Infamous

By Michelle Mitchell

Simeon's story started in my debut novel, Truth Is... but it's far from over.

Simeon doesn't want her life's story to end with her being known as a murderer. She wants to start a new chapter-but the road to redemp

• Language: English
• Publisher: Author Michelle Mitchell
• Release date: Jul 13, 2019
• ISBN: 9781087895505

Michelle Mitchell

Michelle is an educator, author and award-winning speaker whose passion is to support families. In 2000 Michelle left teaching and founded Youth Excel, a charity which supported thousands of young people with life skills education, mentoring and psychological services. Michelle’s hands-on experience in the health and wellbeing sector have made her an engaging and sought after speaker. She lives in Brisbane, Australia with her husband and two teenagers.

Book preview

Simeon Harris twisted and turned in anguish as the officers pinned her wrist behind her back. They told her she’d attacked Montgomery. All she could recall was him being cruel to her and then she must have blacked out because when she came out of the fog, she was being Mirandized and felt the handcuffs being placed around her wrist.

I don’t know what happened. Please someone tell me what’s going on?

She looked up, and spotted Ansley standing nearby. She cupped her hands around her mouth and yelled, Don’t resist Simeon, I’m talking to Richard now. He’s getting an attorney... try to stay calm.

There was a huge crowd forming, and all Simeon could make out through the narrow opening being made as people hustled back and forth, was the feet of someone lying on the floor—convulsing. As the officers brought her up on her feet, the bystanders thinned out and she saw a pool of blood, which lead to Montgomery, whose body continued to spasm.

Bam! Bam!

Simeon jumped in her seat as the judge slammed her gavel repeatedly. The act jolted her back to the present day. Her attorney, Meris Santana, was cross examining the witness, Grant Marshall. Grant was the attorney who represented Montgomery Davis, the man she murdered. They had already heard from her friend, Ansley Wright, whose testimony she hoped help prove just how corrupt Montgomery Davis was, and she knew it would soon be her chance to tell her story to the jury.

That tragic day was still a blur to her. She fidgeted in her seat. Listening to Grant tell the jury his account of the day sent chills up Simeon’s spine. She could only recall the events leading up to her blacking out. From what Ansley told her, Grant was the one who pulled her off Montgomery. His statement alone was damning enough to prosecute her. She could only hope Meris’ cross examination was enough to sway the jury in her favor.

Meris clasped her hands together. I’ll rephrase it. You said Montgomery Davis feared for his life. What did Ms. Harris say or do that made Mr. Davis feel threatened?

Grant shrugged. She basically told him he was a bad person for the charges he was facing in the news and using women. And she told him he deserved to be punished.

So at no point during the exchange did Ms. Harris say that she would cause him physical harm? Meris asked.

No she did not, but..., Grant started.

How did Mr. Davis react when she said he deserved to be punished? Meris said.

He shifted in his seat. He bit back. Told her she was pathetic and jealous of her friend who he actually started a relationship with.

Meris stood directly in front of the stand with her arms crossed. About how long did the banter between Ms. Harris and Mr. Davis last before you advised him to walk away?

Just as soon as she said he deserved to be penalized.

And Mr. Davis started to walk away at that point? Meris quizzed.

Oh, no. He told her no man...not even her father wanted her and then he told her she might need to take her medication. Grant looked over at Renee, the prosecuting attorney, who was looking at him disapprovingly before adding, Again, I advised my client to walk away and to discontinue speaking to Ms. Harris.

Meris walked toward the jury and turned back to look at Grant. So, Mr. Davis recommended Ms. Harris go take her medication. How did Mr. Davis know Ms. Harris wasn’t taking her medication?

Grant’s eyes widened. Oh, I don’t know.

You said he told her to take her medication during their heated exchange, Meris said. How did he know she was not taking her medication?

I don’t know. I assumed it was just something he said to her.

Considering he knew her mental state was delicate, can we then assume Mr. Davis was trying to upset Ms. Harris?

Grant shook his head. No way. You can’t believe everything you’ve read in the press. Montgomery was a great man. I would like to believe he wouldn’t hurt anyone without cause.

I see, Meris murmured. A great man who was heard calling Ms. Harris an unstable heifer.

Whoa. It wasn’t like that. She came at him and honestly he wasn’t himself. Anyone would’ve reacted the way that he did.

Meris’ brow rose. Ah-ha. So his calling her pathetic and unstable were because he was having an off day and was not characteristic of the man you know?

Grant nodded. Exactly. He was under a lot of stress with being falsely accused and having to stand trial over the accusations of a few bitter women. He had an off day.

Meris smiled. Something we can agree on. Circumstances can come into play that can make a person step outside of themselves.

Yes, that’s exactly right, Grant said.

Great. So we agree circumstances such as being blackmailed by a man who needed help with legal fees. Or having a man toy with your emotions for almost a year, just so he could take whatever he could get out of her, could be circumstances that could make a person have an off day. Is that what you’re saying?

No. Well yes, Grant stammered. This is not the same thing...

Simeon Harris was pushed to her limits and she wasn’t taking medication for a mental illness, just imagine what an off day feels like without her medication. Could it be that Simeon Harris was having an off day too?

Grant nodded. Yes. I...uh, I suppose so. I guess I never looked at it that way.

Nothing further your honor, Meris said as she returned to the table to sit next to Simeon.

The judge turned to the prosecution. Does the prosecution wish to recross?

Renee cut her eyes at Grant before saying, No further questions ...your honor.

Thank you counselor, Judge Pearson said. Mr. Marshall you may step down.

Grant exited the witness stand with a confused look plastered on his face.

Judge Pearson turned toward Meris and Simeon. Would the defense please call their next witness?

Simeon’s bracelets rattled against the top of the desk as her leg shook underneath it. The tension in her shoulders weighed her down as if a brick structure had her pinned in place. The hair on the nape of her neck began to coil as perspiration threatened to expose her heightened level of anxiety. She swallowed hard. Her pulse raced, as she rubbed her sweaty palms against her skirt.

She looked over at her attorney, Meris Santana, from one of Atlanta’s top law firms, The Fairell Firm. Meris patted her hand and gave her a reassuring smile. Are you ready? she asked. You’ll be called to the stand next.

As prepared as one can be in this situation, Simeon responded, her voice shaky. Simeon heard Nancy Pearson, the judge presiding over her trial, could be cutthroat. She hoped Meris would win over the judge and some leniency would be given to her during this trial.

Meris stood. Your Honor, the Defense calls Simeon Harris to the stand.

Simeon approached the stand, she could feel the judgmental eyes burning into her skin at every vantage point. She played out this moment in her head several times in the days leading up to her court date, and with each reflection she accepted the outcome—they would judge her and why shouldn’t they judge a murderer. The only friendly faces in the room belonged to Ansley, Ryan, Lanae, and her brother Richard. She wasn’t surprised her father was a no show today. That was their normal. He was only present monetarily, providing her with her first car, college tuition, and basic support a parent would provide to their child. However, the thing she wanted the most, his affection and support, were only shown when it was beneficial to him.

She inhaled deeply and braced herself for what was to come. Simeon tried to keep her facial expression neutral, as to not appear anxious, which proved to be easier said than done. Meris worked to encourage her during trial prep, but how does one truly prepare to sit in front of a jury that would be deciding their fate. She sent up a silent prayer for grace and mercy.

Simeon purposely diverted her eyes away from the District Attorney, Renee Hathaway. Her dark skin radiated against her light pewter suit. Simeon recalled admiring Renee’s beauty during the trial Ansley had against Montgomery Davis, she never would have thought the next time she would see the District Attorney would be the moment she had to fight for her own freedom.

Her eyes followed the bailiff as he stood before her so that she could be sworn in. Her mouth was dry. She licked her lips, and croaked out the words, I do.

Meris stood and walked to the center of the courtroom. Her walnut complexion, round, alert eyes, and warm smile, made her look demure and unassuming, but Simeon knew otherwise. Meris had a strong track record of being a savage in the courtroom, having won all of her cases. She was a certified beast. She wore her hair long and straight, parted neatly down the middle. Everything about her screamed precision and strength. Meris’ high success record and consistent words of encouragement during trial prep boosted Simeon’s confidence.

Ms. Harris, when did you first meet Montgomery Davis? Meris started.

I met him while attending a marketing conference in Chicago. We were both having a drink by the bar and started conversing.

Did you exchange numbers? Meris asked.

Not really, Simeon said, giving a half shrug. I gave him a card, but I never heard from him which was disappointing because I thought there was a connection.

What kind of things did you have in common?

As Simeon paused to collect her thoughts, she looked up to see her father enter the courtroom. Simeon thought him being there would make her happy, but the scowl on his face let her know he was not there to offer support. Her body stiffened, and her breath caught as her eyes followed him to his seat. His face was veiled in disappointment, and she didn’t think she could feel any lower. She took a calming breath to refocus her attention on her responses before she continued.

We shared the same interest in sports, listening to live music, and trying new restaurants, but the strongest commonality was pain.

Meris walked closer to the jury and turned back toward Simeon. What kind of pain did you share? Physical, mental...

Emotional, Simeon interjected. My mother died from complications at child birth, so my father was left to raise me and my brother alone. Montgomery was raised solely by his mother, who much like my father, was not pressed to have a relationship with him.

So you shared cocktails and discussed daddy issues, and then what happened?

Simeon swallowed hard. She knew now was when she would have to start exposing herself to this room full of strangers. After talking for hours, we practically shut down the bar. From there we went back to my room, one thing lead to another, and we had sex. The next morning, he was gone.

Meris moved closer to stand directly in front of Simeon. Did you have any other interaction with Mr. Davis after that day?

Simeon shook her head. He never called and I had no way of getting in touch with him. It wasn’t until I ran into him randomly in Atlanta that we reconnected.

How long after the conference was it before you saw Mr. Davis? Meris asked.

About six months. He said he recalled me mentioning my favorite restaurant and sought me out.

Meris stood in the center of the room, arms folded, and her eyes focused in on Simeon. Mr. Davis came to a restaurant you frequented looking for you. Did he say why?

He apologized for not calling, and said he misplaced my number. Simeon looked down and then back up at Meris as she recalled the details. He told me that night in Chicago was special to him too and that he didn’t call because he was going through something with an ex then, but wanted to get to know me better and see where things lead.

And did things progress in your relationship? Meris asked.

Yes. Or at least I thought so. We’d started seeing each other regularly, Simeon responded.

Just to get some clarity. Meris turned her back to Simeon, and looked out across the room. Did you two become a couple or you’re saying you met for dates regularly?

No. He always made up excuses for us not going out or he would make plans last minute so we’d eat in a lot. Or I would cook, and of course we would be intimate during this time.

Meris shrugged. So what would make you think you’d made progress in the relationship?

Because he was only dating me, Simeon said, feeling flustered at the aggressive tone Meris used.

How do you know he was only dating you? Meris asked.

I just felt it to be true, Simeon said.

But there had to be more reason than just a hunch. What made you think you two were in a relationship?

I just knew, Simeon said.

Ms. Harris, there had to be something more than a feeling to cause you to believe...

Because he told me he loved me ...every second he got, Simeon spat. It didn’t make sense to me that he would say it and not mean it.

Meris extended her hand to Simeon. Ms. Harris, can you tell me who is the first man you loved?

Simeon’s eyes searched the room until they landed on her father. His steely eyes peered back at her before he turned away. My father.

You mentioned earlier your father had to raise you and your brother alone. Are you and your father close?

No. He resents me. My mother was the love of his life, and losing her put a hole in his heart. Since she died due to complications at birth, I was the cause for his broken heart and he’s never wanted anything to do with me. She placed her wet, shaky hands in her lap, quickly wiping the perspiration on her skirt before she clasped them firmly together. "Turns out I look just like her but I could never fill the void. He never even let me try.

The only relationship I’ve ever had with my father was financial. She gave a half shrug. Sure, he raised me, but he never showed me love. He’s always been cold towards me. Guess it was easier to mourn his loss by hating me... but heck, we loss someone too.

Renee stood, frustration creased her face. She extended her arm in Simeon’s direction and said, Objection, your Honor. This is narrative.

Judge Pearson leaned back in her chair and peered over her wire-rimmed glasses at Meris. Her brows knitted together as her weary eyes, scrutinized both Meris and Simeon. Where you going with this counselor?

Meris moved away from where Simeon sat on the stand and stood in the center of the room, directly in front of the judge. Your Honor, I’m merely trying to build context by bridging my client’s upbringing to the woman sitting before us today.

A tear escaped and Simeon quickly dabbed it away as she saw Judge Pearson eyeing her again. She could also feel her father’s eyes boring into her, but she had to continue. This was her truth.

Judge Pearson looked over her glasses at Meris and sighed. I’ll allow it.

Thank you, your Honor. Meris looked back toward Renee, who sat back down with a scowl on her face. Meris nodded at Simeon. Not having a mother and father would be difficult for anyone... I would think especially for a young adult. Did your relationship with your father change after your bipolar disorder was discovered?

No. I leaned on my brother for support.

Meris dropped her hands to her side. Outside of your brother, did you have other means of support?

I started going to counseling, met with specialist, and then there were other guys.

Who were these other guys? Meris asked.

Simeon sighed audibly. Guys like Montgomery, who barely knew I existed outside of the bedroom... but provided the attention I so desperately wanted.

How did these men show you support? Meris asked.

Her eyes rose to meet her father’s. She had never shared her hurt in this way with him—her words were unrelenting and raw. Simeon was baring her soul to him, and she could only hope he was listening with his heart. They showed me love. They told me I was beautiful and intelligent. They gave me time and attention. I longed for affection and whenever a man came in my life and gave that to me I was all into that man—whomever he might be.

Meris rested her hand on the witness stand and looked toward the jury, And did Montgomery Davis make you feel wanted?

Simeon nodded. Yes. After seeing him here in Georgia, I thought things were different. He made me feel special. He told me he loved me, and when were intimate he told me he wanted to make love to me. It wasn’t just sex.

Did you two become a couple this time around?

Simeon and Ansley locked eyes. Both remembering and feeling the pain Montgomery Davis brought into their lives. No, he fell for my friend and strung me along.

Is the friend in question Ansley Wright? Meris said, pointing in Ansley’s direction.

Yes, that’s correct, Simeon said. Though Ansley had already given her testimony, Simeon still felt like she was putting her on blast.

How did you find out something happened between Mr. Davis and Ms. Wright? Meris asked.

Ansley met him at my office holiday party. He told her his name was Davis Montclair, but I knew him as Montgomery, Simeon said.

Did you speak to him at the party? Meris asked.

I didn’t know he was the man she’d met because it was a masquerade party and like everyone else, he was wearing a mask. The funny thing about that is he was supposed to be meeting me at the party. He came over to my place weeks later with some lame excuse ...which I accepted because I needed his attention and didn’t want him to disappear again.

When did you realize he was also dating your friend?

I didn’t realize he was the man she was dating until I saw him one afternoon at the restaurant where Ansley and I were having lunch, Simeon said. He left within minutes of my arrival is what I was told.

If he left when you got there, how did you know it was him? Meris asked.

Simeon chewed on her bottom lip. The day she realized Montgomery was also seeing Ansley was the same day she’d snapped on her friend and attacked her. I only saw the back of his head as he was leaving, but I saw him getting on the bus after I left the restaurant.

After you left the restaurant, why did you leave so soon after arriving? Meris asked.

I hadn’t been taking my medication and was in rare form that day. She and I got into an argument and I stormed out, she came after me and grabbed me by my arm. Hyped up off adrenaline, I shoved her off of me. I apologized but still left the restaurant embarrassed.

Did you speak to Ansley after you realized it was him? Meris said.

Yes but it was days or maybe a week later. I apologized again and told her I wasn’t myself. I didn’t tell her what all was going on with me but I did tell her we were seeing the same guy which she was just as shocked as I was.

Meris tilted her head to the side thoughtfully. I see. This man wined and dined you, told you he loved you, and then disappeared. Then the next time you see him, he strings you along and then ends up dating your friend. Did you confront him?

Once I told Ansley who he was she was done with him for the moment but they did end up back together. I heard he went to Chicago for business so I hopped a flight and tried to pursue him again, but he rejected me saying he was interested in Ansley and never had any interest in me.

How did that make you feel? Meris asked.

She bit her bottom lip, resisting the urge to succumb to the tears threatening the corners of her eyes. Like I was nothing. It wounded me, and ... part of me wanted to feel the hurt, so I would remember the pain. I had already stopped taking my medication a few weeks prior, but after this I didn’t even bother to go refill my prescription. I started to act out of character, lashing out at work and with my friends.

Did you tell Montgomery how you felt?

I did and we actually had a heart to heart. He confided in me that he was in some legal trouble and needed money for a lawyer. I offered to help him if he’d just give me some of his time... and stop seeing Ansley. He promised to end things but he never did. The only thing he did was use me. I even found out later that he’d stolen one of my credit cards.

And what happened with you and Mr. Davis after that? Did you confront him?

No. He kept giving me hope, making me feel wanted, and I continued to give him money. He was pending trial and needed more money, that’s when he started to show who he really was by threatening to tell my best friend how I tried to seduce him if I didn’t pay for his attorney fees. Not wanting to lose my only true friend, I took care of his fees—only for him to disrespect me. When I saw him at the courthouse that day, he began to belittle me and I felt my heart breaking into pieces and the words cut me deep. The disgust in his tone…in his words…all reminded me of my father. I heard my father’s words echoing his and—this is when things began to fade.

Meris walked and stood in front of the witness stand. Please explain. What do you mean when you say things began to fade? she asked.

I—I blacked out. I was told I attacked him. She shook her head in disbelief and stared off into the distance. I didn’t realize what I’d done until the sheriffs were detaining me.

Simeon could feel tears building.

I—I cared for him. I just wanted him to s-s-see me and sh-show me some affection. It wasn’t my intention to hurt him. I would never have—I’m so sorry.

She dropped her head into her hands and sobbed.

Nothing further, your honor, Meris stated before returning to her seat.

Judge Pearson banged her gavel. Court will take a brief ten minute recess and resume with prosecution for cross examination.

Back in the witness stand, Simeon was happy for the ten minute reprieve but was not happy to be the prey in Renee’s cross-hairs. She had a look in her eyes and Simeon knew then Renee would be going in for the kill.

Renee stood looking at Simeon for a brief moment before starting her line of questioning. You said you offered to give Mr. Davis money towards his legal fees, is that correct?

Simeon swallowed. Yes. I did.

And did you request he pay you back? Renee asked.

No I did not.

Because as you stated earlier, you only wanted his time and for him to stop dating your friend in exchange for payment. Is that correct?

Simeon wilted in the chair. She felt so small. Yes. That’s correct.

You knew he didn’t want to be with you but yet you kept giving him money. You say he was stringing you along but yet you wanted to be in his life by any means, Renee said. Isn’t that right?

No. I wouldn’t say those exact words. Simeon said, looking over at Meris.

Renee smiled and turned away from Simeon. You just said you leaned on random men to replace the attention you sought from your father, is that also correct?

Simeon locked eyes with Renee, wondering what she was going to say next. Yes. I said I leaned on my brother and there were other ...

Renee interrupted. You must have been so hurt when Montgomery Davis cut you off. Your father rejected you and you weren’t about to let Montgomery Davis ignore you too. Isn’t that right? You couldn’t handle it, could you?

Meris stood. Objection, Your Honor.

Simeon’s mouth dropped open. He told me he cared about me. I cared about him too. Had he just been honest ...

But he’d already rejected you multiple times and you still wanted him back. Renee shrugged. It just doesn’t make sense unless you were obsessed with him. His constant rejection must have drove you mad ... for lack of a better word. Renee smiled.

Ms. Hathaway, Judge Pearson said.

Simeon dug her nails into her palms as she worked to not breakdown. She knew that’s what Renee wanted.

I had moved on and started dating someone else. He kept coming after me especially when he got caught stealing money from Ansley. He was not a good person.

He wasn’t a good person but yet you continued to bank roll his life. Did you give him money to try to maintain control over him? Renee asked.

No. No one controlled him, she said, he did whatever he wanted and didn’t care who he hurt in the process.

And what about you? Renee folded her arms and moved closer to the witness stand. Do you do whatever you want and not care who you hurt in the process?

Simeon instantly regretted saying those words. Yes, I do care and try not to hurt others.

Renee pursed her lips. Isn’t it true that you physically assaulted your friend in a restaurant once she tried to calm you down? Is that how you treat people you care about Ms. Harris? I guess that would explain your attack on Montgomery Davis, you more than liked him which is why he’s dead now. Isn’t he?

Ms. Hathaway, Judge Pearson exclaimed. That is enough.

Renee continued disregarding Judge Pearson’s warning. You decided that if he didn’t want you, he shouldn’t want anyone else and you were going to see to it that he would never get to be with another woman. Isn’t that right Ms. Harris?

Meris stood. She’d had enough. Objection, Your Honor. Badgering the witness.

Judge Pearson banged her gavel. Counselor... that is enough.

Renee ignored them and kept going after Simeon. Montgomery called you pathetic and you snapped. Isn’t that right?

I blacked out. I don’t recall ... Simeon tried to say.

You put on a façade so long trying to appeal to men but weren’t hearing what you wanted to hear. So you took the power back by killing him. Is that why you killed him Ms. Harris? Renee said. You wanted to show him you weren’t weak at all. Admit it?

Judge Pearson banged her gavel. One more word and I’m holding you in contempt.

There was a brief pause. Renee’s chest rose and drop as she collected