will be able to put things together. My brain works like a doctor and attuned to criminals and crimes. But never as a lawyer cover end to end points. Good thing about Jen is, she went to the same school with me and would have a better understanding of this situation than me.

"Jen, a small issue. I might need your help, I mean professional help. Free to meet up for dinner tonight?"

Jen didn't know the situation. So she was teasing.

"I charge about $1,000 per hour which is lost less than you charge my dear friend. But even I have bills to pay"

"See you at 7" and I hung up.

Though I was not fully settled, I carry on my work. Around 6 p.m I got out of the office, and headed my way to the restaurant me and Jen meet which is half way drive for both of us.

When Jen came, I explained her everything.

"So Laila ended up marrying this really rich dude who is the employer of this Stuart guy?" oh gosh.

"Jen, I told you like a freaking story and all you remember is Laila's marital status?"

"Chill Sarah. Do you have details of this guys attorney?"

I did a quick check and fond details. We manage to also dig out some old pics of Steve. An inactive FB account and some really note worthy articles written by him. Jen suddenly seems to drift to another zone.

"Why?"

"Doesn't this Philip dude and your Steve has some kind of similar features?"

"First of all Jen, he is not my Steve. Yes, you are right. I think it is normal for these families to have like your out of wedlock children also known as bastards in the house in worse cases" I told her.

"I need to speak to this Steve guy. I know he cant afford my services, but since Laila is directly or indirectly involved in this, I am ready to do it free for him. I hate that bitch"

"Let's wait till tomorrow to see if my appeal had made any difference. Ideally it should. If it does, this Saturday we go and speak to him. Be warned, Steve isn't the typical guy who will thank you or at least appreciate your help, even if it means saving his sorry ass" I told her.

"He is good looking though. Isn't he?" she asked me.

"Looks and manners are mutually exclusive"

And we had our dinner. Since we can not trace a private number, for a time being I thought to leave the matter aside.

*************************************************

Tuesday early morning, a guard came to see me. He announced that my lawyer has come to see me. If anything that could have surprised me, then it did. This damned lawyer Miller is the reason I have no hopes of ever going out, saving Talia and living a life of my own. Everything I signed doomed me to my death. And I know something serious would have happened for him to come to me so early as this. And subconsciously I was having a feeling it has everything to do with Dr.Sarah.

I followed the guard. For the last 3 years, I never got any visitors. Though at times I really yearn to speak to Talia to make sure she is okay, I cant. My sacrifice shouldn't be for nothing. My only wish is Talia would have come to terms by now that I am not coming and she has to look after herself. But if I ever get out of this place, I will kill this f*cking lawyer, Philip and Harry. Adding 3 to the list of a convicted murderer wont make much difference.

And I saw Miller reading something. When he saw me, he gave me his sly smile. He is a snake.

"You are looking well Steve. Prison suits you" he said sarcastically.

"Why are you here moron? Didn't I tell you that I would f*cking kill you if I see you again?" I asked him quite angrily.

"Well, first you have to break your chain, you animal" he told me.

"Officer, I am ready to go. Don't have time for morons" I called the officer. I am not going to tolerate this piece of shit no matter what.

"I am here to talk about the case" Miller told me.

"You can go to hell and talk to the himself" and I stood up when I saw the officer coming.

"You know what is at stake? Don't forget it. I need to talk to you about the case. Now sit down" he ordered me.

"Talia will be safe and I will keep my word. And you may F*ck off" I told him and walked away from him while he was screaming and threatening me with pain and suffering.