Alex Marcoux [Marcoux - Back to Salem

At first, it was so faint, it was barely noticeable, and then the soft whispers intensified. As the noise built, so did the fidgeting. Elbow-to-elbow they sat on the hard wooden pews, waiting calmly, and then they became restless. The pews of the tiny Salem Town courthouse were filled to capacity and the rear walls were lined with men and women waiting for the ruling. The September sun filtered through the windows, elevating the temperature of the courtroom, contributing to their discomfort.

Rebecca Johnson, the accused, sat in front of the room, her eyes fixed on the wooden floor beneath her feet. A white bonnet harnessed her long dark hair. Her blue dress was offset with a white collar and apron, matching the head covering.

A court officer stood silently near Rebecca, pike in hand, guarding his prisoner. Beads of sweat trickled from beneath his armored helmet.

Although Rebecca sat alone, she felt the presence of her beloved husband sitting directly behind her.

The rear door of the meeting room creaked opened, jury members paraded to the front of the courtroom and sat at the vacant benches adjacent to the accused. None of the men looked at Rebecca.

Chief Justice Stoughton entered the courtroom and Daniel Johnson could feel his pulse start to race. Everyone rose to greet the magistrate and Daniel stood taller than most. Beside Daniel was John, his closest friend and comrade. Daniel could feel the palms of his hands sweat and perspiration glistened on his forehead and temples.

How could this be happening to us? Daniel asked himself. He stared at the back of his wife, needing to make eye contact.

As if hearing him, Rebecca turned, her big blue eyes meeting her husbands brown eyes. She smiled at him, reflecting her outward beauty and touching Daniels soul as she always could. No fear registered in her eyes. Although her full lips were silent, with her mind she spoke to her husband . I love you Daniel. Itll be okay. Just rememberIll always love you.

Daniel smiled at his wife, but she recognized the concern in his eyes.

A court officer moved to Rebecca and placed his hand on her shoulder, directing her attention away from Daniel to the judge. Stoughton sat at his high bench. A black cauldron sat on the side of the large desk, while a tapestry of the kings crown hung from the front of the furniture.