Chapter 35
Chapter 35
It was my first experience in a court room. It wasn't like the comedic setting of
reality tv where civil cases are handled with small laughs and some parties willing
to cut their losses. My reality was a small, boxed—in room with far less seating.
The judge had yet to arrive at their bench, but Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald were
already at the prosecution desk, having a heated discussion. The jury gallery had
a few lost-looking souls in it, probably wishing they were at home rather than
dealing with a heavy dispute.
There was fortunately no public gallery present, so any misstep of mine could be
reserved for the confidentiality of the court. If this didn’t go our way, we needed
as much privacy as possible.
Timothy followed me to the defense table and took the seat beside me. I kept my
eyes averted from Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald, who didn’t hesitate to glare in our
direction. Fortunately, the judge entered from her chambers.
“Please rise. The Court is now in session, the Honorable Judge Lauren Jackson
presiding.” yelled the bailiff.
We all stood as the judge walked up to her stand. She was a short, old woman
who walked with a purpose. She had a set of glasses perched on the bridge of
her nose as she looked out at her small audience.
Once she was seated, she called for us to do the same as well. I inhaled deeply
and took my seat, feeling more lightheaded than before. I felt Timothy's eyes on
me, and he looked ready to say something before the judge proceeded.
“Everyone but the jury may be seated. Bailiff, please swear in the jury,” she said.
calmly.
The bailiff turned to the jury, eerily stern. “Please raise your right hand. Do you
solemnly swear or affirm that you will truly listen to this case and render a true
verdict and a fair sentence as to this defendant?
“I do,” the jury echoed amongst each other.
“You may be seated.”
“Let's hope other people will be just as honorable,” Timothy whispered into my
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Chapter 33
car. I cast a glance at Jasper and Mr. Fitzgerald, who had reduced their own
conversation to a whisper. I could almost sense the arrogance as it swarmed
around them.
150%!
“Well, we're all under oath. Honorable is all they can be,” I said. Part of me
doubted. it, however.
“Bailiff.” Judge Jackson continued, moving her gavel. “What is today's case?”
“Your Honor, today’s case is Fitzgerald vs Hayes,” the bailiff answered.
The judge called for the prosecution to stay its claim. We watched silently as
Jasper stood back up and strolled to the podium up front. He adjusted the
microphone. and gave it a few taps before speaking into it.
“Your Honor, members of the jury, my name is Jasper, and I am representing
James Fitzgerald of Clayton Sports Center in this case. We intend to prove that
the defendant is guilty of breaching his contract with the center as well as
demanding unfair resources from the plaintiff.”
While Jasper presented his case, I began reviewing my files, sifting through the
evidence I had gathered in preparation for my testimony. The facts were on our
side, and I was determined to reveal the truth, though I feared Jasper and his
client would play dirty.
When he took his seat. I walked to the podium and provided my
statement. As I spoke. I could hear Jasper snickering behind any
something to Mr. Fitzgerald. I clenched my jaw and thanked the court before.
returning to my seat.
The examination began with Mr. Fitzgerald on the witness stand. He gave his
explanation of the events, of course favoring his own skewed account of things.
“Such a young, ambitious young man. Those types tend to be the greediest,
however,” Mr. Fitzgerald went on. He made Timothy sound like some ungrateful
child that came crawling to him for support in his career.
Timothy grumbled beside me and shifted uncomfortably in his seat. I wished I
could comfort him somehow, but I didn't need to give the prosecution any
credibility toward the rumors circling the city. I settled on patting him on the hand
beneath the table, and he glanced up at me in surprise.
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Chapter 35
“The Defense may cross-examine the witness,” said Judge Jackson once Jasper
finished his direct examination.
50%
He came strolling back to his seat and handed me an obnoxious wink before
seating himself. I took a deep breath and grabbed my bag from under the table.
My legs trembled as I stood and placed it on the table before rummaging
through. it for the files.
My heart lurched, and the courtroom seemed to close in on me. Anxiety washed.
over me like a suffocating wave. It was as if the eyes of the entire world were
upon me, waiting for my words to either vindicate or condemn Timothy.
I took a deep breath and willed myself to stay calm. But then, a rush of panic
threatened to overwhelm me. My vision blurred, and the walls of the courtroom
seemed to warp and sway. I gripped the edge of the witness stand, struggling to
stay upright.
Timothy placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. His touch grounded me in the
moment and he whispered, “You can do this, Evie. I believe in you.”
His words were soothing, and I managed a weak smile. I couldn't afford to falter
now.
With Timothy's encouragement in my mind, I focused on the breathing technique.
he had taught me. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale
for four counts. It was a simple but effective.
“Your Honor,” I began, my voice trembling only slightly. “I will present evidence.
that Timothy's breach of contract was a result of the hockey club's fraudulent
practices and mistreatment.”
I recounted the events that had led to Timothy's departure from the club. The
relentless pressure and the blatant disregard for his well-being had pushed him
to a breaking point. It was a story of exploitation and abuse, a tale that should
never have been tolerated in professional sports.
The courtroom was attentive, and I could sense that my words were resonating.
The atmosphere shifted, and it was as if a storm was brewing, about to break
loose.
As I delved deeper into the evidence, I presented documents and testimonies
that exposed the club leader's fraudulent activities. The judge's brow furrowed,
and Mr. Fitzgerald, sitting with a stoic expression, couldn't hide the unease in his
eyes.
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Chapter 35
The courtroom was hanging on my every word, and I continued to build the case
against the club leader. I presented the contract, which was riddled with
stipulating terms that had been altered to exploit Timothy. It was a contract
designed to benefit the club leader at the expense of the players.
I then called upon witnesses who had experienced similar mistreatment and
exploitation under the club leader's reign. Their testimonies painted a damning
portrait of the Mr. Fitzgerald.
The courtroom was alive with tension, and Mr. Fitzgerald couldn't contain his
anger any longer. He rose to his feet, his face red with fury. “This is preposterous,
Your Honor! These claims are baseless and meant to defame me and my club.”
I remained composed, my voice unwavering. “Your Honor, the evidence speaks
for itself. The mistreatment of players and the fraudulent practices were
pervasive. The truth must be revealed, no matter how inconvenient it may be.
The judge, her eyes sharp and unyielding, silenced the outburst from Mr.
Fitzgerald and nodded for me to continue.
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I pressed on, presenting one piece of
evidence after another, each
: ,
revealing the club Fe Scom
ee The jury, 0, was rapt
with Attention. Their expressions.
ranged from shock to outrage, and it
was clear that the weight of my
words had made a significant
impact. The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
Timothy watched me with pride and gratitude, and my heart swelled in return. I
saw Jasper rise to his feet for a split second before suffering a moment of
hesitation. He was left to defend the indefensible.
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I returned to my seat, my heart racing
. 2 )
as I waited for the judge's response.
The courtroom was,sifent, ave for
<
the whidpéring of papers and the
occasional cough, as the spectators
and the jury absorbed the weight of
the allegations. The content is on
Novelxo.org! Read the latest
chapter there!
The judge leaned forward, her expression gave nothing away, and I couldn't help
but wonder what verdict she would deliver.
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After what felt like an eternity, she
«
began to speak. “Based on the
evidence presentedar@)the Of
le
testimonies heard today, it is clear to
this court that Mr. Timothy did not
willfully and materially breach his
: "
contract with the hockey club.” The
content is on Novelxo.org! Read
the latest chapter there!
A collective sigh of relief swept through the courtroom, and she continued,
“However, it is equally clear that Mr. Fitzgerald, the club leader, has engaged in
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Chapter 35
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fraudulent practices and mistreatment of his players. This court cannot and will
not condone such actions.”
Mr. Fitzgerald's face contorted with anger, and he was unable to hide the fury
that simmered within him.
The judge’s voice remained unwavering as she declared, “As a consequence of
Mr. Fitzgerald's actions, he will be subject to a hefty fine of ten thousand dollars,
which will be awarded to Mr. Hayes.”
The courtroom buzzed with whispers and murmurs as the spectators exchanged
glances. The jury nodded in agreement.
With a finality that cut through the tension in the room, the judge raised her gavel.
high and then brought it down with a resounding thud. “Court is dismissed.”
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