A/N: In watching the episode "Doubt" from Season One, I realized how much it paralleled the Season Six episode "The Line", hence the inspiration for this story. Please leave a review or two. They are much appreciated! As always, thanks for reading!
(2010)
Wearing the standard orange jumpsuit, the young woman, Bianca Price, looked at him through tearful, dark eyes and he was no longer aware that he was holding her hand. All he could think about was the guilt; his own, and hers.
Her eyes moved from Cary to the older woman. "Ten years? But Mom, that's…."
"It's not that long, Honey."
"Not that long? Mom, it's-."
"Your best option." Cary said quietly.
"Cary's right." Alicia said. "The only alternative is to go with what the jury decides. And that could be thirty years or more."
"Ten years…" Bianca repeated. "I'll be…"
"34." Her mother finished, doing her best to hold her emotions intact for her daughter and her husband's sake. "That's not so bad. You'll still have your whole life ahead of you, Honey."
"But I'll be so old!"
Cary and Alicia exchanged glances, each repressing a smile and Cary was grateful for the unintentional humor, although he wouldn't dare let his client know that he found her situation humorous. Because it was not funny; not at all. However, the humor was soon destroyed by another voice.
"All right, come on. Let's go."
Everyone turned to see the stern looking guard glaring at them, his arms crossed. Bianca gasped as she was yanked from her chair by the guard. "Wait! I-."
"Hey, easy, okay?" Cary warned, shooting a glare at the man, who loosened his grip on Bianca's arm, if only in the slightest.
Bianca gasped once more as she was pulled toward the door, glancing only at Cary. "Can I please say something else? Please?"
Cary nodded at the guard, who seemed displeased with the idea, but who was willing to go along with it.
"All right. Two minutes. No more." The guard said.
"Thank you." Bianca whispered. She broke free of the guard's grasp and went to Cary. "And thank you, Cary. For trying, anyway."
The words stung, for he'd tried his damndest to get her a verdict of innocent. And on top of feeling like a complete failure, he was forced to see the consequences right before his eyes. It hurt like hell. "I'm sorry." was all he could say. And to his horror, she shook her head and began to cry.
"Don't be. It's not your fault. It's mine. At least that's what everyone believes. I should have never-."
"Everything will be all right. "Alicia said. The words were meant to comfort and reassure, but Cary knew that Bianca wasn't buying any of it. But Alicia was a mother, and reassurance was what mothers knew best.
"Time's up." The guard said, making Cary wonder how it was possible for two minutes to pass so quickly.
Bianca's eyes met his and she reached for his hand. "Will you come and visit me?"
Cary nodded, trying to smile. "Sure. Of course."
"Do you think they'll keep me here, or-."
"I don't know." Cary replied, squeezing her hand. "But don't worry. I'll find you."
When Bianca was dragged out of the room and the door slammed shut, Bianca's mother began to sob uncontrollably and it took both Alicia and Bianca's father to calm her.
But Cary could only stare at the metal door with the tiny window, wishing he could have done more. Something. Anything.