Four months had passed since Thomas was arrested again and thrown in jail this time with out bail for his current crimes and for his escape. Aside from the fact Fiona was back in his arms but still feared Thomas escaping again their lives had all but returned to normal. Moonbay had Graduated collage as well as Irvine and Van and they both worked at Dan's company full time. Fiona still had a few months of college left before she had her teaching degree. The four of them went out to lunch and the subject of the trial came up when Irvine asked if they had heard anything on when it would be. Fiona just shook her head and Van said they hadn't heard anything yet but that they hoped it would be soon. Later that afternoon the Zi district attorney called them to inform them that Thomas's trial was to begin that Friday. Immediately after the call Van called and told Irvine who told Moonbay who was in the background saying something that Van couldn't understand.
The days before the trial flew by very quickly to Van and Fiona who were hoping it would be over very soon so they can get on with their lives. Day one began with opening arguments. Thomas's lawyer tried to paint a picture of Thomas as a man in love with a woman and was willing to go great lengths to win her heart. He also Tried to paint Van a controlling person who had the thought if I can't have Fiona then no one can, and will fight whoever tries to her from him when it was in fact the complete opposite of Van and true for the most part regarding Thomas except, he has not had Fiona of her own free will and he never will. The prosecutor on the other hand painted a very different picture of Thomas. He showed what he saw of him as a man obsessed with Fiona and and willing to do anything to take her from Van.
After opening arguments the judge decided to end things fro the day since it was late in the day and everyone was getting tried. The next day as the trial resumed the defense called several witnesses as did the prosecution. Finally the prosecutor called Moonbay to the stand. Please state your name for the record as the prosecutor. Moonbay replied, Moonbay Siax. Miss Siax can you tell us just how you know Ms. Lynette? We met in high school after her parents passed away and she moved to where she ended up having to go to Zi High. Thank you, Miss Siax now can you tells what Ms Lynette is like as person from your prospective? Objection your honor calls for speculation the defense aruged. The prosecution said goes to character of Ms Lynette. Over ruled the judge responded. Continue please Miss Siax. Moonbay proceeded to tell the court what Fiona is like from her prospective. Fiona, She said was quiet and shy when I first met her but she opened up to Van not long after. She was still quiet and with as quiet of person she was some people thought she was weird. Everyone except Van that is. The prosecutor said thank you miss Siax no further questions. No questions your honor the defense said.
Day Two of the trial was filled with other witnesses for both the prosecution and the defense. Day 3 it was Fiona's Grandmothers turn on the stand. Could you please state your name for the courts please Ms Lynette? Ruth Lynette and I'm Fiona's Grandmother. Thank you Ms. Lynette, could you please tell us what Fiona was like as a child? Fiona was a very sweet and bubbly person up until the day her parents died. After that she was quiet and kept to herself even with me to a point she said looking at Fiona and giving her a warm smile. Was she a trouble maker growing up like stealing or lying? No, not at all her grandmother said no more than other kids when they were her age. That will be all Ms. Lynette.
The defense stood up and asked Ms. Lynette you said in regarding Fiona lying or stealing was no more than other kids when they were her age correct? Yes her grandmother said. Can you elaborate on that further Ms. Lynette? What I meant is that if she ever got into trouble growing up which was rare it wasn't anything say for example, kicking an animal or beating some one up, stealing say a video game or even a car or something. Thank you Ms Lynette. No further questions your honor. You may step down Ms. Lynette the judge said. After she stepped down the defense called Thomas's brother Karl to the stand.
Karl went and took the stand and after being sworn in the defense asked him how he feels about Thomas. Mr Schubaltz, How do you feel about your brother my client? Karl replied by saying that although he loves Thomas he feels like Thomas isn't the same person he had come to know over the years. How so asked Mr. Oilver the defense attorney asked. Well Karl said it seems his obsession with Ms. Lynette has really push him over the deep end. Even so Karl went on I don't think he is capable of doing what he is accused of because he's just not smart enough to pull something off of this magnitude. Thank you Mr Schubaltz. No further questions your honor. Mr. Russell for the prosecution stood up and asked Karl what he meant by saying Thomas isn't smart enough to pull something like this off. Karl answered saying. That while his brother was good in school he didn't excell and some thing he barely passed with a D or a C. You say you love your brother but yet you didn't seek to help him or get him help is that correct Mr Schubaltz? Yes it is Karl replied dryly. Why is that? I didn't seek to help him or get him help because at the time I thought it was just some High School crush type of thing. Even after the whole incident at Mr. Flyheight's house? That was an isolated incident Karl replied. What about him escaping, and holding Ms. Lynette against her will so to speak by so thoroughly hypnotizing her that she believed that she was married to him. Like I said I don't think he is smart enough to pull something like this off Karl said. Thank you Mr. Schubaltz. No further questions your honor. You may step down now Mr. Schubaltz.
Witness after witness was called until it was time for Irvine to be called to the stand. After being Sworn in Mr Russell asked hi about the first time he met Fiona. Irvine replied The first time I met her was at lunch when she came in with Van but was gonna sit by herself. Van, Moonbay and myself asked her if she'd like to sit with us and of course Thomas was there as well. He tried to get her to sit down with him but he declined and sat with us. I could tell he was upset. Upset how Mr. Russell asked. Well his face was all red like he was angry not, the kind of red from embarrassment like you see if you joke and say a person loves someone and they deny it when it's true. Afterwards what was Mr. Shubaltz's demeanor? It was almost like he was obsessed or something Irvine replied. Please explain Mr. Siax The prosecution asked. Well, everyday from that day on at least at school anyway he would persue Fiona even after she and Van had started dating. Did you ever see Mr. Schubaltz get violent with Ms. Lynette or Mr. Flyhieght. No but I did see several time where to me it appears as if he wanted to hurt Van and or Fiona. Thank you Mr Siax.
Mr Siax You said there were instances where you believed my client was possibly going to get violent correct asked Mr Oliver. Yes Irvine replied calmly. Please explain to myself and the court as to how you could make that assumption. I could make that assumption because I've known Thomas since Jr. High and have seen him this way with other girls but never to the extent he has with Fiona. What did you mean by he was this way with other girls Mr. Siax? He would follow them like a lost puppy who has just seen his owner first the first time in a months. He would be extremely intent on getting the girl's phone number or a way to contact her. Thank you Mr Siax that will be all.
Irvine walked back to his seat as Mr. Oliver went back to his and looked at Mr. Russell and said you Know you won't win this. Mr. Russell just looked at him and said we will see won't we.
The judge called for a recess until 2 days later. Fiona was glad because this trial was taxing on her and she could see it was taxing for Van as well. She decided that tomorrow she would something special for Van to show him how much she appreciated him standing by her through this. She also wanted to show him how much she loves him for it.
That night after Van and Fiona had gone to bed he started having a dream that Thomas had escaped and taken Fiona from her and he didn't know where they were at. Van woke up in a panic, his forehead drenched in sweat. Fiona felt him wake up and asked him what was wrong? Nothing he lied just a bad dream but in reality he was scared that Thomas was gonna escape. Fiona could tell Something was bothering him but didn't want to pursue the matter and stress him out anymore than he already was. She wrapped her arms around him and slowly kissed his neck and tried to help him relax and go back to sleep. As Van laid back down with Fiona's arms wrapped him he Started to drifting back off to sleep when Fiona kissed him with a passion she had never shown before.
Van was liking what was going on very much. He kissed Fiona back as things started to heat up between them. Van Felt himself start to lose control of himself to all the pleasures that Fiona was subjecting him. Finally he lost all inhibitions he had and decided to make sure Fiona was pleasured just as much. After a night of Passionate love making Van and Fiona fell asleep wrapped tightly in each other arms until there was a knock on the door to which Van groggily woke up to answer making sure not to wake Fiona up.
Standing on the other side of the door were Moonbay and Irvine coming to check on her and Van. Dude Van said it's eight in the morning to which Irvine replied no it's more along the lines of twelve thirty in the afternoon. Van looked at his watch and seen Irvine was right and said oh shit I didn't know it was so late. Irvine and moonbay laughed just as Fiona walked into the room and seen them. Moonbay, Irvine what a nice surprise Fiona said greeting them. We came by to see how you and Van were holding up I mean with the trial and everything. We're doing as good as to be expected under the circumstancesVan replied and thank you. I know Irvine said why don't the four of us go and get some lunch and go to the mall. That sounds like a great idea Fiona said just let me and Van shower and get ready and we'll go.
An hour later the foursome were finishing up their food when Karl Schubaltz came into view. He walked over to their table and spoke with Van and Fiona. Van I'm sorry for Thomas's actions especially for what he did to you Fiona. You two are two of the kindest people I have ever met and it saddens me to see what you two are going through because of my brother's actions. Fiona you and Van are perfect for each other and anyone who sees you for more than five minutes can see that you and Van are madly in love with each other. Everyone except Thomas that is. Karl thanked them for their time and left.
Well that was interesting Irvine said breaking the silence. It certainly was Fiona agreed. I wonder why he would do that Van pondered. I don't know was the response he got from Fiona and the others. Oh well lets just finish eating and go to the mall and go see a movie Van said suggesting the movie. Finishing up their food and paying for the order Fiona decided to pass on the movie because she wanted to go to the mall but just not in the mood to see a movie. That's ok Moonbay said we can go see a movie another day to which Fiona smiled and said thank you.
At the mall Van and Irvine immediately went to the Sears while Fiona and Moonbay went to Victoria Secrets. At Sears Van saw this tool chest that he had wanted for long time but was never able to get with any tools because it was never on sale. Irvine said would you look at that the one you've been wanting is on sale and it has some tools with it. How about that. I know and I want it but I want to ask Fiona if it's ok with her that I buy it. Suit yourself buddy Irvine said smirking. Fiona was looking at a pink camisole and matching underwear and lace bra. Go ahead Moonday said if you want it buy it it'll drive Van crazy with desire she said and Fiona just blushed. Van called Fiona on her phone and asked told her the tool chest he'd been wanting for a while was finally on sale and as a bonus had tools with it. Fiona said it was ok with her said there was something at Victoria's Secret she liked and wanted to buy. Van said she could get anything she liked and he could hear her squeel in delight.
Later that evening after getting back from the mall Ivrine helped Van unload his tool chest and tools. Moonbay and Fiona went inside and waited until the Van and Irvine got inside with everything. Once inside Irvine asked if they had anything to drink beside water and tea. Van said they had some beer but not much since him and Fiona hardly drank. Irvine and Moonbay both grabbed a beer and asked if Van and Fiona wanted one They decided that it was ok since they weren't going anywhere else that day since the trial was to resume the following day at three. After drinking several beers Van thought it best that Irvine and Moonbay and stay the night instead of driving home and getting intro trouble or causing a wreck to which Irvine agreed.
The next morning Van woke up to find Fiona already up and cooking breakfast. He walked into the kitchen and saw the Moonbay was helping her while, Irvine went home to get them a change of clothes for the continuation of the trial, for which the prosecution only had two more witnesses to call upon, Van and Fiona and possibly Thomas taking the stand in his own defense. Irvine return about twenty minutes later with a decent looking suit minus a tie for himself and white blouse and black skirt with dress shoes from himself and two inch heels for Moonbay.
Two hours later they were all sitting in the courtroom waiting for the judge to enter while Thomas and his attorney Mr. Oliver were sitting at the defense table. Thomas turned and looked at Van with a look of pure hatred. Van just ignored him which made Thomas even more angrier than he already was. Van then looked at Fiona and gave her a reassuring hug and kiss to let her know he wasn't going anywhere.
The judge finally entered the courtroom five minutes later. Upon sitting down the judge addressed the court. She Said today we will hear the final witnesses in what has been a long and tiring case. Also I would like to remind the jury that weather you find the defendant innocent or guilty that you remember you did your jobs to best of your abilities in this kind of situation. With that the trial officially continued.
The trial because with a few witnesses that Van and Fiona didn't know and some they recognized but didn't know by name just by face. First up out of the last three witnesses was Van. As Van walked to take his seat at the stand Thomas looked at him and mouthed I will kill you. Van just ignored him know it was an empty threat. He took and the stand and swore to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Van sat down and looked at Mr. Russell and waited for him to speak and ask questions so he could get this part over with and get passed Mr Oliver's questions as well.
Mr Flyheight, how long have you know both the defendant and miss Lynette? Van replied saying, I've known Thomas almost all my life but he seems to think I'm a threat to him nowadays. I've known Fiona as in really truly known her since high school but apparently her parents and my parents were really good friends. Objection your honor! This is hearsay. May we approach the bench your honor Mr Russel asked. The judge nodded. Both Mr. Russell and Mr. Oliver walked up to the judge and Mr Oliver said Mr. Flyheight doesn't have any knowledge of the fact that his and Miss Lynnetes parents were close friends. Mr Russell explained that Both of Van's parents Dan and Karin as well as Fiona's grandmother Ruth informed them of it because neither of knew it as they were too young to remember it. The judge said they could go back to there seats. Overruled She said which made Mr. Oliver very angry. When did you reunite with miss Lynette? In high school Van replied calmly. How was miss Lynette after you two reconnected. Amazing was all Van could say knowing to him it was the truth. Thank you. No more questions your honor.
Mr. Flyheight, you said you have known my client all of your life correct? Almost all my life Van corrected Mr. Oliver. Yes I apologize Mr. Oliver replied coldly. You also stated that you believe that my client Mr. Schubaltz thinks that you are a threat. Yes Van answered just as coldly. Can you explain to the court please why you believe that about my client? Thomas, Van replied Thomas was always thinking I was after a girl he would find pretty or that he happened to like or talk to. Did he ever say that to you. Not in so many words but yes and through his actions. What kind of actions Mr Flyheight? His eyes when he looked in my direction showing anger they way he acted in general around me like I was his biggest enemy. Thank you. No further questions for this witness. You may step down Mr. Flyheight The judge said.
Mr. Russell, please call your next witness. The people call Miss Fiona Lynette to the stand. Fiona was nervous as she got to the stand and was sworn in. Miss Lynette could you please tell us the nature of your relationship or lack thereof with the defendant? Objection your honor calls for speculation. Overruled Mr Oliver. Continue Miss Lynette. Thomas and I were classmates in a few classes during high school and dated for about forty-eight hours because of something he fabricated about my fiance Van Flyheight. What exactly did he fabricate Miss Lynette? He took recordings of van saying this things then cut words out and replaced them with others to make it seem as if Van was just using me you try and have sex or something. The night the defendant went on a rampage persay going after Mr. Flyheight's parents house as well as his car and their as well, where were you at? I was staying the night at Van's house with permission from his parents and my grandma Ruth. Going back to the day the defendant abducted you after he escaped what were you doing. I was getting ready to leave for work that day before my evening classes at Zi University. I wasn't aware that Thomas had escaped and he showed up at mine and Van's apartment as I was locking the door to leave. How he knew where I live I don't know because I wouldn't tell someone like him where I live. He grabbed me by the arm and forced me downstairs to a car and told me to get in. I was scared so I did what he asked. He took me to some warehouse where afterwards he tied me to a chair. He then began telling me that he was doing all of this for us and that we were meant to be together not me and Van. This went on for what seemed like and eternity and after that I blacked out and don't remember anything until Van caught Thomas when he did. Thank you Ms. Lynette. No more questions your honor.
Stand up Mr. Oliver asked Fiona If she had ever liked Thomas. She admitted that she thought he was a nice person at first. You in fact made him think you wanted to date him not long after meeting him am I correct? No Fiona said you are not correct. Then why did you date him for the period that you had? I dated him because of how he tricked me into believing that Van was just using me. He also made it appear as if Van had said some bad things about me behind my back. It is true you secretly had and still have feeling for Thomas who is your husband legally? Absolutely not she said trying to remain calm. If you didn't love him then why did you marry him? I didn't marry him of my own free will Fiona said. No further questions for this witness Mr. Oliver said. Mr. Russell you may call your next witness the judge stated. I have no more witnesses your honor. Mr. Oliver stood up and said your honor at this time I would like to call my client Mr. Thomas Schubaltz to the stand.
Thomas took the stand and was swore in afterwards Mr Oliver asked him, how did you meet your wife? I met my wife Fiona when we where in high school after she transferred there. Did she ever come on to you like flirting as if she wanted to date you? Yes Thomas said looking at Van and then Fiona. He could tell they were getting mad. Did you pursue your wife or did she pursue you? She pursued me sir he said knowing full well it was a lie. How did you obtain the knowledge that Van was saying things that were bad about Fiona. I heard him saying it multiple times so I decided to catch him the act. Where you mad when Fiona broke up with you and started dating Mr. Flyheight? Yes but it wasn't at Fiona it was at Van because she took my girlfriend from me. How did you find out where Ms Lynette lived? She told me after I saw her at her job and we met for coffee. Thank you, no further questions.
Mr. Russell stood and walked to the stand. Mr Schubaltz, you said that Ms. Lynette pursued you correct? Yes Thomas said not sure where this was going. If that is the case then why didn't she sit with you that day in lunch? She was going to but then sat down with Van and his "friends" he said sarcastically. So she ignored you Mr. Russell said? No she just chose to sit with them. He claimed. Fair enough Mr. Russell said. How did you make up the recording of Mr. Flyheight saying what you claim he said? I used a digital voice recorder Thomas saying growing visibly frustrated with the questioning. On the night you went to Van's house after Ms Lynette broke up with you what did you go there to do? I went there to talk to her but then I saw her and Van kissing and got mad and did things I regret. You said Ms. Lynette told you were she lives correct? Yes Thomas replied dryly. If that is true then why did she said she didn't and other confirm that they didn't know you had escaped from jail. She told me over coffee like I said. Thomas knew then he had been caught in a lie. Did you in fact go there to abduct Ms. Lynette. No Thomas said getting mad. You didn't grab Ms. Lynette by the arm and force into a car like witnesses claim? NO! Thomas screamed. The bitch is lying just like she lied about her feelings for me. No more questions your honor. Thomas sat back down he knew what he had just been found guilty. At least that was the look he was getting.
Closing argument began and ended very quickly then the jury went to deliberate. The Court was in recess until they were done and everyone went home thinking it would be a couple of days before the verdict was ready. Later that afternoon Van got a call that the jury had reached a verdict and the trial would resume in the morning. Van rushed to tell Fiona the news and called Moonbay and Irvine to tell them as well as his parents and Fiona's grandmother. The next day the judge was already there in the court room along with the jury when they got there. After being seated the judge ordered the jury foreman to bean ready the verdict Van and Fiona could only hope that Thomas is found guilty of all charges.
The judge asked as to counts one and two of assault, how do you find the defendant? We find the defendant guilty. As to the count of escape? We find the defendant guilty. As to the count of kidnapping? We find the defendant guilty. Last but certainly the count of unlawful imprisonment? We find the defendant guilty. Thomas was livid and rushed toward Van who stopped him cold with a punch square in the jaw that would make a pro boxer proud. The judge said as soon as it was calm I hereby sentence you to 40 years in prison plus 3 for escape with parole in 15 years. Van and And Fiona were so happy as was everyone else That he got down on one knee and proposed in front of everyone. Finally they could plan their future together.
