A/N: I do not own any of the characters in this story. This story is fictional, and any resemblances between any characters in this story and any real-life persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Italics represent Veronica's voiceovers.
"Do no iniquity in judgment: favor not the poor nor honor the rich; with rightness you shall judge your fellow." Leviticus 19:15
September 5, 2005
"Mr. Penn, Mr. Penn!" the reporters crowded around the limousine, all trying to get a shot of the famous actor, or get a comment from him. He ignored them, striding purposefully up the courthouse steps. "Mr. Penn, do you have a statement?"
Turning at last to face the throng of journalists, he began, "Yes, I have a statement. I'm hear to state my complete faith in the innocence of my friend Aaron Echolls, and my confidence that he will be acquitted today of these ridiculous charges."
"How do you—"
"Do you belie—"
"What makes you so confident?" one reporter managed to shout over the rest.
"I think the people of this country see, and I think the jury will see, that Aaron Echolls is just being persecuted with these trumped-up charges for his outspoken criticism of the foreign policies of the Bush administration. Do you think it's a coincidence that the Kanes happen to be major contributors to right-wing political causes? This is McCarthyism!"
"Is there—"
"Do you believe he's innocent of statutory rape?" this time it was a TV newsman who managed to out-shout the others.
"Isn't the real question whether we want these puritanical inquisitors prying into people's bedrooms?" shot back the actor. "This all started with Ken Sta…." At this point, however, the reporters abandoned him as quickly as they had mobbed him, and he turned in frustration to enter the building.
With one obvious exception, the big-name celebrities who would normally be the center of media attention were ultimately only bit players in this drama. The obvious exception was already inside, the county courthouse and the country jail being the same building. The other star of the show, though, had just arrived.
"Miss Mars!"
"Veronica!"
"Do you have—"
"What do you—"
"No comment. No comment," said Veronica repeatedly as she tried to make her way inside. The reporters, obnoxious as they were, were relatively benign, though. Aaron's fans had turned out in force.
"Tramp!"
"Liar!"
"Free Aaron Echolls!"
"Fry Aaron Echolls!" shouted back one of the pro-conviction protesters.
At this, a group of Aaron's more enthusiastic supporters tried to push their way forward, toward Veronica. They ran into a line of riot-gear-clad deputies and state troopers. Mounted police began herding the crowd back. Four deputies, their faces obscured by the visors on their riot helmets, their batons held at the ready, surrounded her and escorted her inside. Someone threw something, but it went well wide. Finally they reached the safety of the courthouse.
"Well, that was fun," said the deputy in front of her, lifting his visor to reveal Sacks' mustached visage.
"I just hope this isn't the last time I'll enjoy this experience," rejoined Veronica.
"Yeah, right."
Truth be told, I didn't mean that sarcastically. After almost two weeks, the jury's finally come back today. If they're hung, there'll presumably be a new trial. If they voted guilty, there'll be a sentencing hearing. But if this ends today, it means that Aaron Echolls walks, and I've failed.
"How's it hanging, Sacks?" inquired Veronica.
"Not too bad. I'll tell you, though, Captain McNaughton, the guy commanding the state troopers they brought in to help with crowd control, is ready to turn the fire hoses on those people outside, and Lamb isn't far behind him. You know the way to the courtroom, right, 'cause I need to get back out there."
"I can manage from here."
As Veronica made her way into courtroom one, she saw that the spectators' section was already packed. The entire rear section was filled with reporters and assorted gawkers, although she spied Weevil seated near the back on the right-hand side. At the front, on her left, sitting right behind the defense table, she could see Trina Echolls, surrounded by a number of Aaron's Hollywood pals. On the right, directly behind the prosecutor's table, was seated Celeste Kane, clutching her son's hand. Logan sat on Duncan's right, where he'd been throughout the trial, while Meg was on Celeste's left. Jake, of course, was absent, not being eligible for parole for another few months under the terms of the plea agreement he and Clarence Weidman had made. In the second row, the state's other star witness had saved her a seat between him and Wallace.
As Veronica sat down, her father put his arm around her shoulder. Wallace asked her, "What kept you, V? I was starting to worry you weren't going to make it."
"Miss this? Not on your life."
The foursome in front of them turned, and they exchanged awkward, if not unaffectionate greetings. Even Celeste was polite. Aaron must have noticed her arrival, because she could feel his stare on her from across the courtroom. She glared right back at him. She knew the hate she saw in his eyes was mirrored, if not surpassed, in her own.
Just then, the bailiff cried out "Oyez! Oyez! All rise for the honorable Judge Martin Pilefski." Veronica and Aaron broke off their staring contest and rose with the rest of the courtroom. Finally Pilefski planted his bulk in his chair and gaveled the courtroom to order. Everyone sat back down. Keith offered Veronica his hand, and Veronica squeezed it tightly.
"Mr. Foreman, has the jury reached a verdict?"
And at last we come to it.
"We have, Your Honor."
This is a good sign. The jury was out for a while, which might have meant they couldn't come to a decision. If they did reach a verdict, it's probably guilty, since the longer a jury deliberates for, the more likely they are to convict, statistically. Of course, that's what everyone said in the Michael Jackson trial too.
The bailiff brought the paper from the foreman to Pilefski, who read it impassively and handed it back to the bailiff.
Why does the judge have to see it first? It doesn't change anything, so why can't he find out with the rest of us? This just slows everything down.
"The defendant will rise." Aaron and his team of lawyers got up. Aaron folded his hands in front of him and looked straight ahead steadily.
Is that supposed to be your solemn face? Did you practice looking confident and hopeful, but without seeming cocky? I guess you've had plenty of practice looking innocent.
"On the first count of the indictment, murder in the first degree, how do you find?"
He's going to say not guilty, but that's okay. The prosecutor did his best, but even I didn't buy the case for premeditation. The judge allowed the jury to consider murder two or manslaughter instead, though. I could live with murder two, or even manslaughter. Just as long as they say he killed her.
"We find the defendant…guilty."
Veronica threw her head back and let out the breath she had been holding. She hugged her father and then Wallace. Through tear-blurred eyes, she saw Duncan and Logan embracing.
Of course, they're also slapping each other on the back. Why can't guys ever hug without slapping each other on the back? Why am I even thinking about this right now?
Aaron had all but collapsed, his face ashen. Trina let out a wail. There was a murmur throughout the courtroom.
"Order," intoned Pilefski, banging his gavel. "On the second count of the indictment, attempted murder, how do you find?"
"Guilty."
That's for trying to burn me.
"On the third count of the indictment, kidnapping, how do you find?"
"Guilty."
That's for locking me in that fridge.
"On the fourth count of the indictment, aggravated mayhem, how do you find?"
"Guilty."
That's for the burn scars all over my father's body.
The litany went on.
The D.A. really threw the book at Aaron. Good for him.
Finally, it ended. Aaron's lawyers insisted on polling the jury, to no avail. They then moved that the judge reduce the murder conviction to murder two or manslaughter; Pilefski refused.
"The defendant has been convicted of first-degree murder," began Pilefski. "Does the prosecution intend to allege any special circumstances in this case?"
"Yes Your Honor. The defendant killed the victim because she was a witness to a crime, unlawful sex with a minor."
"Very well. We will begin the sentencing hearing tomorrow. The jury is excused for now, although sequestration remains in effect. The defendant is remanded to custody. Court is adjourned."
To be continued….